How to Insert an Instagram Feed into WordPress

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 inserting an Instagram feed natively 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.

Understanding What “Inserting an Instagram Feed” Involves

Inserting an Instagram feed is different from inserting an image or a form on a WordPress site because it is not just static content. Instead, it creates a live connection to your Instagram account.

When you insert an Instagram feed into WordPress, your site maintains a persistent link to your Instagram account. New posts will appear in the feed automatically as you add them. The feed shows a live view of your account and not just a single moment.

This difference is important because it helps you decide exactly what you want to achieve. If you only 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, then you need an API connection.

Two Ways to Insert Instagram Content into WordPress

Using Instagram’s 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, select Embed, and copy the code. In WordPress, paste it into a Custom HTML block on the page.

This method works for inserting a specific post to serve as a reference in your content. However, it does not work well for adding a full Instagram feed.

A set of manually inserted embed codes will create a group of static posts, not a real feed. The content will not update when you add new posts, and you have to repeat the process for every new post you want to show. 

Also, the layout will not be consistent, as each embed appears as a separate Instagram card, so it does not form a unified design.

Using a Plugin

A dedicated Instagram feed plugin inserts a live, structured feed by creating an API connection to your account. After you set it up, the plugin displays your posts in a layout you can adjust and automatically updates the feed.

With Elevated Instagram Feed, you can add the feed to pages, posts, sidebars, footers, or anywhere else on your site using a shortcode. 

To set it up, you connect your Instagram account, choose the layout and style, and place the shortcode wherever you want the feed to appear. The plugin then manages the API connection and keeps your content updated.

You can choose from different layouts, such as grid, slider, and mosaic, to fit where you want to place the feed. A grid is good for a dedicated Instagram section. A slider works well in narrow spaces such as sidebars. The mosaic layout is best for pages with lots of images, where you want more variety.

Choosing Where to Insert the Feed

Placement is worth thinking through before inserting your Instagram feed, since the ideal layout depends on its 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 a slider works better. If you have a dedicated social page, you can use a wider mosaic layout.

With Elevated Instagram Feed, you can set up separate instances of the feed with unique settings for each location on your site, all using the same Instagram account.

Bringing It All Together

Inserting an Instagram feed into WordPress is a task that goes beyond what native WordPress blocks support. A plugin gives you the API connection, layout options, and flexibility you need to make your Instagram feed truly useful.

Elevated Instagram Feed covers the full scope of Instagram feed insertion, from account connection to ongoing content sync.

For other plugin options to insert Instagram in WordPress, see Best Instagram Feed Plugins for WordPress.