This plugin adds a dynamic block or shortcode to show estimated reading time and word count for WordPress posts, pages, or custom post types.
Features:
- Automatically appends reading time and word count to the top of posts
- Optional display under title
- Shortcode: [reading_time]
- Uses average reading speed of 200 WPM
- Admin settings to enable/disable sections
Great for improving user experience, accessibility, and SEO readability metrics.
- Upload the plugin folder to the
/wp-content/plugins/
directory.
- Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
- Click on Reading Time in the WordPress admin menu (clock icon on the left sidebar).
- On the Reading Time & Word Count Settings screen, configure the following options:
- Show Word Count – Toggle display of total word count.
- Show with Title – Display reading time below the post title.
- Show with Content – Display reading time above the post content.
- Optionally insert the shortcode
[reading_time]
anywhere in your content or theme template.
Note: The plugin uses an average reading speed of 200 words per minute.