Instagram Sync Settings for WordPress

A lightweight, background-automated WordPress plugin that syncs your Instagram feed into standard WordPress posts and attachments without cluttering your main Media Library[cite: 1, 2].

Features

• Automated WP-Cron Sync: Fetches feed updates automatically on configurable schedules (hourly, twice daily, or daily)[cite: 1].
• Media Library Protection: Keeps synced Instagram images hidden from standard Media Library views and AJAX modals to prevent clutter[cite: 1].
• Auto-Cleanup: Automatically removes posts and local media when they are removed or fall off your active Instagram feed[cite: 1].
• Dedicated Custom Dashboard Views:
  • Gallery View: Grid interface strictly for your synced Instagram media with direct links to edit options[cite: 1].
  • Insta Posts Link: Submenu item that directly isolates and displays posts stored under your configured Instagram category[cite: 1].
• Manual Override & Hard Reset: Trigger background sync manually or run a complete purge/re-sync cycle on demand[cite: 1].
• Smart Extension Resolution: Raw-byte downloading system (wp_upload_bits) to safely handle dynamic Instagram CDN image endpoints[cite: 1, 2].

Installation

1. Download or clone this repository:

   git clone [https://github.com/your-username/instagram-sync-settings.git](https://github.com/your-username/instagram-sync-settings.git)

2. Compress the folder into a .zip archive or upload the directory directly to /wp-content/plugins/.
3. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins in your WordPress Admin Dashboard and click Activate.

Setup & Configuration

1. Obtain an Instagram Access Token

You will need a valid Instagram Graph API / Basic Display API Access Token to query public posts or business profile feeds[cite: 1, 2].

2. Configure Plugin Settings

1. Navigate to Instagram Sync > Settings in your WordPress dashboard[cite: 1].
2. Enter your Instagram Access Token[cite: 1].
3. Select a target Category where synced posts should live (e.g., Instagram Feed)[cite: 1].
4. Set your desired Post Limit (default: 18)[cite: 1].
5. Choose an Update Frequency (Hourly, Twice Daily, Once a Day, or Disabled)[cite: 1].
6. Click Save Settings[cite: 1].

3. Verify Initial Sync

• Run a manual sync by clicking Run Sync Now under the Manual Override section on the Settings page[cite: 1].
• Check the Instagram Sync > Gallery menu item to verify that images are correctly downloaded and displayed[cite: 1].

Architecture & How It Works

[ Instagram Graph API ] 
         │
         ▼ (wp_remote_get)
[ WP-Cron / Manual Trigger ]
         │
         ├──> Downloads raw image bytes (bypasses URL validation)
         ├──> Creates standard WP Posts under target Category
         ├──> Marks attachments with hidden '_is_insta_image' meta flag
         └──> Hides attachments from default WP Media queries

• Storage Logic: Instagram items are mapped to standard WordPress posts inside your chosen Category with _insta_sync_id metadata[cite: 1].
• Selective Media Hiding: Hooks into pre_get_posts and ajax_query_attachments_args to keep the Instagram attachments out of the main Media Library unless Debug Mode is enabled in settings[cite: 1].
• Periodic Hard Reset: Includes an optional automatic 30-day cache refresh cycle or manual hard reset to keep local storage completely in sync with the live feed[cite: 1].