Bloggers: How To Add Instagram To Your Blog The Right Way

I am by no means an expert on blogging gadgets and HTML coding, but when I figure out a cool trick, I want to pass it along. This post is for bloggers, so if that's not you, feel free to skip this one. We will be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow. ;)

Several months ago, I posted a tutorial for bloggers to add the Instagram widget to your sidebar. This is becoming increasingly popular and is a fun feature for all types of blogs.

Yall, I have to apologize. That tutorial I shared months ago will work, but it's not the optimal way to go about this. You see, that method uses intagme, which lets readers see your pictures, but it doesn't enable them to like pictures or follow you. What's the point, right?

Inefficient. Doesn't let readers connect with you. Let's fix it.

We want the Instagram gadget to take readers directly to Instagram, where they can follow you, see your feed, and like your pictures.

Today, I am going to show you how to add Instagram to your sidebar the right way.

Step 1: Head over to lightwidget.com.

Step 2: Enter your Instagram username where indicated and a hashtag if you have one. You will probably leave the hashtag blank, but if you're an Etsy shop or participate in a linkup, then you might want to enter a hashtag.

For the GRID effect:

- Select GRID
- Enter the number of columns you want
- Enter the number of rows you want
- Select your image hover effect
- Click "Preview" and then "Get Code!"

For the SLIDESHOW effect:

- Select SLIDESHOW
- Enter your desired number of photos that can be shown (I recommend 60)
- Select your image hover effect
- Click "Preview" and then "Get Code!"

For the COLUMN effect:

- Select COLUMN
- Enter the number of columns you want
- Enter the number of photos you want to be shown at a time
- Click "Preview" and then "Get Code!"

Now you are ready to install your code!

Since I use Blogger, I am not sure how to add the code to Wordpress blogs. However, for Blogger, here's what you need to do:

- Select Layout on the left side of the page
- Click "Add a Gadget" on your sidebar

- Click "Add HTML/JavaScript"
- Paste your code, and click "Save"
- Your Instagram gadget will now appear at the top of your sidebar. Drag the gadget to the position you want it to appear on your sidebar, and click "Save Arrangement"

Done, done, and done! Let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help!

To follow me on Instagram, click my Instagram widget at the top of my sidebar or go here.