Inserting an Instagram feed into WordPress requires a third-party tool. While WordPress supports adding images, videos, and contact forms by default, it does not support natively inserting an Instagram feed without an external connection.
This connection uses Instagram’s API, which you can set up with either a plugin or custom development. For most people, using a plugin is the easiest option.
Understand what “inserting an Instagram feed” entails
Inserting an Instagram feed is different than inserting an image or form on a WordPress site because it’s not just static content. Instead, a live connection is established to your Instagram account.
When you insert an Instagram feed into WordPress, your website maintains a permanent link to your Instagram account. New posts automatically appear in the feed when you add them. The feed shows a live view of your account, not just a single moment.
This difference is important because it helps you decide exactly what you want to achieve. If you just want a fixed set of Instagram posts on a page, you can use individual embeds, but there are some limitations. If you want a feed that updates automatically, you need an API connection.
Two ways to insert Instagram content into WordPress
Using Instagram embed codes
Instagram provides HTML embed codes for individual posts. To get one, open the post in a desktop browser, click the three-dot icon and select Embedand copy the code. In WordPress, insert it into a custom HTML block on the page.
This method allows you to insert a specific post to serve as a reference in your content. However, it doesn’t work well for adding a full Instagram feed.
A series of manually inserted embed codes creates a group of static posts, not a real feed. The content will not be updated when you add new posts and you will have to repeat the process for each new post you want to view.
Additionally, the layout will not be consistent as each embed will appear as a separate Instagram card, thus not creating a consistent design.
Using a plugin
A special Instagram feed plugin inserts a structured live feed by creating an API connection to your account. After you set it up, the plugin displays your posts in a layout that you can customize and automatically updates the feed.
With Increased Instagram feedYou can add the feed to pages, posts, sidebars, footers, or anywhere else on your site using a shortcode.
To set it up, you link your Instagram account, choose the layout and style, and place the shortcode where you want the feed to appear. The plugin then manages the API connection and keeps your content up to date.
You can choose from different layouts like grid, slider, and mosaic depending on where you want to place the feed. A grid works well for your own Instagram area. A slider works well in tight spaces like sidebars. The mosaic layout is best for pages with a lot of images where you want more variety.
Choose where to insert the feed
It’s worth thinking about placement before inserting your Instagram feed, as the ideal layout depends on the location.
For a homepage section, a simple grid with a few columns usually looks best.
In a blog sidebar, a small two-column grid or slider works better. If you have your own social page, you can use a wider mosaic layout.
With Increased Instagram feedYou can set up separate instances of the feed with unique settings for each location on your site, all using the same Instagram account.
Bringing everything together
Inserting an Instagram feed into WordPress is a task that goes beyond supporting native WordPress blocks. A plugin gives you the API connection, layout options, and flexibility you need to make your Instagram feed truly useful.
Increased Instagram feed covers the full scope of Instagram feed insertion, from account connection to ongoing content syncing.
For more plugin options to add Instagram to WordPress, check out Best Instagram Feed Plugins for WordPress.
