How to Connect Google Drive to your WordPress Media Library

Managing media files in WordPress can be challenging, especially if you frequently upload large numbers of images, videos, or documents. One of the best solutions is to connect Google Drive to the WordPress media library, allowing you to store and access files directly from the cloud without taking up server storage.  

With this integration, you can easily import files from Google Drive and use them in WordPress without re-uploading. You can share files, access them from multiple devices, and ensure all content stays synchronized. This article will cover the importance of Google Drive integration with WordPress and a step-by-step guide to connecting them automatically or manually.

The Importance of Connect Google Drive to WordPress Media Library

Integrating Google Drive with your WordPress Media Library offers numerous advantages, especially for websites that frequently handle large media files. Here are the key reasons why this integration is essential:

• Saves Server Storage – Uploading numerous media files directly to WordPress can quickly consume hosting storage. Storing files in Google Drive reduces server load and ensures your website runs smoothly.
• Easy File Management – Google Drive provides a structured way to organize your files. Instead of cluttering your Media Library, you can store images, videos, and documents in folders for better accessibility.
• Faster Website Performance – A lightweight website loads faster and performs better. By offloading media files to Google Drive, you minimize server requests and improve page speed, which is crucial for user experience and SEO.
• Seamless Team Collaboration – If multiple team members manage content, Google Drive allows easy file sharing and real-time collaboration. You can grant different access levels, ensuring everyone works efficiently without the risk of accidental modifications.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Google Drive to WordPress

There are two ways to connect Google Drive to your WordPress Media Library, automatically and manually. In this guide, we'll use WP Media Folder, a powerful plugin simplifies cloud storage integration. WP Media Folder allows seamless access to Google Drive files directly from WordPress, eliminating the need for excessive server storage.

With WP Media Folder, you can automatically sync Google Drive folders, ensuring your media library stays updated in real-time. Alternatively, you can manually configure the integration, giving you more control over file management. Let's explore both methods to help you choose the best approach for your needs.

Automatically Connect Google Drive to your WordPress Media Library

Here are the steps to connect Google Drive to WordPress automatically.

Install & Activate WP Media Folder

Installing and activating the plugin is the first step in integrating Google Drive with your WordPress media library. Once activated, the plugin launches a setup wizard. To proceed, click 'Continue to environment check.' 

WP Media Folder will display information about your WordPress environment, including the PHP version and installed extensions. To proceed, simply click 'Continue'.

Next, you'll be prompted to configure some features. The plugin allows you to create, edit, and organize media folders within WordPress, so enabling the gallery and lightbox features is best. You'll also have access to additional settings, such as frontend media management for page builders. Adjust these settings as needed and click 'Continue'.

Once the setup is complete, you'll see a confirmation message. Click 'Go to Media Library' to finalize the installation.

Connecting to Google Drive

You must first install and activate the WP Media Folder Cloud Addon to link Google Drive to WordPress. This addon integrates cloud storage solutions with WordPress and follows the same installation process as a standard plugin.

Navigate to "Settings > General" in your WordPress dashboard. Scroll to the "JoomUnited live updates" section and click "Link my JoomUnited account".

In the pop-up window, enter your JoomUnited account credentials and log in.

Head to Settings > WP Media Folder, select Cloud and then choose Google Drive from the left-hand menu. Then click "Automatic" and "Connect Google Drive".

Organize File

Once connected to Google Drive, you can start organizing your files. Open the Media > Library menu on the left sidebar. You will see the Google Drive folder, then click "Add New Folder."

Then, enter the folder name and select "Create".

When the new folder is created, upload the files you need. "Select Files" and wait for the files to finish uploading.

Add Google Drive Images to your Post

After the file is uploaded, add it to the article post by adding an Image block. Then select "Media Library."

Next, select the file you want to add and click "Select".

If the image is successfully added, it will appear on the post editor page.

Manually Connect Google Drive to your WordPress Media Library

In addition to automatically connecting to Google Drive, WP Media Folder allows you to connect manually.

Create a New Project

First, visit the Google Cloud Console site, then Select a Project > Create a New Project. Fill in the following fields: project name and location or organization, and select "Create."

Enable Google Drive API

Next, you need to enable the API by selecting Google Workspace.

Then select Google Drive API > after that, click "Enable".

Create an OAuth 2.0 Client ID

With that done, open the menu by clicking the line icon in the top left corner. Then, select 'APIs & Services', followed by 'Credentials' > OAuth client ID.

Then, you need to fill in the project configuration, starting with the app, audience, and contact information, and if so, click "Create."

Next, select "Add or remove scopes" and a display will appear as follows. You are free to choose by checking between the following Google Drive APIs.

Then an automatic display will appear as follows, you only need to click "Save".

How to Connect Google Drive to your WordPress Media Library. After that, enter the Audience tab, then click "Publish App" in the Testing section.

You will then be asked to confirm by selecting "Confirm".

Add the Credentials

Now that everything is set up, you can create the client ID and secret key. From the left-hand menu, navigate to "Credentials", then click on "Create Credentials". In the dropdown menu that appears, select OAuth client ID". 

On the next screen, open the dropdown and choose "Web application". Next, enter a name for your OAuth 2.0 client. This name is for your reference only so that you can choose anything.

Scroll to the "Authorized JavaScript origins" section and enter your website's domain name in the provided field.

Under "Authorized redirect URIs", input the following URL, replacing 'https://your-domain.com' with your actual domain.

Once you've entered all the necessary details, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Create".

After a brief moment, Google will generate your client ID and client secret, displaying them in a popup. Be sure to save this information securely. Additionally, you can download these credentials as a JSON file for safekeeping.

Add Client ID to WordPress

To integrate the client ID and client secret with WordPress, navigate to Settings > WP Media Folder in your WordPress dashboard.

In the left-hand menu, go to "Cloud" > "Google Drive". Next, choose the "Manual" option. Once there, enter your client ID and client secret into the respective fields labeled Google Client ID and Google Client Secret. After that, click on "Connect to Google Drive".

A popup will appear, asking you to select the Google Drive account you want to connect. You'll then see details about the permissions required for the connection. Check the boxes next to each permission request.

Click "Continue", then finalize the setup by selecting "Save Changes". At this point, your Google Drive is successfully linked to your WordPress media library.

Conclusion

Connecting Google Drive with WordPress provides an efficient way to manage media files without overloading server storage. By storing images, videos, and documents in the cloud, users can ensure seamless file organization, faster website performance, and improved collaboration among team members. Whether using automatic or manual methods, the integration process allows easy access and synchronization of files, making content management more streamlined.

With tools like WP Media Folder, connecting Google Drive to WordPress becomes straightforward. The tool offers automated syncing and manual configuration options. Following the step-by-step setup, users can enhance their media library's functionality, ensuring files remain accessible and well-organized.