Setting up your first WordPress plugin can feel intimidating, especially when you’re eager to start displaying Instagram content on your website. The good news? Instagram Blocks (InBlocks) is designed with beginners in mind, offering an intuitive setup process that gets you embedding Instagram posts in minutes, not hours.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of installing, configuring, and using the Instagram Blocks plugin, from initial installation to creating your first beautiful Instagram embed. Whether you’re a WordPress beginner or experienced user, you’ll have Instagram content on your site by the end of this tutorial.
What is Instagram Blocks Plugin?
Instagram Blocks (also known as InBlocks or Block Editor Social Feed Embeds) is a WordPress plugin that enables seamless Instagram content integration directly within the WordPress Block Editor.
Key Features at a Glance
Free Version:
- Image post embedding
- Built-in Block Editor controls
- Dimension and alignment adjustments
- Block Preview Mode
- Style Presets System
- No Instagram API authentication required
Pro Version:
- Video and gallery post embedding
- Integrated Instagram API authentication
- Advanced custom controls
- Heading and caption customization
- Lazy loading for performance
- Priority email support
- Regular plugin updates
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
Before installing Instagram Blocks, ensure you have:
- WordPress 5.0 or higher (Block Editor support)
- PHP 7.2 or higher
- Admin access to your WordPress site
- Public Instagram post URLs you want to embed
- (Optional for Pro) Instagram Business account for API features
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Method 1: Install from WordPress Plugin Repository (Recommended)
This is the easiest method for beginners.
Step 1: Access Plugin Installer
- Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New
- You’ll see the “Add Plugins” page
Step 2: Search for Instagram Blocks
- In the search box (top right), type “InBlocks” or “Instagram Blocks”
- Look for “InBlocks – Block Editor Social Feed Embeds” by krasenslavov
- Verify it’s the correct plugin (check author and ratings)
Step 3: Install the Plugin
- Click the Install Now button
- WordPress will download and install the plugin (takes 10-30 seconds)
- Wait for the success message
Step 4: Activate the Plugin
- Click the Activate button that appears after installation
- You’ll be redirected to the Plugins page
- Look for the success message confirming activation
Method 2: Manual Installation
For advanced users or when automatic installation fails.
Step 1: Download the Plugin
- Visit the WordPress.org plugin page
- Click the Download button
- Save the ZIP file to your computer
Step 2: Upload to WordPress
- Go to Plugins > Add New
- Click Upload Plugin button at the top
- Click Choose File and select the downloaded ZIP
- Click Install Now
Step 3: Activate
- After installation completes, click Activate Plugin
- Confirm the plugin appears in your Plugins list
Initial Configuration (Free Version)
Once activated, Instagram Blocks works out-of-the-box with minimal configuration needed.
Accessing Plugin Settings
- Navigate to Settings > Instagram Blocks from your WordPress admin menu
- Alternatively, click Settings link under the plugin name on the Plugins page
Basic Settings Overview
General Settings:
- Compact Mode: Toggle between full menu or compact settings location
- Style Presets: Manage saved styling configurations
- Block Options: Default settings for new Instagram blocks
Note: The free version requires minimal setup. Most customization happens directly within the Block Editor when adding Instagram content.
Creating Your First Instagram Embed
Now for the exciting part—actually embedding Instagram content!
Step 1: Get Instagram Post URL
- Open Instagram (web or app)
- Navigate to the post you want to embed
- Click the three dots (…) menu
- Select Copy Link or Share > Copy Link
- Paste URL somewhere safe (notepad, email draft)
Example URL format:
https://www.instagram.com/p/ABC123xyz/
Step 2: Open Block Editor
- Create a new post/page or edit an existing one
- Click the (+) icon to add a new block
- Type “InstaBlocks” or “Instagram” in the search
- Select the Instagram Blocks option (green Instagram icon)
Keyboard Shortcut: Type /insta and press Enter
Step 3: Insert Instagram URL
- The Instagram block will appear with a URL input field
- Paste your copied Instagram URL
- Press Enter or click outside the input field
- Wait 2-5 seconds for the preview to load
Step 4: Customize Your Embed
With the Instagram block selected, you’ll see options in the right sidebar:
Block Settings (Right Sidebar):
Dimensions:
- Width: Adjust embed width (pixels or percentage)
- Height: Set maximum height
- Aspect Ratio: Maintain proportions
Alignment:
- Left, Center, Right
- Wide Width, Full Width (if theme supports)
Style Options:
- Border: Add borders around embed
- Shadow: Apply drop shadows
- Padding: Internal spacing
- Margin: External spacing
Advanced:
- Additional CSS Classes
- Custom Anchor ID
Step 5: Preview and Publish
- Click Preview button to see how it looks on the front-end
- Make any final adjustments
- Click Publish or Update to save
Using Style Presets for Consistent Styling
One of Instagram Blocks’ most powerful features is the Style Presets System.
Creating a Style Preset
Step 1: Style Your Instagram Block
- Add an Instagram block to your page
- Customize it exactly how you want (dimensions, borders, shadows, etc.)
- Get it perfect for your design
Step 2: Save as Preset
- With the block selected, open the block settings sidebar
- Scroll to Style Presets section
- Click Save as New Preset
- Give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Blog Post Instagram – Standard”)
- Click Save
Applying Presets to New Blocks
- Add a new Instagram block
- In the block settings, find Style Presets section
- Select your saved preset from the dropdown
- All styling applies automatically
Benefits:
- Consistent branding across all Instagram embeds
- Save time—no need to re-style each block
- Easy updates—change preset, update all blocks using it
Pro Version Setup (Optional)
For users upgrading to Instagram Blocks Pro, additional setup enables advanced features.
Installing Instagram Blocks Pro
Step 1: Purchase License
- Visit InBlocks website
- Choose your license tier (single site, multi-site, etc.)
- Complete purchase and save license key
Step 2: Download Pro Plugin
- Log into your account on the InBlocks website
- Download the Pro version ZIP file
- Save to your computer
Step 3: Install Pro Version
- Go to WordPress admin > Plugins > Add New
- Click Upload Plugin
- Choose the Pro ZIP file
- Click Install Now
- Activate the plugin
Note: The Pro version will automatically deactivate the free version to avoid conflicts.
Activating Your License
Step 1: Access License Tab
- Navigate to Settings > Instagram Blocks
- Click the License tab
Step 2: Enter License Key
- Paste your license key into the input field
- Click Activate License
- Wait for confirmation message
Step 3: Verify Activation
- License status should show “Active”
- Pro features are now unlocked
Instagram API Authentication (Pro Only)
Connect your Instagram account for automated feed features.
Step 1: Create Facebook App
- Visit Facebook for Developers
- Create a new app
- Add Instagram Basic Display API product
- Configure OAuth Redirect URIs
Step 2: Obtain Access Token
- Follow Instagram Blocks Pro documentation
- Use built-in authentication wizard
- Connect your Instagram Business account
- Authorize the app
Step 3: Enter Token in Plugin
- Go to Instagram Blocks > Settings > API
- Paste your access token
- Click Verify and Save
- Confirm successful connection
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
Plugin Not Appearing After Activation
Solutions:
- Clear browser cache (Ctrl+F5 / Cmd+Shift+R)
- Try a different browser
- Check if JavaScript is enabled
- Verify plugin is listed in Plugins page as “Active”
Instagram Block Not Found in Block Inserter
Solutions:
- Type full name: “InstaBlocks”
- Use forward slash shortcut:
/insta - Clear WordPress cache
- Regenerate block scripts (deactivate/reactivate plugin)
Embed Not Displaying Correctly
Solutions:
- Ensure Instagram post is public
- Verify URL is correct (should include /p/ or /reel/)
- Check internet connection
- Clear browser cache
- Wait 30 seconds and refresh (Instagram API delay)
License Key Won’t Activate (Pro)
Solutions:
- Verify key is copied correctly (no extra spaces)
- Check license isn’t already used on another site
- Ensure your site URL matches license registration
- Contact support with license key
Best Practices for Instagram Blocks Usage
1. Limit Embeds Per Page
Recommendation: 5-10 Instagram embeds maximum per page for optimal performance.
2. Use Style Presets
Create 2-3 preset styles for different use cases:
- Blog post standard
- Homepage featured
- Sidebar widget
3. Regular Updates
Keep Instagram Blocks updated for:
- Security patches
- New features
- Instagram API compatibility
- Bug fixes
4. Monitor Performance
Track page load times when using multiple embeds:
- Use Google PageSpeed Insights
- Enable lazy loading (Pro feature)
- Consider caching plugins
5. Test on Mobile
Always preview Instagram embeds on:
- Smartphones (iOS and Android)
- Tablets
- Different screen orientations
Comparison Table: Free vs Pro Setup Complexity
| Setup Aspect | Free Version | Pro Version |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 5 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Configuration Needed | Minimal | Moderate |
| API Setup Required | No | Optional (for advanced features) |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate |
| Ongoing Maintenance | Very Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need technical skills to set up Instagram Blocks?
No. The free version setup is beginner-friendly and requires no coding or technical knowledge. Pro version API setup requires following step-by-step instructions but no programming skills.
Can I use Instagram Blocks on multiple websites?
Free version: Yes, use on unlimited sites. Pro version: Depends on your license—single-site, 5-site, or unlimited options available.
Will Instagram Blocks slow down my website?
When properly configured with limited embeds per page, performance impact is minimal. Pro version’s lazy loading feature further optimizes load times.
Do I need an Instagram account to use the plugin?
No for basic embedding of public posts. Yes for Pro API features that access your own Instagram feed automatically.
Can I embed private Instagram posts?
No. Only public Instagram posts can be embedded. Private account posts are not accessible via embed codes or API.
How do I update the plugin?
WordPress will notify you when updates are available. Go to Dashboard > Updates and click update for Instagram Blocks, or enable automatic updates.
What happens if I switch from Free to Pro?
Your existing embedded Instagram posts continue working. You gain access to additional block types (video, gallery) and advanced features. No content is lost during the upgrade.
Next Steps After Setup
Once Instagram Blocks is installed and configured, explore these features:
- Create Your First Gallery: Add multiple Instagram blocks to create a custom gallery page
- Experiment with Presets: Save time by creating style presets for different page types
- Add to Blog Posts: Enhance articles with relevant Instagram content
- Build Social Proof Pages: Showcase customer testimonials from Instagram
- Explore Pro Features: Consider upgrading for video embeds and API integration
Conclusion
Setting up Instagram Blocks is straightforward and accessible for WordPress users of all skill levels. The free version provides immediate value with simple installation and minimal configuration, while the Pro version unlocks advanced features for those needing video embeds, API integration, and premium support.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve successfully installed Instagram Blocks, created your first embed, and learned the fundamentals of styling and customization. As you become more comfortable with the plugin, explore advanced features like style presets, custom dimensions, and responsive design options.
The beauty of Instagram Blocks lies in its simplicity—powerful Instagram integration without complexity. Start embedding Instagram content today and enhance your WordPress site with authentic, engaging social media content.
For additional help, visit the Instagram Blocks documentation or reach out to the support team through the WordPress.org support forums.