How to Add a YouTube Subscribe Button in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide

As a seasoned WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the power of integrating social media platforms like YouTube into your WordPress website. And one of the most effective strategies for growing your YouTube audience is adding a subscribe button to your website.

A YouTube subscribe button acts as a bridge between your WordPress content and your YouTube channel, making it incredibly easy for visitors to follow your video content. This can lead to a significant increase in your subscriber count and overall reach.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through two simple and effective methods for adding a YouTube subscribe button to your WordPress website:

Why Add a YouTube Subscribe Button in WordPress?

A well-managed YouTube channel can be a powerful asset for any website owner. Here’s why:

• Reach a wider audience: YouTube has a massive user base, allowing you to tap into a new audience that may not be familiar with your website.
• Boost website engagement: By sharing your YouTube videos on your website, you can encourage visitors to spend more time exploring your content.
• Increase blog traffic: Including YouTube video embeds in your blog posts can enhance the user experience and drive traffic to your website.
• Establish credibility: A thriving YouTube channel demonstrates your expertise and builds trust with potential customers.

If you’ve already launched a YouTube channel to complement your WordPress blog, then you should make subscribing as easy as possible for your website visitors. And that’s where the YouTube subscribe button comes in.

Method 1: Manually Adding YouTube Subscribe Button Code

This method involves using Google’s Developer Tools to create a custom YouTube subscribe button. Once you’ve generated the code, you can easily add it to any widget, post, or page on your WordPress site using shortcodes.

1. Generate the Subscribe Button Code:
• Visit the YouTube subscribe button page: https://www.youtube.com/subscribe_button
• Get your YouTube Channel ID:
• Open a new tab in your browser and navigate to the YouTube homepage.
• Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
• In the left-hand menu, click on “Advanced Settings.”
• Locate the “Channel ID” field and click the “Copy” button to copy the ID.
• Paste your Channel ID: Go back to the YouTube subscribe button page and paste your copied Channel ID into the “Channel Name or ID” field. The preview will update to show your total YouTube subscribers.
2. Customize the Button:
• Layout: Choose between the default layout (subscribe button and subscriber count) or the full layout (subscribe button, subscriber count, channel profile picture, and channel title). Select “full” in the “Layout” dropdown to preview the full layout.
• Theme: Choose between the default white background or the dark mode theme. Select the desired theme from the “Theme” dropdown to preview the different options.
• Subscriber Count: Decide whether to display your total subscriber count or hide it. Select “hidden” in the “Subscriber Count” dropdown to hide the count.
3. Copy and Paste the Code: Once you’re satisfied with the button’s appearance, copy the code from the “Code” section.
4. Add the Code to WordPress: Paste the copied code into any widget, post, or page on your WordPress site using shortcodes. For detailed instructions on adding shortcodes, refer to our guide on how to add a shortcode in WordPress.
5. Save Your Changes: Save your changes to the widget, post, or page. Then, visit your WordPress website to see the YouTube subscribe button live.

Method 2: Using a Plugin to Add a YouTube Subscribe Bar

The YouTube Subscribe Bar plugin offers a more streamlined approach to adding a subscribe button. Once installed and configured, this free plugin automatically adds a “Subscribe to YouTube channel” bar to every YouTube video you embed on your website.

This subscribe bar appears on all YouTube videos embedded using the oEmbed format, making it easy to promote your channel and share videos from other creators. However, it’s important to note that this plugin only works for videos embedded using oEmbed.

1. Embed Videos Using oEmbed:
• Navigate to the YouTube video you want to embed.
• Click the “Share” button below the video.
• In the popup window, select the “Embed” option and click “Copy.”
• Open the WordPress page or post where you want to embed the video.
• Click the “+” icon and search for “Embed.”
• Click the “Embed” block to add it to your page or post.
• Paste the copied YouTube embed link into the block.
• Click the “Embed” button to embed the video. Save or publish the page as usual.
2. Install and Activate the YouTube Subscribe Bar Plugin:
• Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins » Add New.
• Search for “YouTube Subscribe Bar” and install the plugin.
• Activate the plugin.
3. Configure the Plugin:
• Go to Settings » YouTube Subscribe Bar.
• Enter your YouTube Channel ID in the “YouTube Channel ID” field (use the same method described in Method 1 to get your Channel ID).
• Customize the “Subscribe to channel text” field to your liking. The default text is “Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.”
• Adjust the color settings to change the background and text colors of the subscribe bar.
• Experiment with the layout and theme settings to find the best look for your website.
• Click “Save Changes” to publish your subscribe bar.

How to Turn Website Visitors Into YouTube Subscribers

Adding a YouTube subscribe button is a great start, but there are several other strategies you can implement to encourage your website visitors to become YouTube subscribers. Here are some effective tips:

• Embed YouTube Videos in Blog Posts: If you create both blog content and YouTube videos on similar topics, embedding videos in your posts can seamlessly connect your content and encourage visitors to explore your channel.
• Utilize YouTube Playlists: Create playlists of related videos and embed them on your website. Playlists provide a continuous flow of content, keeping viewers engaged and increasing the likelihood of subscription.
• Showcase Latest Videos: Display a curated selection of your latest YouTube videos on your WordPress website. This highlights your channel’s activity and encourages visitors to subscribe so they don’t miss out on new content.

Conclusion

Adding a YouTube subscribe button to your WordPress website is a simple yet powerful strategy for growing your audience and driving traffic to your channel. Both methods outlined in this guide are easy to implement and can significantly increase your channel’s visibility and engagement.

Remember, consistency is key to building a successful YouTube channel. By regularly creating high-quality content and promoting your channel across your website and other platforms, you can attract a loyal and engaged following.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news and digital marketing strategies, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.

FAQs

Does the YouTube subscribe button work on WordPress.com sites?

While you can embed YouTube videos on WordPress.com sites, the ability to add a custom subscribe button might be limited. WordPress.com offers a limited set of features for customizing your website. You may need to use a different method or explore alternative plugins to add a subscribe button to your WordPress.com site.

Will adding a YouTube subscribe button affect my website’s speed?

Adding a YouTube subscribe button itself shouldn’t significantly impact your website’s speed. However, if you’re embedding large videos or using a complex plugin, it’s crucial to optimize your website for performance. Consider using a caching plugin and optimizing your images to ensure a smooth browsing experience for your visitors.

Are there other ways to add a subscribe button to my WordPress website?

Yes, there are other methods and plugins available. You can find various social media sharing plugins that include the option to display a YouTube subscribe button. Additionally, you can use custom HTML code to create a subscribe button and link it to your YouTube channel.

How can I make my YouTube subscribe button look like the one on WPBeginner?

WPBeginner likely uses a custom-designed button or a plugin with specific styling options. To achieve a similar look, you might need to explore custom CSS coding or use a plugin that offers advanced styling features.

Will the YouTube subscribe button work properly on mobile devices?

Both methods outlined in this guide should work seamlessly on mobile devices. Ensure your WordPress theme is responsive and that your website content adapts well to different screen sizes for optimal viewing on all devices.

Will adding a YouTube subscribe button affect my website’s SEO?

Adding a YouTube subscribe button itself shouldn’t negatively affect your website’s SEO. However, ensure that your video content is relevant to your website’s topic and that your YouTube channel is properly optimized for search engines.

Can I add subscribe buttons for other social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram?

Yes, there are plugins and tools specifically designed to add social media subscribe buttons for various platforms. You can explore plugins that offer integrated social media sharing and subscribe buttons for a more streamlined approach.

How can I track subscribers who come from my website?

YouTube provides analytics that allow you to track where your subscribers are coming from. You can analyze your YouTube channel’s analytics to see if there’s a significant increase in subscribers after adding the button to your website.

What is the best YouTube subscribe button plugin for WordPress?

There are many excellent YouTube subscribe button plugins available. To find the best option for your specific needs, consider factors like ease of use, styling options, compatibility with your WordPress theme, and features like social media integration.

Is adding a YouTube subscribe button worth it?

Absolutely! Adding a YouTube subscribe button is a simple yet effective way to grow your YouTube audience and boost your overall website engagement. It provides an easy way for visitors to follow your video content and stay updated on your latest releases.

I hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and steps to add a YouTube subscribe button to your WordPress website. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.