How to Add an Instagram Feed to Your WordPress Homepage

Why Embed an Instagram Feed on Your Homepage

Adding an Instagram feed to your WordPress homepage can bring a vibrant, dynamic element to your site, showcasing your latest social media content directly to your visitors. Best of all, the feed will be updated automatically, ensuring your homepage if filled with fresh content at all times (so long as you post on Instagram, of course).

This WordPress tutorial will show you how to embed your IG feed using the popular Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin. Whether you’re new to WordPress or have been using it for years, this guide is designed to be clear and easy to follow.

Embedding your Instagram feed into your WordPress homepage has several benefits:

• Enhanced Engagement: Visitors can view your latest Instagram posts directly on your site, encouraging interaction and increasing the time a user spends on your website.
• Dynamic Content: Your homepage stays fresh and updated with your latest Instagram posts.
• Increased Social Media Followers: Displaying your feed prominently can attract new followers to your Instagram account.
• Visual Appeal: Instagram feeds add a visually appealing element to your site, making it more attractive to visitors and gives it a modern flair.

The Smash Balloon Instagram Feed WordPress Plugin

The Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin is a popular and user-friendly tool that allows you to display your Instagram feed on your WordPress site effortlessly. It offers customizable features and is designed to be easy to set up for all skill levels.

How to An Instagram Feed to WordPress

Step 1: Log into Your WordPress Dashboard

1. Open your web browser and go to your WordPress login page (e.g., yoursite.com/wp-admin).
2. Enter your username and password, then click Login.

Step 2: Install the Smash Balloon Instagram Feed Plugin

1. In the left-hand menu, hover over Plugins and click on Add New.
2. In the search field found in the top right corner, type in Smash Balloon.
3. Look for the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin and click the Install Now button.
4. Once the installation is complete, click the Activate button.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin Settings

1. After activation, you may need to refresh the page. Click on the Launch the Setup Wizard button. To make things easier, make sure you’re logged into your Instagram account in a separate tab.
2. Click Add New to add your Instagram account.
3. Select either Basic or Business depending on the type of account you have.
4. Next, you will be prompted to connect via Facebook since Instagram is a part of Meta. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection.

Step 4: Customize Your Instagram Feed

To create a modern social media feed with zero padding that’s often seen on WordPress homepages, make the following adjustments:

1. From the All Feeds page, click on Add New. Select User Timeline and click on the Next button in the top right.
2. Select your Instagram account and hit Next.
3. Here, you can adjust how your feed will appear on your homepage. When you’re done, click on the Save button in the top right:
   • Feed Layout: Make sure the layout is set to Grid. Change the Padding to 0px, Number of Posts to 6, and Columns to 6.
   • Header: Disable the header to give your feed a cleaner, sleeker look.
   • Load More Button: Disable the Load More button.
   • Follow Button: Disable this button as well.
4. Now that your Instagram feed is ready, you can copy the shortcode and paste it on your homepage.

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