Boost Sharing (PRO)
How to Show Social Share Counts (PRO)
Want your share buttons to show how many times a post has already been shared? Social Linkz PRO can display a total share count next to your buttons and a per-network count on each one. Visible counts are social proof: when readers see that a post has already been shared hundreds of times, they are far more likely to share it themselves. This page shows how to turn share counts on and style them.
PRO feature
Social share counts are a Social Linkz PRO feature, available since version 1.8.1. The free version shows share buttons but not counts.
What are social share counts?
Social share counts are numbers that show how often a post has been shared. Social Linkz can show two kinds: a total share count (one combined number for all networks) and network share counts (a separate number on each button, such as the count on the Facebook button and the count on the X button). Both are optional and controlled independently.
How to turn on the total share count
The total share count is a single number that sums shares across every network you display.
- In WordPress admin, go to Social Linkz → Settings.
- Open the Inline Content tab.
- Scroll to the Share Counts section.
- Turn on Total Share Count.
- Save your changes.
How to position and color the total count
Once the total count is on, two more options let you place and style it:
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Total Share Count Position | Choose Before to show the number ahead of the buttons, or After to show it following the buttons. |
| Total Share Count Color | Pick the text color of the count so it matches your theme or brand. |
- Set Total Share Count Position to Before or After the buttons.
- Use Total Share Count Color to choose the number's color.
- Save your changes.
How to show per-network share counts
Network share counts put a separate number on each individual button instead of (or in addition to) one combined total.
- In Social Linkz → Settings → Inline Content → Share Counts, turn on Network Share Counts.
- Save your changes.
Each button that supports counts will now display its own number.
Conclusion
Turning on share counts is one setting: enable Total Share Count and, optionally, Network Share Counts under Social Linkz → Settings → Inline Content → Share Counts, then position and color the total to fit your design. The result is built-in social proof that nudges more readers to share. Next, make sure your buttons are placed well by reviewing how to add share buttons to posts and how to style and brand your buttons.
FAQs
Why do my share counts start at zero?
Counts reflect shares made through the live share buttons on your published post. A brand-new post, or a post whose buttons were only just enabled, has no recorded shares yet, so it starts at zero and climbs as readers share it.
Do share counts update in real time?
Counts refresh as new shares come in rather than ticking up the instant a reader clicks. Reload the post after some sharing activity to see the latest numbers.
Can I show a total count and per-network counts at the same time?
Yes. Total Share Count and Network Share Counts are separate switches, so you can turn on one, the other, or both.
Do I need Social Linkz PRO for share counts?
Yes. Share counts require Social Linkz PRO (added in version 1.8.1). The free plugin displays share buttons without counts.
Where does the total count appear relative to my buttons?
Wherever you set Total Share Count Position — choose Before to show it ahead of the buttons or After to show it following them.