Boost Engagement by Displaying Reading Time on WordPress Posts

Adding estimated reading time to your WordPress articles helps visitors manage their time expectations and can reduce bounce rates by up to 40%. This comprehensive guide covers multiple methods to implement this feature, from simple plugins to custom code solutions.

Why Show Reading Time?

• Improves user experience by setting clear expectations
• Increases time-on-page as visitors commit to reading
• Enhances SEO through better engagement metrics
• Works particularly well for long-form content (1,500+ word articles)

Method 1: Using Plugins (Easiest Solution)

Option A: Reading Time WP Plugin

1. Install and activate the Reading Time WP plugin

2. Configure settings:

   • Words per minute (default 200-300)

   • Display position (before/after content)

   • Custom labels (“min read” vs “minutes”)

3. Shortcode available for flexible placement

Option B: WP Reading Time Plugin

• Offers advanced customization:

  • Include/exclude specific post types

  • Change text color/size

  • Add icons

Method 2: Manual Implementation (For Developers)

Add this code to your functions.php file (child theme recommended):

function calculate_reading_time() {
    $content = get_post_field('post_content', get_the_ID());
    $word_count = str_word_count(strip_tags($content));
    $reading_time = ceil($word_count / 200); // 200 WPM
    
    return $reading_time . ' min read';
}
add_shortcode('reading_time', 'calculate_reading_time');

Implementation options:

• Use do_shortcode('[reading_time]') in templates
• Add directly to single.php via echo calculate_reading_time();
• Combine with post meta for caching

Method 3: Using Gutenberg Blocks

For block theme users:

1. Install Kadence Blocks or GenerateBlocks
2. Use dynamic data feature to pull word count
3. Create custom formula block with reading time calculation

Advanced Customizations

1. Progress Indicators
   Add a reading progress bar that fills as users scroll

2. Conditional Display
   Only show for posts exceeding specific word counts

3. Multi-language Support
   Implement translations for “min read” text

4. Schema Markup Integration
   Add reading time to article structured data

Best Practices

✔ Place near the title for maximum visibility
✔ Use consistent formatting (e.g., always “X min read”)
✔ Test different positions (A/B test with your theme)
✔ Combine with word count for added transparency

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Troubleshooting

❌ Time not displaying?

• Check for content filters affecting word count

• Verify shortcode implementation

❌ Inaccurate estimates?

• Adjust words-per-minute value (average is 200-300)

• Exclude shortcodes/HTML from count

Performance Considerations

• Cache reading time values for popular posts
• Consider client-side calculation for dynamic content
• Minify any added JavaScript

This feature works exceptionally well for:

• News and magazine sites
• Long-form blog content
• Tutorial and educational websites
• Recipe sites with detailed instructions

For optimal results, combine reading time with:

• Table of contents
• Progress trackers
• Estimated completion time indicators

Technical Note: The average adult reads 200-300 words per minute, but adjust this based on your audience (technical content may warrant slower rates).