Smash Balloon makes separate plugins for Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube feeds – each with its own API connection requirements and display options. If you need feeds from more than one platform, understanding the differences helps you decide whether individual plugins or the All Access bundle makes more sense.
Instagram Feed
Smash Balloon Instagram Feed connects via Meta’s Instagram Graph API. It requires either a Personal Instagram account (direct OAuth) or a Business/Creator account linked to a Facebook Page (more features). The feed displays posts in a grid, masonry, slider, or highlight layout. The core use case is showing your Instagram content on your website to increase profile awareness and encourage followers.
The main limitation of the free version is the 9-post cap. For a full grid showing recent content, Pro is needed. The API connection is more complex than the other Smash Balloon plugins because of Meta’s authentication requirements, but once set up it is stable.
Facebook Feed
Smash Balloon Facebook Feed connects via the Facebook Graph API and can display posts from a Facebook Page (not personal profiles). It shows text posts, link previews, photo posts, and video posts from your Page. The feed updates as you post to Facebook.
Facebook feed is particularly useful for local businesses that maintain an active Facebook Page – customers can see announcements, photos, and updates without leaving your website. The connection requires a Facebook Page admin account and goes through Facebook’s OAuth flow.
YouTube Feed
Smash Balloon YouTube Feed connects via the YouTube Data API v3, which requires a Google API key (free to generate). It displays videos from a channel, a playlist, or search results. Layouts include grid, gallery, list, and a carousel. This is the technically simplest of the three to connect – Google API keys are more straightforward to set up than Meta’s OAuth flow.
| Instagram Feed | Facebook Feed | YouTube Feed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Meta OAuth | Meta OAuth | Google API key |
| Business account required | No (Personal works) | Yes (Page required) | No |
| Free post limit | 9 posts | 10 posts | 25 videos |
| Video support | Yes (Reels) | Yes | Yes (primary) |
| Stories support | Pro only | No | No |
| Individual Pro price | $49/year | $49/year | $49/year |
| All Access bundle | $149/year (all plugins) | ||
Not sure which fits your site? Describe your needs and get a free recommendation.
When to Buy the Bundle
The All Access bundle at $149/year includes all four Smash Balloon plugins (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter/X Feed) for unlimited sites. If you need two or more of the plugins, the bundle is cheaper than individual licenses. For agencies building client sites that may need social feeds, the unlimited sites license makes the bundle very cost-effective.
Buy individual plugins if you only need one specific platform’s feed and are confident the others will not be needed. At $49/year per plugin, two individual licenses cost the same as the bundle, so the break-even point is two plugins.