---
title: "Widget Blocks"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/academy/widget-blocks/"
description: "[wp101 video=\"widget-blocks\"] In this video, the instructor explores the widget blocks available in WordPress, which allow you to add dynamic content (previousl…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Academy"
topics: ["General WordPress", "How To", "Videos", "WordPress 101"]
date: "2023-02-22"
last_modified: "2023-02-22"
---

# Widget Blocks

\[wp101 video=”widget-blocks”\]

In this video, the instructor explores the **widget blocks** available in WordPress, which allow you to add dynamic content (previously limited to widget areas like sidebars and footers) directly into posts and pages.

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#### **1. Categories Block**

- Displays a list of post categories.
- Options: 
    - Show as a **dropdown menu**.
    - Display the **hierarchy** (parent/child categories).
    - Show the **number of posts** in each category.

---

#### **2. Custom HTML Block**

- Lets you add **HTML code** anywhere in a page or post.
- Useful for embedding scripts, iframes, or custom code snippets.
- Preview option shows how the HTML will look when published.

---

#### **3. Latest Comments Block**

- Displays a list of **recent comments** from visitors.
- Options: 
    - Choose how many comments to display.
    - Show/hide comment excerpt.
    - Show/hide author name and post title.

---

#### **4. Latest Posts Block**

- Displays a list or grid of recent blog posts.
- Options: 
    - Show/hide **author name**, **publish date**, **excerpt**, and **featured image**.
    - Set how many posts to display.
    - Change the order of posts.

---

#### **5. Search Block**

- Adds a simple **search bar** to help visitors find content on your site.
- Customize placeholder text in the search field.

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#### **6. Social Icons Block**

- Add icons that link to your **social media profiles**.
- Options: 
    - Choose which networks to display.
    - Reorder icons.
    - Add or remove icons as needed.

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#### **7. Tag Cloud Block**

- Displays the most frequently used **tags** on your site.
- Larger font size = more frequently used tag.
- Helps visitors discover related content easily.

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#### **8. Shortcode Block**

- Allows you to insert a **shortcode**, which will be replaced by the corresponding content when published.
- Useful for older plugins or themes that rely on shortcodes.

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### **Key Takeaway:**

Widget blocks bring classic sidebar and footer functionality (categories, search, recent posts, etc.) directly into the **block editor**, giving you more flexibility when designing posts and pages.