How to Add Open Graph Meta Tags Using the Yoast SEO Plugin in WordPress

What Are Open Graph Meta Tags?

Open Graph meta tags control how your website content appears when shared on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and others. They define the title, description, and image shown in the link preview, helping you improve click-through rates and brand presence.

This guide will show you how to implement Open Graph meta tags using the Yoast SEO plugin in WordPress.

Requirements

• A WordPress website
• The Yoast SEO plugin installed and activated

Step 1: Access the Yoast SEO Social Settings

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to SEO > Social.
2. Click on the Facebook tab.

Step 2: Enable Open Graph Metadata

1. Check the box labeled “Add Open Graph meta data”.
2. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

This enables the basic Open Graph functionality site-wide.

Step 3: Customize Open Graph Settings for Individual Posts or Pages

1. Edit the post or page you want to optimize.
2. Scroll down to the Yoast SEO meta box below the content editor.
3. Click on the Social tab within the Yoast SEO box.
4. Fill out the following fields:
   • Facebook Title: The custom title shown in the link preview.
   • Facebook Description: A short, engaging summary of the content.
   • Facebook Image: Upload a custom image to display when the page is shared.

Recommended image size: At least 1200 x 630 pixels for best display quality on Facebook.

Step 4: Preview and Debug Your Open Graph Tags

To see how Facebook reads your meta tags, use the Facebook Sharing Debugger:

1. Paste your post URL into the debugger tool.
2. Click “Debug”.
3. Review the preview and fix any issues if needed.

This helps ensure your Open Graph data is being read correctly by social platforms.

SEO Benefits of Open Graph Tags

• Higher Engagement: Well-formatted previews increase clicks.
• Improved Branding: Control how your content appears when shared.
• Reduced Bounce Rates: Accurate previews help match user expectations.