Meta Fetcher
This plugin provides a simple [meta] shortcode that allows you to fetch meta information for the current $post. There are options to return a single value, multiple values joined by a user defined string, or a JSON…
Consider an alternative
Meta Fetcher shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 11 years ago, and scores 23/100 on our health check.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 10 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.4 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & supportDaily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where Meta Fetcher stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| meta | >100 |
| post | >100 |
| shortcode | >100 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
About Meta Fetcher
From the official readme · v0.4Description
This plugin provides a simple [meta] shortcode that allows you to fetch meta information for the current $post.
There are options to return a single value, multiple values joined by a user defined string, or a JSON string.
Examples:
[meta name="your_meta_field"]
This will return the value of “your_meta_field”. If the value is an array, it will return a comma separated list, unless you specify an alternative join string.
[meta name="your_meta_field" single="false"]
By default, [meta] will return a single value. If you have multiple meta fields with the same name, you can get them all by setting single=”false”.
[meta name="your_meta_field" single="false" json="true"]
This will return the JSON encoded value of “your_meta_field”.
[meta name="your_meta_field" single="false" join="|"]
This will return a pipe separated values of “your_meta_field”.
[meta name="your_meta_field" shortcode="false"]
By default, the value will be passed to do_shortcode, unless you turn if off.
[meta name="your_meta_field" filters="true"]
There are a couple filters available if you want to filter the value. They are called after do_shortcode and before any JSON/array handling.
They are on be default, but can be turned of with filters=”false”. The filters are “meta_fetcher_value” and “meta_fetcher_{$name}”.
Installation
- Upload
meta-fetcherfolder to the/wp-content/plugins/directory - Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
- Add shortcode to your content:
[meta name="some_name_here" default="some default content"]
Changelog
0.4
- Added option to return a JSON string.
- Added options for handling array meta values.
0.3
- Added better checking for argument values.
0.2
- Added additional arguments.
0.1
- Initial build
For developers
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Best Meta Fetcher alternatives
All meta plugins →FAQ
Meta Fetcher: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Is Meta Fetcher free?
Yes. Meta Fetcher is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is Meta Fetcher safe to use in 2026?
Meta Fetcher shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 11 years ago, and scores 23/100 on our health check.
How many websites use Meta Fetcher?
Meta Fetcher is active on 10+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 1,900 times since it launched in May 2014. It was downloaded 42 times in the last 30 days.
Does Meta Fetcher work with WordPress 7.1?
Meta Fetcher is officially tested up to WordPress 4.4.0, while the latest release is 7.1.2. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
When was Meta Fetcher last updated?
The latest version, 0.4, was released on December 8, 2015 (11 years ago).
Who makes Meta Fetcher?
Meta Fetcher is developed and maintained by webdeveric.
What are the best alternatives to Meta Fetcher?
The most popular alternatives to Meta Fetcher are Advanced Custom Fields (ACF… (2M+ installs), Meta for WooCommerce (400K+ installs) and Meta pixel for WordPress (400K+ installs).
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