Embedding an Instagram gallery on your website is a fantastic way to showcase your photos and videos, creating a dynamic and interactive experience for your visitors. Whether you're a business looking to display your products in action, an influencer sharing your latest content, or a personal blogger curating your best moments, Instagram galleries are an excellent addition. By seamlessly integrating your Instagram feed, you can keep your website fresh and engaging, while encouraging visitors to explore more of your social media presence.
This blog will walk you through the simple steps to embed Instagram gallery on website, no matter which platform you’re using. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right Instagram plugin or widget to ensuring the feed is responsive and fits perfectly into your site’s design. Plus, we’ll explore some customization options to make sure your WordPress photo gallery aligns with your branding. Ready to elevate your website’s visual appeal and boost engagement with your Instagram content? Let’s dive into the process and make your gallery shine!
Why Embed Instagram gallery on website?
Embed Instagram gallery on website offers numerous benefits, enhancing both visual appeal and user engagement. Here’s why it’s a great idea:
- Showcase Fresh Dynamic Content: Instagram galleries automatically update with new posts, ensuring your website always has fresh content without manual updates. This keeps your site visually appealing and relevant.
- Increase Engagement Followers: By displaying your Instagram feed, visitors can easily explore your content and follow your profile directly, increasing engagement and growing your audience.
- Strengthen Brand Aesthetic: A well-integrated Instagram gallery enhances your brand’s storytelling. Whether it’s showcasing products, customer testimonials, or behind-the-scenes moments, it adds authenticity and visual consistency.
- Improve Website Dwell Time: Eye-catching Instagram photos and videos encourage visitors to stay longer on your site, reducing bounce rates and improving SEO.
- Boost Social Proof: User-generated content, testimonials, and real-life product usage from Instagram build credibility and trust, influencing potential customers’ buying decisions.
- Drive More Conversions: By featuring shoppable Instagram posts, businesses can direct website visitors straight to product pages, streamlining the purchasing process.
Adding an Instagram gallery is a simple yet effective way to enhance your website’s visual appeal and engagement!
How to Embed Instagram Gallery on Website
There are multiple plugins available in the WordPress Plugin Repository to help you embed Instagram gallery on website. However, among them, Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed stands out as the best option. With over 1+ million active installations, this plugin is a top choice for embedding Instagram galleries due to its seamless integration, customization options, and performance optimization.
Let’s walk through a step-by-step process to embed Instagram gallery on website using the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin. Whether you're using the free or pro version, this tutorial will cover everything you need to know, from installation to customization and final implementation.
Step 1: Install and Activate Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed Plugin
The first and most crucial step to embed Instagram gallery on website is to install and activate the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin. This plugin allows you to seamlessly display Instagram photos and videos on your website without requiring any coding skills. Here’s how you can get started:
- Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard: The content of your website and new plugins can be managed here.
- Navigate to Plugins Section – Click "Add New" under "Plugins" on the left-hand menu. This will take you to the WordPress Plugin Repository, where new plugins can be installed.
- Search for Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed – Search for "Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed" in the top right search bar.
- Install and Activate – You can start the installation process now by clicking "Install Now," and when it is finished, click “Activate”
Once activated, you’ll see a new "Instagram Feed" menu appear in your WordPress dashboard. This confirms that the plugin is successfully installed, and you can now proceed to configure and embed Instagram gallery on website. If you want to do marketing for your business website showcasing video than visit our Blog on Video Marketing on Social Media.
Step 2: Open Setup Wizard
Once you have successfully installed and activated the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin, the next step is to configure it using the Setup Wizard. This built-in wizard simplifies the process, allowing you to connect your Instagram account and customize your feed effortlessly.
To begin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and look for the Instagram Feed option in the left-hand menu. Click on it, and you’ll find a Setup button. Clicking this will launch the Setup Wizard, which is designed to provide a step-by-step guide for configuring your Instagram feed.
The wizard will walk you through the entire setup process, ensuring that all necessary settings are in place. From connecting your Instagram account to adjusting feed settings, this intuitive tool eliminates the need for any technical expertise.
With a beginner-friendly interface, the Setup Wizard makes process to embed Instagram gallery on website a seamless experience. Whether you are a business owner, blogger, or creative professional, this process ensures that your Instagram content is displayed correctly, enhancing the visual appeal of your website while keeping it updated with fresh content from your social media feed on WordPress.
Step 3: Connect Your Instagram Account
To successfully embed Instagram gallery on website, you must first connect your Instagram Business Account to the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin. This connection allows the plugin to access your Instagram content and display it dynamically on your website. Follow these steps to complete the integration:
- Open the Setup Wizard: After installing and activating the plugin, navigate to the Instagram Feed section in your WordPress dashboard. Click on Setup to launch the Setup Wizard.
- Click on “Connect an Instagram Account”: The wizard will prompt you to link your Instagram account. Click on the Connect an Instagram Account button.
- Instagram Authorization Page: You will be redirected to the official Instagram authorization page, where you must log in to your account.
- Select Your Business Account: Choose the Instagram Business Account that you want to connect. A business account is necessary for advanced features like hashtag feeds and tagged posts (available in the Pro version).
- Follow the On-Screen Prompts: Instagram will display permissions and authorization requests. Carefully review them, accept the terms and conditions, and click Allow to grant the plugin access.
- Account Verification: Once authorized, your Instagram account will appear as a verified source within the plugin’s settings, confirming a successful connection.
If you currently have a personal Instagram account, consider switching to a business account for enhanced functionality. A business account ensures seamless integration, better API access, and access to additional customization options within the plugin.
Step 4: Configure Features
Once you have successfully connected your Instagram account, the next crucial step to embed Instagram gallery on website is configuring features that enhance the performance, appearance, and functionality of your feed. The Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin offers a wide range of features, categorized into Basic Features (Free Version) and Pro Features (Paid Version).
Basic Features (Available in Free Version)
- Instagram User Feed – This feature allows you to display posts from your connected Instagram account, ensuring your website remains visually engaging and updated with fresh content.
- Downtime Prevention – In case of Instagram API issues or downtime, this feature prevents feed disruptions, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for visitors.
- Image Optimization – To improve SEO rankings and page speed, the plugin optimize images for websites and stores feed images locally, reducing load times and enhancing website performance.
- Social Feed Collection – You can extend your website’s social presence by installing additional plugins to display feeds from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, keeping content diverse and interactive.
- Customer Reviews Plugin – Build trust and credibility by showcasing authentic customer reviews from Google or Yelp, reinforcing your brand’s reputation.
Pro Features (Available in Paid Version)
- Hashtag Feeds – Display Instagram posts featuring a specific hashtag, ideal for marketing campaigns or user-generated content.
- Tagged Feeds – Show posts where your account has been tagged, increasing social engagement and brand exposure.
- Lightbox Feature – Enhance user experience by enabling a popup lightbox to display photos and videos in a fullscreen mode.
At this stage, the Setup Wizard may prompt you to install additional plugins or upgrade to the Pro version. If you prefer to use only the free version, simply click "Continue without upgrading" to proceed with the setup.
Step 5: Add a New Feed
Now that your Instagram account is successfully connected and all essential features are enabled, the next crucial step is to create and customize your Instagram feed. This step determines how your Instagram content will appear on your website, ensuring it aligns with your brand's visual aesthetics and engagement goals.
To begin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and locate the Instagram Feed section on the left-hand menu. Click on All Feeds, which will take you to the feed management panel. Here, you’ll find the option to add a new Instagram feed. Click on Add New to initiate the setup process.
Next, you’ll be prompted to choose a Feed Type that best suits your needs:
- User Timeline – Displays posts from your connected Instagram account, ideal for showcasing your own content.
- Public Hashtag (Pro) – Fetches posts from Instagram that include a specific hashtag, great for campaigns and user-generated content.
- Tagged Posts (Pro) – Displays posts where your account has been tagged, increasing visibility and social proof.
- Social Wall (Pro) – Combines multiple social media feeds, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, into a unified display.
After selecting your preferred feed type, you’ll need to choose the Instagram account(s) that will serve as content sources. Once done, click Next to proceed with customization.
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Step 6: Customize the Instagram Feed
When you embed Instagram gallery on website using the Smash Balloon plugin, customization is key to ensuring that the feed blends seamlessly with your website’s style and branding. The plugin offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the feed's appearance and functionality according to your preferences.
Layout Options
Smash Balloon provides multiple layout choices:
- Grid Layout: This layout displays images in a simple, uniform grid format, offering a clean and organized look.
- Carousel (Pro Version): The carousel layout enables users to scroll through posts in a horizontal slider, offering a more interactive viewing experience.
- Masonry (Pro Version): This layout automatically arranges posts in a staggered manner, similar to Pinterest, giving it a more dynamic and engaging presentation.
- Highlight (Pro Version): With this layout, specific posts can be emphasized, making them stand out within the feed.
Other Customization Options
- Feed Height Padding: You can adjust the height of the feed and the padding between images to create the perfect balance and spacing.
- Number of Posts Columns: Customize how many posts to display on desktop, tablet, and mobile, and how many columns the feed will have.
- Color Scheme: Choose from Light, Dark, or Custom color options to match the overall theme of your website. WP Elemento Offers the best WordPress Elementor Themes build with modern color pallets and designs and functionalities, Visit Our Website Now!
- Section Customization:
- Header: Display your Instagram profile picture and bio.
- Load More Button: Add a button for users to load more posts.
- Follow Button: Encourage visitors to follow your Instagram.
- Lightbox: Enable a full-screen image view for a more immersive experience.
Once all adjustments are made, simply click Save to finalize your settings and ensure your Instagram feed is perfectly integrated into your website.
Step 7: Embed Instagram Gallery on Website
Once you’ve successfully set up your Instagram gallery using the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin, the next crucial step is to embed Instagram gallery on website. This process is straightforward, and there are two easy methods to do it.
Method 1: Using Shortcode
This method involves copying a generated shortcode from the plugin settings and pasting it wherever you want your Instagram feed to appear on your site. Here’s how you can do it:
- Once you’ve configured your feed, click the Save button. Beside the Save button, you’ll notice an Embed button. Click on it to generate a unique shortcode for your Instagram gallery.
- Copy the generated shortcode from the feed settings. This shortcode contains all the necessary code to display your gallery.
- Paste the shortcode into any page, post, or widget on your website where you’d like the gallery to appear. You can add it to existing content or create new pages/posts for it.
- Once pasted, click Publish or Update to save the changes and make the Instagram gallery visible on your website.
Method 2: Using WordPress Block Editor
If you prefer working with the Gutenberg WordPress block editor, here’s how to embed Instagram gallery on website using this method:
- Open any page or post in the WordPress Block Editor.
- Click the “+” button to add a new block to your content.
- In the block search bar, type “Instagram Feed”, and select the Instagram feed block.
- Choose the feed you previously created and wish to embed.
- Finally, click Publish or Update to save the changes.
Both methods allow for quick and effective embedding, ensuring that your Instagram gallery is seamlessly integrated into your website.
Step 8: Test Your Embedded Instagram Gallery
Once you’ve successfully embedded the Instagram gallery on your website, it’s essential to thoroughly test its functionality to ensure everything is working smoothly. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit Your Website: Start by navigating to the page where you've embedded the Instagram feed. Ensure the gallery is displayed correctly, with all images, videos, and content appearing as expected.
- Mobile Responsiveness: It’s crucial to check how the gallery looks on different devices, especially on mobile. Open your site on a smartphone and tablet to ensure the feed adjusts seamlessly, with no distortion or misalignment.
- Interactive Elements: Test the interactive features such as the “Load More” button, “Follow” button, and the Lightbox feature. The Load More button should reveal additional content, while the Follow button should direct users to your Instagram profile. The Lightbox feature should allow users to view images and videos in full-screen mode when clicked.
- Page Speed: Ensure that the Instagram feed doesn’t negatively impact your website’s loading speed. Use tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights to test performance and make sure the gallery doesn't slow down your site.
If you notice any issues, return to the plugin settings to make the necessary adjustments. Testing is key to a smooth user experience when you embed Instagram gallery on website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process to embed Instagram gallery on website is an effective way to keep your site dynamic, visually engaging, and closely connected to your social media presence. By using the Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed plugin, you can effortlessly integrate your Instagram content, enhance user engagement, and boost your brand's online visibility. With the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up your Instagram gallery, customize it to match your website's design, and ensure a seamless viewing experience for your visitors.
Whether you're a business, influencer, or creative professional, showcasing your Instagram feed on your website adds value and authenticity, helping you build stronger connections with your audience. So, take advantage of this powerful tool and elevate your website with fresh, interactive content directly from your Instagram account.
