How to Add a Social Media Feed to WordPress

WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms, but it does not include a built-in way to display a live social media feed from Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other channels in one place. SocialMatix solves this by giving you a single embeddable feed you can add to any WordPress page or post using the Custom HTML block.

This guide walks through the full process: build your feed in SocialMatix, copy the embed snippet, and paste it into WordPress. No plugin or custom development required.

What you will need

• A WordPress site using the block editor (Gutenberg).

• Administrator access on self-hosted WordPress (required for script-based embeds).

• A free SocialMatix account.

• At least one connected social source (for example Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok).

Note for WordPress.com users: script-based embeds require a WordPress paid plan with hosting features activated. If your embed code is removed after saving, your plan or user role may not allow custom script tags.

Custom HTML vs Code block: which one to use

In the WordPress block editor, search for Custom HTML—not Code. They sound similar, but they do very different things.

• Custom HTML block: renders real HTML on your page, including scripts. This is the correct block for your SocialMatix embed.

• Code block: displays code as formatted text for readers (like a tutorial snippet). It does not run scripts or render a live feed.

Quick shortcut: type /html in the editor to insert a Custom HTML block. Do not use /code for this setup.

Why use the Custom HTML block?

WordPress also includes an Embed block for single URLs (for example one YouTube video), but a SocialMatix feed uses a script-based embed that loads and updates multiple posts automatically. The Custom HTML block is the recommended way to add this type of feed in modern WordPress.

• Works in pages, posts, and most block-based templates.

• Lets you paste the full SocialMatix snippet, including the script tag.

• Supports preview before publishing.

• Keeps setup simple without installing another plugin.

Step 1: Create your feed in SocialMatix

1. Sign up for free. Create your account at SocialMatix and add a new feed for your WordPress site.

2. Add your social sources. Click "Add Source" and connect the accounts or hashtags you want to display.

3. Customize your layout. Adjust colors, spacing, and display style so the feed matches your WordPress theme.

4. Set moderation rules. Decide which posts are approved automatically and which require manual review before they appear on your site.

Step 2: Copy your embed code

1. Open your feed in SocialMatix and click Publish (top right).

2. Copy the full embed snippet shown in the modal. It includes a container div and a script tag.

3. Keep this code ready—you will paste it into WordPress in the next step.

Your embed snippet will look similar to this:

<div id="social-wall"></div>
<script src="https://..." async data-feed="YOUR_FEED_KEY" data-api-base="https://..."></script>

Step 3: Add a Custom HTML block in WordPress

1. Log in to WordPress and open the page or post where you want your social feed.

2. Click Edit to open the block editor.

3. Click the + block inserter (or type /html in a new block).



4. Search for Custom HTML and add the block (the 'code' block will not work, it must be a Custom HTML block).

5. Position the block where you want the feed to appear on the page.

Step 4: Paste your SocialMatix embed snippet

1. Click into the Custom HTML block.

2. Paste the full SocialMatix embed snippet into the HTML field.

3. Make sure you paste both the <div id="social-wall"></div> container and the <script> tag.

4. Use the block preview option to check rendering before publishing.

Step 5: Preview and publish

1. Click Preview to confirm the feed appears on desktop and mobile.

2. Click Update or Publish to save your page or post.

3. Open the live URL and verify the feed loads on the published site.

4. Return to SocialMatix anytime to update layout, moderation, or sources—your WordPress embed will reflect those changes without re-pasting code.

Where to place your social feed in WordPress

• Homepage: showcase recent brand activity near your main CTA.

• About page: highlight community content and social proof.

• Service or product pages: display customer posts near decision points.

• Landing pages: surface hashtag content from live campaigns.

• Sidebar or footer widget areas: add a smaller feed using the same Custom HTML block in widget-enabled areas.

Tips for a clean WordPress integration

• Use a wide or full-width block alignment so the feed has enough space on desktop.

• Place the Custom HTML block in its own section with consistent spacing above and below.

• Match SocialMatix colors to your WordPress theme for a native look.

• Test on mobile—most social traffic is mobile-first.

• Moderate content before launch so only on-brand posts appear publicly.

Troubleshooting

I added a Code block but the feed does not show

Replace the Code block with a Custom HTML block. The Code block only displays code as text and will not run your SocialMatix embed script.

The feed does not appear after publishing

• Confirm you used the Custom HTML block, not the Code block.

• Confirm you pasted the complete embed snippet, including both the div and script tag.

• Check that your WordPress user role is Administrator on self-hosted sites.

• On WordPress.com, confirm your plan supports script-based Custom HTML embeds.

• Make sure your feed is published in SocialMatix and has approved posts.

• View the live page, not just the editor preview.

WordPress removed my embed code after saving

WordPress may strip <script> tags for users without the unfiltered_html capability. This usually affects non-administrator roles. Ask an Administrator to add the embed, or upgrade your WordPress.com plan if script tags are blocked on your account.

The feed looks too narrow or misaligned

• Set the Custom HTML block to wide or full width alignment.

• Adjust layout settings in SocialMatix and republish the feed.

• Check your theme's content width and page template settings.

Can I add multiple feeds to different WordPress pages?

Yes. Create separate feeds in SocialMatix for each use case (for example homepage vs campaign page), then paste each feed's embed snippet into the relevant WordPress Custom HTML block.

Final takeaway

Adding a social media feed to WordPress is straightforward with SocialMatix: build your feed, copy one embed snippet, and paste it into a Custom HTML block. From there, your WordPress site stays fresh with moderated social content that updates automatically.

Ready to add your feed? Sign up for free with SocialMatix and embed your first social wall on WordPress in minutes.