Add Your First Like Button
Four ways to show a like button — from one-click automatic display to Pro placement rules.
You do not need code. Most sites are live in under two minutes. Pick the method that matches how much control you want.
Method 1 — Automatic Display (start here)
This is what most bloggers, shops, and magazines use. WP ULike adds the button to every post for you.
- Go to WP ULike → Settings → Content Types → Posts.
- Turn on Automatic Display.
- Choose a Template (the default heart works great).
- Set Button Position — “After content” fits most themes.
- Save, open any single post, and click the button.
- Check WP ULike → Statistics — your test vote should appear.
The same steps work for Comments, BuddyPress, and bbPress — each has its own tab under Content Types.
Same options everywhere: Template, voting rules, likers box, and counters work the same on all content types. See Shared Content Type Options for the full list.
Method 2 — Display Automation [pro]
Need buttons on some posts but not others? Or on WooCommerce reviews, specific categories, or BuddyPress streams?
WP ULike → Tools → Display Automation
Build rules like:
- Show template X on category “Reviews” only
- Place buttons on WooCommerce product reviews
- Use a different position on BuddyPress activity
Important: If Display Automation controls placement for a content type, turn Automatic Display off for that type to avoid duplicate buttons. The Posts settings tab shows a link to Display Automation when Pro is active.
Full Display Automation guide →
Method 3 — One post only [pro]
Edit a single post → WP ULike panel in the sidebar → override template, position, or turn the button on for just that post.
Enable this under Settings → General → Show Display Panel In Post Editor.
Method 4 — Manual placement
When you want the button in a custom location:
Shortcode
[wp_ulike]
For a specific item:
[wp_ulike id="123"]
Block editor
Add the ULike Button block — it can use the current post automatically.
Counter only
[wp_ulike_counter id="123"]
Likers list
[wp_ulike_likers_box id="123"]
Quick troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
No button on the page | Is Automatic Display on? Check “Hide on” page filters. |
Two buttons showing | Turn off Automatic Display if Display Automation or a shortcode already adds one. |
Count not updating | Enable Site uses caching under General if you use a cache plugin. |
Guests cannot vote | Turn off Logged-in only under Content Types → Posts. |
Next: Fine-tune voting rules, likers box, and Pro dislike buttons in Shared Content Type Options.
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