Setting Up Your Instagram Feed

*Since September 2019, the old “Social Slider Widget” plugin that we recommended using is not working well for many, due to a change in Instagram’s API.

The developers of the plugin are working on a fix, however, we’re not sure when it will be released.

In the meantime, we recommend using this alternative:

Step 1: Install Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed Plugin

1. In your WordPress admin area, go to Plugins >> Add New
2. Search for the “Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed” plugin
3. Install & activate it

Step 2: Connect Account

You will now see an “Instagram Feed” option in the menu on the left side of your screen. Click on it.

1. Click the blue “Connect an Instagram Account” button and connect your account.

Step 3: Customize Your Feed

Once your account is connected, click into the “2. Customize” tab:

You can leave most of the settings as-is, but change these:

Layout Tab:

Number of Photos: 6 (or whichever number you like; an even number looks best)

Number of Columns: same number you use for # of photos

Header:

Show Feed Header: uncheck

Load More Button:

Show the ‘Load More’ button: uncheck

Save changes.

Step 4: Display Your Feed

Once settings are saved, go to the 3rd tab called “Display Your Feed”:

Copy the shortcode that shows. It should look like this:

Step 5: Insert Code Into Footer

1. Navigate to Appearance >> Widgets
2. Locate the old “Instagram Slider” widget. You can delete it, or move it over into the “inactive widgets” section.
3. Insert a new Custom HTML widget into the space where the IG Slider was.
4. Paste in the shortcode and save.