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Facebook API Change - oEmbed: What You Need to Know

The Facebook API change on October 24, 2020, requires users to generate an app ID to continue embedding Facebook and Instagram content using oEmbed. This guide explains the oEmbed change, why it impacts websites, and how to update your website to keep Facebook and Instagram embeds functional.

What is oEmbed?

For over a decade, Facebook oEmbed has allowed users to share media on websites and social networks without requiring coding. However, following new security updates, users must now obtain developer credentials to embed Facebook and Instagram content. More details on this change can be found in WP Tavern's article.

How This Change Impacts You

This API update affects websites that rely on oEmbed. Many plugins dependent on oEmbed may fail to display unauthenticated Facebook or Instagram content. To ensure smooth content display, website owners will need to update their oEmbed settings.

To maintain Facebook and Instagram embeds, you can use either Jetpack or Smash Balloon plugins.

Using Jetpack for oEmbed

  1. Install and activate Jetpack on your WordPress website.
  2. Connect your Facebook account within Jetpack to handle app ID registration and token creation automatically.

Jetpack partners with Facebook to automate developer ID creation, making it easier to integrate social media content.

Using Smash Balloon for oEmbed

  1. Install the Smash Balloon Facebook/Instagram Feed plugin.
  2. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Smash Balloon > oEmbed.
  3. Click on the Connect button to link your account.

If you already have Smash Balloon installed, updating the plugin will enable oEmbed functionality for Facebook and Instagram.

Summary

The Facebook API change oEmbed on October 24, 2020, impacts unauthenticated Facebook and Instagram embeds. With solutions like Jetpack and Smash Balloon, you can quickly adapt and ensure that embedded social media content remains accessible on your website.

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You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.

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