A custom Instagram photo feed is a way to display your Instagram pictures on your WordPress website. Instead of the standard Instagram widget, you can design it to match your website’s style and needs. To start, you’ll need a WordPress plugin that allows you to integrate your Instagram feed. A plugin is like an app for your website. We recommend using “Smash Balloon Instagram Feed” because it’s user-friendly and reliable. Here’s how to do it:

20 How to Create a Custom Instagram Photo Feed in WordPress

Why Create One in WordPress?

By adding an Instagram feed to your WordPress site, you can engage your visitors with your visual content. It also keeps your website up-to-date with your latest Instagram posts, providing fresh content to your audience.

2. Step 1: Set Up a WordPress Website

Explanation: Before you can have a custom Instagram photo feed, you need a website built with WordPress. If you don’t have one yet, follow these simple steps:

• Purchase a domain name (your website’s address).
• Get web hosting (a place to store your website files).
• Install WordPress (many hosting services offer one-click installations).
• Choose a theme (the design for your website).

3. Step 2: Install a WordPress Plugin

Explanation: Think of plugins as apps for your WordPress site. They add functionality, like the ability to integrate Instagram. Here’s how you can do it:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to the “Plugins” tab.
• Click “Add New.”
• Search for an Instagram feed plugin.
• Install and activate it.

4. Step 3: Create an Instagram Developer Account

Explanation: Instagram wants to ensure you’re a legitimate user before you can display their photos on your website. Here’s how to create an Instagram Developer Account:

• Go to the Instagram Graph API page.
• Log in with your Instagram credentials.
• Follow the prompts to create your developer account.

5. Step 4: Generate Instagram Access Token

Explanation: An access token is like a secret handshake between your WordPress site and Instagram. It allows your website to pull your Instagram photos. Here’s how to get one:

• Go to the Instagram Basic Display section in your developer account.
• Create a new app.
• Get your Access Token.

6. Step 5: Configure Your Instagram Feed Plugin

Explanation: Now that you have the Access Token, you need to tell your WordPress plugin how to use it. Here’s how to configure it:

• In your WordPress dashboard, go to the plugin settings.
• Paste your Access Token.
• Set other preferences, like the number of photos to display.

7. Step 6: Customize the Appearance of Your Feed

Explanation: You don’t want your Instagram feed to look out of place on your website. You can customize its appearance to match your site’s style. Here’s how:

• Explore the plugin’s customization options.
• Adjust colors, layout, and other design elements.
• Preview your feed to see how it looks.

8. Step 7: Display Your Instagram Feed

Explanation: Now comes the exciting part—displaying your Instagram photos on your website. Here’s how to do it:

• Create a new page or edit an existing one.
• Add the Instagram feed using a shortcode or a widget.
• Publish or update your page to see your Instagram feed live.

9. Step 8: Keep Your Feed Updated

Explanation: Instagram is a dynamic platform. To keep your website fresh and engaging, your feed should stay updated. Here’s how to do it:

• Continue posting regularly on Instagram.
• Your feed on your website will automatically update to show your latest posts.

Your Instagram Account

Now that you have the plugin installed, you’ll need to connect it to your Instagram account:

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to “Instagram Feed” on the left sidebar.
2. Click on “Connect an Instagram Account.”
3. Follow the prompts to log in to your Instagram account.
4. Grant permission for the plugin to access your Instagram feed.

Customize Your Instagram Feed

With your Instagram account connected, you can now customize how your feed will appear on your WordPress site:

1. Go to “Instagram Feed” and click on “Configure.”
2. Adjust settings like the number of photos to display, the layout, and the style.
3. Save your changes.

Features of a Custom Instagram Photo Feed:

1. Visual Appeal: A custom Instagram photo feed enhances the visual appeal of your website. It adds dynamic and engaging content that keeps visitors interested.
2. Personal Connection: If you’re using your Instagram feed for personal blogging, it helps your audience connect with you on a more personal level by sharing glimpses of your life.
3. Business Promotion: For businesses, an Instagram feed is a powerful tool to showcase products, services, and user-generated content. It boosts brand visibility and trust.
4. Increased Engagement: With features like likes, comments, and shares integrated into your feed, you encourage visitor interaction, which can lead to more engagement on your website and social media.
5. Content Freshness: Your website stays up-to-date with your latest Instagram posts, ensuring fresh content without manual updates.
6. User-Friendly: These plugins are designed for ease of use. You don’t need to be a coding expert to set up and maintain your Instagram feed.
7. Customization: You have control over how your feed looks and functions, allowing you to match it with your website’s style and purpose.
8. Mobile Responsiveness: Your Instagram feed will adapt to different screen sizes, ensuring a seamless experience for mobile users.
9. Hashtag Integration: Some plugins allow you to display posts with specific hashtags, making it easy to curate content related to your niche or event.
10. Analytics: Some plugins provide insights into your Instagram feed’s performance, helping you understand what content resonates with your audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a custom Instagram photo feed on your WordPress website is an excellent way to engage your audience with your visual content and keep your site up-to-date. By following these straightforward steps, you can seamlessly integrate your Instagram feed into your WordPress site, making it more appealing and dynamic for your visitors. Don’t miss out on the benefits of this powerful combination – your website and Instagram working together to enhance your online presence.