How to Set Up an Instagram Feed Using the Smash Balloon Plugin

The Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin allows you to display your Instagram posts directly on your WordPress site. This keeps your website fresh with visual content and helps families stay connected with your latest updates.

Note: To use Smash Balloon, your Instagram account must be a Business or Creator Account connected to a Facebook Page.

Step 1: Install and Activate Smash Balloon

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.

2. Go to Plugins > Add New.

3. Search for Smash Balloon Instagram Feed.

4. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Ensure You Have a Business Instagram Account

1. Open Instagram on your phone.

2. Go to your profile and tap the menu (☰).

3. Select Settings & Privacy > Account Type and Tools.

4. Choose Switch to Professional Account.

5. Select Business (recommended for organizations).

6. Follow the prompts and connect your Instagram account to your Facebook Page.

If your account is already Business/Creator, you’re good to go.

Step 3: Connect Instagram to Smash Balloon

1. In WordPress, go to Instagram Feed > Settings.

2. Click Add New to create a feed.

3. Click Connect an Instagram Account.

4. Log in to Instagram and authorize access.

5. Select your Business/Creator account.

Step 4: Customize Your Feed

• In Smash Balloon, choose layout options:

  • Grid – standard photo grid.

  • Carousel – scrolling posts.

  • Highlight – single post focus.

• Adjust number of posts, rows, and columns.

• Style colors and buttons to match your site’s branding.

Step 5: Embed the Feed on a Page

1. Copy the shortcode provided by Smash Balloon (e.g., [instagram-feed]).

2. Open the page in BeaverBuilder.

3. Drag an HTML Module onto the page.

4. Paste the shortcode.

5. Save and publish.

Your Instagram feed will now display live on the site.

Step 6: Reauthorize If Needed

Sometimes Instagram changes its security settings, which requires you to reauthorize the connection:

• If your feed stops showing, go to Instagram Feed > Settings.

• Click Reconnect Account and follow the prompts.

Best Practices

• Post regularly on Instagram to keep your site content fresh.

• Use your organization’s main account rather than personal accounts.

• Check your feed on both desktop and mobile to confirm display.

Troubleshooting Your Instagram Feed

If your Instagram feed is not displaying correctly in Smash Balloon, here are the most common fixes:

1. Feed Has Stopped Updating

• Go to Instagram Feed > Settings in WordPress.

• Click Reconnect Account to reauthorize the connection.

• Instagram’s security rules sometimes require this renewal every few months.

2. Wrong Account or Posts Showing

• Confirm you connected the correct Instagram Business or Creator Account.

• Double-check that your Instagram is linked to the correct Facebook Page.

• If needed, remove the account under Instagram Feed > Settings and reconnect.

3. Only Showing Limited Posts

• Instagram’s API may restrict how far back your feed goes.

• Check your feed layout settings in Smash Balloon to ensure you’re not limiting the number of posts.

4. New Posts Not Appearing

• Clear your WordPress site cache if you’re using a caching plugin.

• Clear your browser cache or test in an Incognito window.

• Smash Balloon also has a Force Cache Refresh option under settings.

5. Permissions Error

• Make sure your Instagram account is set to Business (not Personal).

• Verify that Facebook Business Integrations has granted Smash Balloon permission.

Best Practice Tip:

Schedule a reminder to reauthorize your Instagram account every 3–6 months to prevent feed interruptions.