Adding an Instagram feed to WordPress is not the same as embedding a single post. An Instagram feed automatically displays all of your latest content and updates as you publish them. In contrast, embedding a post is just a one-time snapshot of a specific post that does not change.
WordPress allows you to embed individual posts using the HTML block. However, if you want an Instagram feed that stays linked to your account and updates as you post, you’ll need a dedicated Instagram feed plugin.
What differentiates a feed from a post embed?
This difference between an Instagram feed and a post embed is more important than it seems at first glance.
When you embed a post, a fixed image is added to a page on your website. Visitors will only see this Instagram card style post. There is no updating or connection to your other Instagram content. And if you delete the post or change its privacy settings, the embed will no longer work.
Embedding an Instagram feed adds a section to your website that keeps up with your Instagram activity. When you post a new image, it immediately appears in the feed. This keeps your website active and engaging for every visitor.
Two ways to embed an Instagram feed
Instagram’s native embedding tool
Instagram’s native embed tool is designed for adding individual posts, not full feeds.
To display multiple posts like a feed, you’ll need to repeat the same embedding steps for each individual post: Open the post in a desktop browser, click the three-dot icon, select Embed, copy and paste the code into a custom HTML block in WordPress.
This approach has some pretty clear drawbacks. You’ll need to repeat the process for each post you want to view. As soon as you post something new on Instagram, your “feed” is already out of date.
There is no way to automate anything, control the layout, or create any visual consistency. Each embed appears as a separate card.
A dedicated Instagram feed plugin
An Instagram feed plugin fixes all the problems with the manual method of embedding posts. It connects to your Instagram account, displays your posts in a well-designed layout, and updates automatically.
A plugin like Increased Instagram feed connects your account, allows you to set up the layout and visual options, and allows you to place the feed anywhere on your site using a shortcode.
Setup only takes a few minutes and then the feed updates itself.
You can adjust the number of columns, image size, hover effects, and spacing so that the feed looks like a real part of your website’s design. You can even add filters to control which posts appear in your feed.
The feed can be placed anywhere on your website, such as: B. on the homepage, on portfolio pages, in sidebars or on a special Instagram page.
When embedding an Instagram feed actually makes sense
The reality is that not every website needs an Instagram feed embed. However, if you post frequently on Instagram, this is an easy way to keep your website looking fresh without any extra effort.
For example, a wedding photographer’s website with a live Instagram feed always showcases recent work. A boutique’s homepage can display new arrivals without manually updating. And a personal trainer’s website can show every visitor customer results and current programs.
In any case, the Instagram feed does the content updating for you.
Bringing everything together
To embed a live, self-updating and styled Instagram feed in WordPress, you need more than Instagram’s built-in HTML embed code. Using a plugin is the best way to do this.
Increased Instagram feed is a good choice if you want to embed an entire Instagram feed instead of individual posts.
For more Instagram feed plugins, check out Best Instagram Feed Plugins for WordPress.
