Everything in EmbedSocial starts with a source. In this guide, you will learn what a source is and connect your first one. Once it is connected, your content starts syncing automatically and you can build your first widget from it.
What is a source?
A source in EmbedSocial refers to the social media account or review platform from which we pull the posts, reviews, or mentions.
Example: 1 Google location = 1 source 1 Facebook page = 1 source 1 Instagram account = 1 source 1 Instagram hashtag = 1 sourceYou can connect sources like Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Threads, Trustpilot, and more. For the full list and what each source can pull, check Understanding Sources in EmbedSocial.
How to connect a source
The flow is the same for every platform. Here is how it looks with Google, the most common first source:
Go to the 'Sources' tab and click the 'Add Source' button at the top right corner.
Choose the platform you want to connect, for example 'Google'.
Click the 'Connect Google account' button and log in with the account that manages the specific location or page from which you would like to pull the content.
Next, choose the Google location you want to generate reviews from and click the 'Next' button.
That's it! Your content will be generated in your EmbedSocial account.
❗Please note: for Instagram, only Business accounts can be connected due to Instagram's API rules. Personal profiles are not supported. Here is the full Instagram walkthrough.
Your content syncs automatically
Once a source is connected, EmbedSocial keeps it fresh without manual work. Google reviews are pulled every 15 minutes. Most social sources update every 24 hours on the Free plan, every 3 hours on the Pro and Pro Plus plans, and every 30 minutes on the Premium and Enterprise plans. Learn more about auto-sync and source health.
FAQ
What counts as a source?
One connected account, location, or hashtag. For example, 1 Google location = 1 source, 1 Facebook page = 1 source, 1 Instagram hashtag = 1 source.
How many sources can I connect?
It depends on your plan. Plans are based on the number of sources you connect and use, up to 15 sources. If you need more, we offer Enterprise plans. See Plans and what's included.
Why can't I connect a personal Instagram profile?
Due to Instagram's API rules, only Instagram Business accounts can be connected.
My source won't connect. What should I do?
Check the most common causes in Why I am unable to add a new source, or contact us on live chat.
What's next
Your content is in. Now turn it into a display: Create your first widget.
If you have any questions, click the bottom right chat icon to talk with our customer success team or send us an email at support@embedsocial.com We're here for you 🙏