WCEU was awesome. Amidst the buzz, we heard multiple positive feedback about InstaWP.
A dear customer approached us, saying, “Your product is amazing. InstaWP can’t get any better, I bet.”
Well, that’s positive and nice, but I said, Why not? Wait for v2.38.0. Our team is all geared up for the launch, and I can’t wait to hear from you soon.
Considering all our users want to know more about what’s in this release, we have this detailed product update ready for you. Give it a read, and we would love to hear your feedback and suggestions too.
Product Updates For Those Who Prefer Short Reads
We’ve added features like easier staging site import using Duplicator backups and beta testing support for that nerd in you, making InstaWP your go-to for seamless website management and managed hosting. Before we go into details, let’s summarize the major highlights of v2.38.0 quickly!
- Import Site from Duplicator Backups: Effortlessly import sites with ease.
- Execute Commands on InstaWP Live: (and not just staging!)
- Revamped Referral Program UI: A sleek interface and awesome rewards are here!
- Beta Testing Support: Test and iterate with the latest WordPress releases.
- Older WordPress Version Support: Explore compatibility with versions back to 5.x.
- Refresh Servers for Runcloud & ServerAvatar: Yes, no back-and-forth refreshes!
- Large Media Uploads via S3 Bucket: It will allow you to sync media effortlessly.
- WaaS Demo Preview: Showcase templates with a new front-end preview feature.
- Sort Plugins by Updates: Figure out the most outdated plugins really quickly.
- Sort Themes by Updates: Same, right?
- Categorization for API Tokens: A better UI for streamlined API token management.
- Payment History and Invoices: Improved accessibility as you can filter by plan.
Top Product Updates from InstaWP v2.38.0 Changelog
#1 – Import support for the Duplicator plugin backups as Staging sites.
InstaWP now allows users to seamlessly import WordPress sites using Duplicator backups.
Users can upload backup files directly into their InstaWP dashboard, streamlining the migration process without the need for complex configurations.
Cool, right?
This feature is crucial for users who rely on Duplicator for backing up their WordPress sites. It simplifies the process of transferring sites between different environments or servers, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in site management tasks.
To import a site using Duplicator backups in InstaWP, follow these steps:
- Upload Backup: Navigate to your InstaWP dashboard > Staging and locate the Import Site button.
- Select Duplicator Backup: Choose the Duplicator backup file (up to 512 MB) from your local storage or cloud service.
- Initiate Import: Follow the guided process to initiate the import. InstaWP will handle the deployment and setup, ensuring your site is transferred smoothly.
- Verify and Test: Once imported, verify that all site elements are functioning correctly in the new environment or staging setup.
Note: We already support WordPress Playground and UpdraftPlus backups.
#2 – Large Media Uploads via S3 Bucket
2 Way Sync supports media uploads, which can be synced from staging to live or vice versa. However, previously, if a large media file was uploaded, it would either not work or take forever to sync.
In this release, we have fixed that and added the ability to sync large media files b/w WordPress sites. Hope it’ll help you do content sync with more ease.
#3 – Ability to execute commands against InstaWP Live sites
We previously allowed WP CLI command execution for staging sites only, but there’s big news. InstaWP now allows users to execute commands directly on their hosted live websites, providing enhanced control and efficiency in site management!
This feature enables administrators to perform critical tasks such as updating plugins, managing configurations, and running diagnostics seamlessly from the InstaWP dashboard.
Oh, by the way, you can use text enclosed in double curly braces ({{variable_name}}) to denote variables while saving commands. Upon execution, you will be able to input real value for your placeholder. (I know it’s old, but just in case you didn’t know that 
)
How to Execute Commands on InstaWP Live:
- Creating and Saving a Command:
- Navigate to Commands in your InstaWP dashboard.
- Click on Create New Command and define the command details, such as updating plugins or checking site health.
- Save the command for future use.
- Executing the Command on Your Hosted Site:
- Go to your hosted site within InstaWP.
- Navigate to the Commands section specific to the site.
- Select the saved command from your list.
- Follow the prompts to execute the command directly on your live site.
#4 – Older WordPress Version support for Staging Sites, i.e., 5.x.
Working on a project that demands precision, where every plugin, theme, or site detail needs testing just right. Sometimes, you need to dive into older versions – perhaps to ensure compatibility or validate certain functionalities. So, we thought, why not offer a little more backward compatibility?!
That’s why InstaWP now supports older WordPress versions like 5.1, 5.2, and beyond. Hope it’s not just us being extra careful 
#5 – Option to create a site with WordPress Beta version
For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, InstaWP introduces Beta Testing Support. (We won’t mind if you are in both groups, though.)
It allows you to easily create staging sites with the latest WordPress beta versions to test new features, plugins, and themes. It’s your WordPress sandbox for experimentation, ensuring smooth transitions and flawless updates before going live.
#6 – A new Referral System with a credit history feature
We always felt our referral system was a bit boring, and recently we finally had time to revamp it. (Kidding, it was a big long-pending task with systematic steps.)
Yes, our referral system (Profile > Referral Program) has got a new look and style.
The updated UI allows you to effortlessly manage your earned credits, keep track of your friends’ unused credits, and conveniently download different referral badges – all from one central location. Check it out →
Additionally, you can now monitor detailed statistics such as clicks, sign-ups, and subscriptions, providing you with valuable insights to enhance your referral activities.
#7 – Sort by Updates option for Connected Sites > Plugins
As you know, InstaWP allows you to update plugins in bulk across your connected sites with a single click from the InstaWP dashboard.
Now, users can now sort the list of plugins by their update dates, enhancing visibility into the most recently updated items. (Previously, sorting was limited to alphabetical order by name.)
#8 – Sort by Updates option for Connected Sites > Themes
You guessed it right. It’s totally possible to sort your site’s themes by updates too.
#9 – Refresh Servers option for Runcloud & ServerAvatar
InstaWP makes managing WordPress sites across various hosting platforms effortless.
By integrating hosting partners like Runcloud and ServerAvatar into your InstaWP “Connect” dashboard, you can effortlessly add and oversee sites from different servers all in one place.
What’s new?
Well, it’s the “Refresh Server” feature for Runcloud and ServerAvatar.
Now, whenever you create a new site in your Runcloud or ServerAvatar dashboard, a quick click on “Refresh Server” in InstaWP instantly updates your list of connected sites.
It’s like hitting refresh on your browser but for your entire server lineup and without page reloading! This enhancement ensures you’re always up-to-date with the latest site configurations and changes without back-and-forth page refreshes.
#10 – WaaS Demo Preview on the front-end store for templates
Working with WordPress WaaS but have to go back to the Template in your dashboard because you forgot if you added that element or not? We totally get you.
Remember, you can just you the newly-added “Preview” button next time.
This enhancement allows users to preview their templates directly from the front-end store, providing a clear view of how their designs will appear to potential buyers.
#11 – Better Categorization for API Tokens
We’ve introduced a dropdown of API token categories in our UI for easier navigation and organization of tokens. Now, you can quickly switch views and locate tokens specific to different categories with enhanced ease and efficiency.
#12 – Payment history and Invoices
When accessing Profile > Billing > Payment History, you can now effortlessly download or preview invoices. We’ve streamlined this process by adding a dropdown menu, allowing you to conveniently filter invoices by plan and team.
API Improvements
InstaWP has rolled out 2 significant API enhancements:
- Now, you can execute commands directly on staging sites, streamlining your development workflows further.
- Creating new commands with custom command bodies is simpler than ever, empowering users to tailor commands precisely to their site management needs.
These improvements ensure greater flexibility and efficiency in managing and automating tasks across your websites.
What’s Next?
We’re dedicated to refining InstaWP to meet your evolving needs. Your feedback shapes our direction, so keep sending it over so that we can further enhance your website building and management with InstaWP.
Till the next release, you can check our roadmap for upcoming features and wait for v2.39.0!