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How to Embed iFrames in WordPress Easily

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wondered how to display content from other websites directly on your WordPress site? If you’ve struggled to embed maps, videos, or interactive tools, you’re not alone. Understanding how WordPress works with iframes can help you customize your pages and engage visitors in new ways.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly how WordPress and iframes interact, walk you through easy steps to add them, and share practical tips to make sure your site stays secure and user-friendly.

Related Video

Understanding How WordPress and iFrames Work Together

WordPress is one of the most versatile website platforms, allowing you to create blogs, portfolios, business sites, and online shops. Sometimes, you want to share content from another website—like a YouTube video, a form, an interactive map, or even a widget—right within your pages or posts. This is where “iFrames” come in handy.

An iframe (short for “inline frame”) is an HTML element that lets you embed external content within your website. Think of it as a window into another site, displayed right inside your WordPress page. Knowing how to properly use iframes in WordPress opens up many possibilities for engaging and interactive content.


How to Easily Embed iFrame Code in WordPress (3 Methods) - WPBeginner - wordpress and iframes

Let’s dive deeper into how you can use iframes in WordPress, the steps involved, challenges you might face, practical tips, and answers to common questions.

How to Add iFrames to Your WordPress Site

There are two main ways to embed iframes in WordPress: manually or by using a plugin. Each method fits different skill levels and use cases. Below, you’ll find detailed steps and considerations for both approaches.

1. Manually Embedding iFrames in WordPress

If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can add iframes directly in your posts or pages. Here’s how:

Using the WordPress Block Editor

  1. Open the Post or Page
    Go to your WordPress dashboard, and open the page or post where you want the embedded content.

  2. Add a Custom HTML Block

  3. Click the “+” button to add a new block.

  4. Search for the “Custom HTML” block and select it.

  5. Paste Your iFrame Code

  6. In the Custom HTML block, paste your iframe code. Here’s a basic example:
    “

  7. Preview and Adjust

  8. Click “Preview” to see how the iframe looks on your content.
  9. Adjust width, height, or other attributes as needed.

Using the Classic Editor

If you’re still using the Classic Editor:

  1. Switch to the “Text” tab (not Visual).
  2. Paste your iframe code where you want it to appear.
  3. Save or update the post/page, and preview your changes.

Note: Some WordPress themes or security plugins may filter out iframes for safety reasons. If your iframe disappears after saving, see the plugin section below.

2. Embedding iFrames Using Plugins

Plugins can help if you’re not comfortable with code or if your WordPress setup blocks iframes for security.

Why Use a Plugin?

  • Simplifies the embedding process.
  • Adds extra options, like responsive resizing.
  • Offers security features to control iframe sources.

Popular iFrame Plugins and How to Use Them

Although there are many plugins available, most of them work in similar ways:

  1. Install the Plugin:
  2. Navigate to “Plugins” → “Add New” in your dashboard.

  3. Search for an iframe plugin (for example, “Advanced iFrame”, “iframe”, or “Shortcodes Ultimate”).

  4. Activate and Configure:

  5. Activate the plugin.

  6. Some plugins let you adjust global settings, such as allowed sources, sizes, or styling.

  7. Embed Using a Shortcode:

  8. Many plugins provide a shortcode. Here’s a typical example:

  9. Paste this shortcode where you want your iframe to appear.

  10. Preview and Fine-Tune:

  11. Preview your post/page. If needed, tweak the shortcode’s parameters (like width, height, or frameborder).

Benefits of Using iFrames in WordPress

Adding iFrames brings practical advantages. Here’s why you might want to use them:

  • Embed Third-Party Content: Show maps, booking calendars, videos, forms, social feeds, or external apps.
  • Keep Content Dynamic: Since the iframe displays live content from the source, any updates appear instantly.
  • Reduce Site Storage Load: Content hosted elsewhere doesn’t use your server resources.
  • Enhance Interactivity: Engaging, interactive widgets can enrich your visitor experience.

Common Challenges When Using iFrames

While iFrames are powerful, they come with some challenges:

1. Security Risks

  • iFrames can potentially display malicious or unsafe content if you embed from untrusted sources.
  • Some themes or plugins block iframe tags to protect your site.
  • Only embed from trusted, reputable sources.

2. Responsiveness Issues

  • By default, most iframes have fixed sizes, which can break on mobile devices.
  • Some plugins offer “responsive iframe” options that resize automatically.

3. Compatibility Problems

  • The content you’re embedding may restrict being displayed in an iframe (related to settings like “X-Frame-Options”).
  • Not all websites allow their pages to be loaded inside an iframe.

4. SEO Considerations

  • Content inside an iframe usually isn’t crawled or indexed by search engines as part of your site.
  • Don’t rely on iframe content for important keywords or SEO ranking.

Ways to Overcome iFrame Challenges

Here are practical strategies to make your iframe embeds safer and more user-friendly:

Make Your iFrames Responsive

To ensure your iframe adjusts on all device sizes:

  • CSS Approach:
    Add a wrapper with custom CSS. For example:
    “`

“`
– Plugin Feature:
Many plugins offer a built-in responsive option—enable it in settings or use their “responsive” parameter.

Improve Security

  • Only embed iframes from sources you trust.
  • Use plugins that sanitize or validate iframe URLs.
  • Avoid letting users submit their own iframe code on your site.

Alternative Embeds

  • For videos, use WordPress’ native embed blocks for YouTube, Vimeo, etc.—they’re easier and safer than raw iframes.
  • For forms, popular services like Google Forms provide sanitized embed codes.

Best Practices for Embedding iFrames

Follow these tips to keep both your design sharp and your site secure:

  • Use iFrames Sparingly: Only embed when necessary, as too many can slow down your site.
  • Clearly Label Embedded Content: Tell users if the content is external or interactive.
  • Set Reasonable Width and Height: Don’t use oversized iframes, but make sure users have enough space to interact.
  • Check Permissions: Some services only allow embedding on approved domains. Test your iframe after adding.
  • Test on Mobile: Always preview your pages on phones/tablets to ensure your iframe isn’t cut off or overflowing.
  • Update Plugins Regularly: If you use a plugin, keep it updated to avoid security risks.
  • Respect Copyright: Ensure you have permission to embed third-party content.

Cost Considerations

In most cases, adding an iframe to your WordPress site is free. Here’s what to consider regarding costs:

  • Manual Embeds: Free and no hidden charges, but require basic HTML knowledge.
  • Plugins: Most iframe plugins are free, though advanced features may come with a premium (one-time or yearly).
  • Embedded Services: If you’re embedding content from paid platforms (like paid video hosting or event tools), you might need a subscription there.
  • Developer Help: If your iframe needs custom integration or advanced features (like syncing data), hiring a developer may add to your cost.

Shipping-Related Cost Tip: If you’re using iframes to display shipping calculators or rates from external services, ensure there are no hidden API or usage fees for those tools.

Conclusion

Using iFrames in WordPress is a fantastic way to enrich your website by displaying external content in a seamless way. Whether you go the manual route or use plugins, always prioritize security, responsiveness, and a smooth user experience. Properly managed, iFrames can make your pages more dynamic, interactive, and visually appealing—opening doors to creative integrations with tools, videos, maps, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I embed any external website using an iframe in WordPress?
You can try to embed most websites, but many sites block iframe loading for security or privacy reasons. Always check that the external site allows embedding and only use content you trust.

2. Why isn’t my iframe showing after I save my post in WordPress?
Some themes or security plugins strip out iframes to prevent vulnerabilities. Switch to the Custom HTML block in the Block Editor or try an iframe plugin that safely handles embeds.

3. How can I make iframes responsive so they look good on mobile devices?
Wrap your iframe inside a container with CSS that sets the ratio and makes the iframe stretch to fit the screen size. Many plugins also offer a “responsive” option.

4. Are there security risks with using iframes on my WordPress site?
Yes, iframes can display malicious content if sourced from unreliable sites. Always use trusted sources, and consider plugins that restrict which URLs can be embedded.

5. Will content inside an iframe help my SEO?
Content shown inside an iframe is not considered part of your website’s content by search engines. Don’t rely on it for SEO purposes—use iframes mainly for interactive or visitor-focused items.

Embedding iFrames in WordPress isn’t complicated once you know the steps and precautions. By following the guidance above, you can safely and creatively make your site more interactive and useful for visitors.

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