Some think it’s a waste of time, while others can’t live without it. Instagram is a polarizing platform, but one thing is sure: your audience is most definitely using the app. It’s time to fetch all their user-generated content and use it to your advantage with an Instagram widget for your website.

Table of Contents

What is an Instagram widget for websites? 

An Instagram widget for your website is a collection of branded and user-generated content embedded on a page. You can choose what type of content to display, the layout, and the source. With an Instagram widget, you can:

Here’s an example of a real Instagram widget in action:

Create an Instagram widget that gets auto updates from your profile

Great for brands that care about user privacy and security. This solution doesn’t load any 3rd-party widgets or services and complies with EU & US/Californian data protection laws (GDPR and CCPA).

Try it now

Why should you embed an Instagram widget?

An Instagram widget for your website is a powerful tool for businesses for several reasons. First, it allows you to showcase your products and services in a visually appealing way, which can increase brand awareness with your audience.

Second, an Instagram widget for your website can help increase the time spent on site. When people see your content and other customers’ social proof embedded on your website, they will spend more time on your page, which helps you improve SERP. 

Finally, an Instagram widget can help to increase conversions. By displaying user-generated content on your website, you can show potential customers that others are already using and enjoying your products. This can increase trust in your brand and lead to more conversions.

How to create an Instagram widget for your website

1. Create your Walls.io Instagram widget

First, set up your Walls.io account. It will take less than 5 minutes, including adapting the design. Then, choose Instagram as the source of your widget. Here’s a tutorial on how to add Instagram as a source.

This image shows a user interface for setting up social media sources in an administrative panel, with options for selecting content sources like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and others. The panel includes options to filter for images/videos only and to avoid duplicate posts.
The Sources section of Walls.io.

Note that only Instagram business accounts can be linked to Walls.io. If you don’t have a business account, read how to turn your account into a business account. 

2. Copy your widget’s code snippet from the Embed section

Navigate to the Embed & Display section of your Walls.io dashboard and grab the embed code. JavaScript is generally the preferred method, as it offers more features. But iframe is a great option, especially as not all website builders or apps let you use JavaScript.

This image displays a configuration page for embedding a social media wall on a website, providing options like width, height, wall header visibility, and background transparency. It includes script code for embedding with options to switch between JavaScript and iFrame methods.
Embed & Display section in the Walls.io dashboard.

3. Paste your wall’s code snippet into your page

The Instagram widget will automatically fetch all the content you publish on your Instagram account. However, you have complete control over the widget’s content if you want to display posts tagged with a specific hashtag.

The image showcases a demo of a social media wall with various Instagram posts of dogs, each post featuring an image and captions with hashtags, designed to demonstrate the wall's layout and functionality for embedding on websites.
An example of the Fluid layout.

Instagram widget for website examples

Here are some examples of brands using Walls.io’s Instagram widget for websites to showcase a mix of branded and user-generated content.

Example 1: Ferrari

Why this works: They reuse all the branded content posted on Instagram by embedding it on the homepage. 

This image presents the "Follow us on Social Media" section of the Ferrari Corse Clienti website, showing dynamic photos of Ferrari racing cars in action on the track, highlighting moments from races and podium celebrations.
Source: https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/corse-clienti

Example 2: WOW – dog food

Why this works: Endless doggo pics are always a good idea! Plus, the CTA “Folge uns auf Instagram = Follow us on Instagram”, drives traffic to their profile. 

This image displays a webpage from the WOW pet products website featuring a section titled "Follow us on Instagram" with photos on an Instagram widget for website full of dogs and cats next to their products. The top menu shows categories like "Dog," "Cat," and various pet food types, along with social media links and language options.
Source: https://www.wow.pet/de/hundefutter

Example 3: Prada

Why this works: The brand customized the design of the Instagram widget to fit their style. The widget feels like it’s part of the website!

The image showcases the social wall section of the Prada Group website, presenting a mix of fashion-related images and videos, including heritage events, reinterpreted classic bags, and new shoe designs from their latest collections.
Source: https://www.pradagroup.com/en/news-media/highlights.html

Example 4: Oakland Zoo

Why this works: This zoo fetches content from visitors as well as their own social media profiles. This mix makes the homepage feel more interactive.

This image features a webpage from the Oakland Zoo showcasing various images of children interacting with animals, animal close-ups, and a zoo employee, promoting engagement and education about wildlife conservation.
Source: https://www.oaklandzoo.org/

Example 5: Austrian Wine

Why this works: Instead of having a simple social media icon, Austrian Wine shows website visitors what’s being talked about their products on Instagram. 

This image displays the social media section with an Instagram widget for websites of the Austrian Wine brand, with serene photos of vineyards, wines, and promotional tags, emphasizing the appeal and quality of Austrian wine.
Source: https://www.austrianwine.com/

Example 6: Barry University 

Why this works: This university embeds content from its Instagram profile and content from students tagged with its hashtag. The student stories transmit trust and make other students want to be part of the community.

The image depicts the "Connect with us" section of Barry University's website, showing a collage of photos celebrating recent graduations, sporting events, and calls to action for prospective students to connect via various digital platforms.
Source: https://my.barry.edu/success/?sf_campaign=7015A000001ycdcQAA

Example 7: Kikkoman 

Why this works: The food photos displayed in the Instagram widget make the Kikkoman products look more appetizing.

The screenshot captures the Instagram widget for website titled "Stay Connected" section of the Kikkoman website, displaying colorful images of food recipes and quotes related to their products, aiming to engage with their audience on social media.
Source: https://kikkomanusa.com/homecooks

FAQs

Q1: What is an Instagram widget, and how can it benefit my website?

A1: An Instagram widget is a tool that displays a live feed of Instagram posts directly on your website. This widget can enhance user engagement, increase the time visitors spend on your site, and showcase real-time user-generated content (UGC) that features your products or services.

Q2: Can I customize the appearance of the Instagram widget on my site?

A2: Yes, the Walls.io Instagram widget allows you to adjust the layout, size, and style of the widget to match your website’s design. You can select which posts to display, the font of captions, and filter the content to your liking.

Q3: What are some best practices for using Instagram widgets to collect user-generated content?

A3: To effectively collect and showcase UGC, encourage your followers to use specific hashtags, run contests, or feature promotions that inspire them to post content relevant to your brand. Consider using moderation tools to select the best or most appropriate posts for your website display.

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