Facebook API Change - oEmbed: What You Need to Know

The Facebook API change to the oEmbed update, implemented on October 24, 2020, requires users to generate an app ID to continue embedding Facebook and Instagram content using the oEmbed feature.

• What is oEmbed?
• How the Facebook oEmbed API Change Impacts Your Site
• Available Solutions to Fix oEmbed Links
• Summary
   

What is oEmbed?

oEmbed is a protocol enabling websites to embed content from third-party websites with just a URL. It is primarily designed to avoid the need to copy and paste HTML from other sites. For example, WordPress uses oEmbed to display embedded images and videos.

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.

This guide explains the oEmbed change, its impact on websites, and how to update your website to maintain functional Facebook and Instagram embeds.

How the Facebook oEmbed API Change Impacts Your Site

This API update affects websites that rely on the oEmbed feature. Many plugins dependent on oEmbed may fail to display unauthenticated Facebook or Instagram content.

• Broken embeds: Your site may display errors or blank spaces where previously working embeds were located.
• Plugin issues: Plugins using oEmbed may fail to display your content correctly.
• Content error: Website content, such as embedded posts, images, or videos, may not show up correctly

To ensure smooth content display, website owners must update their oEmbed settings.

Available Solutions to Fix oEmbed Links

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 automatically handle app ID registration and token creation.

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

Understand the implications of the Facebook API change to oEmbed and its impact on website embeds. This article provides insights into the change and offers simple steps to restore Facebook and Instagram content using WordPress plugins.