PlugeTube makes it easy to turn YouTube videos into WordPress posts. Instead of manually creating posts and embedding videos, you can import YouTube videos directly into WordPress with their title, description, thumbnail, and permalink.
PlugeTube connects to the YouTube Data API and lets you browse videos from your authorized YouTube channel or import videos directly using their URLs.
What You Can Do with PlugeTube
With PlugeTube, you can:
- Import individual YouTube videos as WordPress posts
- Import videos from authorized YouTube channels
- Automatically use YouTube thumbnails as featured images
- Use YouTube titles and descriptions as WordPress post content
- Automatically generate excerpts
- Choose the status of imported posts
- Display imported videos using shortcodes
- Display videos using the Elementor Video Grid widget
- Edit imported videos with Gutenberg or the Classic Editor
- Receive automated email import reports
Step 1: Install PlugeTube
Install PlugeTube from your WordPress dashboard or upload the plugin to your WordPress installation.
Install from WordPress
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for PlugeTube.
- Install the plugin.
- Click Activate.
You can also manually upload the plugetube plugin folder to:
/wp-content/plugins/
Then activate it from the Plugins screen.
Step 2: Connect YouTube
After activating PlugeTube, open the PlugeTube menu in your WordPress dashboard.
Complete the setup wizard by entering:
- YouTube API Key
- YouTube Channel ID
PlugeTube uses the YouTube Data API to retrieve video information from your authorized channel.
Note: A YouTube Data API key and at least one Channel ID are required to browse your channel and retrieve video information.
Step 3: Import a YouTube Video
Once your YouTube connection is configured:
- Go to PlugeTube → Single Import.
- Paste the YouTube video URL.
- Configure the import options.
- Start the import.
You can also click Browse Videos to select a video from your authorized YouTube channel.
Import Options
The Single Import screen provides options including:
- Single Video Links — Import up to 3 videos in one batch.
- Delete Existing Videos — Remove previously imported videos before starting a fresh import.
- Auto Excerpt Generation — Generate an excerpt from the video description.
- Post Status — Choose whether imported posts should be Published, Draft, or another available status.
What Happens After Import?
When a video is imported, PlugeTube creates a WordPress post containing the video’s information.
The imported post can include:
- Video title
- Video description
- Featured image
- Excerpt
- Permalink
- YouTube video information
Imported videos are stored as WordPress content and can be edited like other WordPress content.
Display Your Imported Videos
After importing videos, you can display them on your website using the PlugeTube shortcode or Elementor widget.
Using the Shortcode
Add the following shortcode to a WordPress page or post:
[plugetube_grid]
This creates a responsive video grid using the default settings.
Customize the Video Grid
You can customize the grid using shortcode attributes.
For example:
[plugetube_grid posts_per_page="6" show_pagination="yes" pagination_type="load_more"]
You can also create a list layout:
[plugetube_grid card_layout="list" columns="1" posts_per_page="5"]
Or filter videos by category:
[plugetube_grid category="tutorials" posts_per_page="6"]
The shortcode supports options for layout, number of posts, columns, categories, ordering, thumbnails, titles, excerpts, dates, pagination, and playback behavior.
Use PlugeTube with Elementor
PlugeTube includes a dedicated PlugeTube Video Grid widget for Elementor.
To use it:
- Edit a page with Elementor.
- Search for PlugeTube Video Grid.
- Drag the widget onto your page.
- Configure the layout and display options.
- Publish or update the page.
The widget provides controls for layout, columns, category filtering, ordering, content visibility, card styling, typography, thumbnails, play icons, and pagination.
Gutenberg Support
Imported videos work with the Gutenberg block editor.
Because the imported content is available as WordPress content, you can open the post in Gutenberg and edit it using the standard WordPress editor.
Classic Editor Support
PlugeTube also supports the Classic Editor.
When editing an imported video post, the YouTube URL and video metadata are available from the editor interface.
Email Import Reports
PlugeTube can send email notifications containing import reports.
You can configure these options under General Settings:
- Admin Email Address
- Notification Frequency
- Report Timezone
- Daily Report Time
Notification frequency can be set to daily, weekly, or one-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PlugeTube create WordPress posts from YouTube videos?
Yes. Imported YouTube videos become WordPress content with their own title, content, featured image, and permalink.
Does PlugeTube support Elementor?
Yes. PlugeTube provides a dedicated Video Grid widget inside Elementor.
Does PlugeTube work with Gutenberg?
Yes. Imported videos can be edited using the Gutenberg block editor.
Does PlugeTube support the Classic Editor?
Yes. PlugeTube supports both the Classic Editor and Gutenberg.
Can I choose the post status?
Yes. You can choose the post status during import, including Published and Draft.
Can I display imported videos in a grid?
Yes. You can use the [plugetube_grid] shortcode or the PlugeTube Video Grid Elementor widget.
Do I need a YouTube API key?
Yes. PlugeTube requires a YouTube Data API key and one or more Channel IDs to retrieve YouTube video information.
What’s Next?
You’re now ready to import YouTube videos into WordPress and display them on your website.
For more advanced functionality, explore the available PlugeTube features and documentation for playlist importing, scheduled imports, and other Pro features. The attached documentation identifies playlist and scheduled imports as Pro features.