WordPress Plugins to Get More Blog Comments (2026 Update)

Looking for WordPress plugins to get more blog comments? Comments give you feedback, fresh ideas and social proof, and they turn a post into a conversation. Back in 2009 our guest author used a handful of plugins to dramatically boost comments on his blog. Several of those plugins have since been closed or abandoned, so here is what still works in 2026, and what to use instead.

Quick answer: Start with WordPress’s built-in threaded comments and reply to every comment. For a richer comment section, wpDiscuz adds live AJAX comments, voting and subscriptions while keeping comments in your own database. Use Akismet to keep spam out, and a top commentators widget to reward regulars. Avoid old “DoFollow” tricks and the retired CommentLuv plugin.

The best WordPress plugins to get more blog comments

1. Built-in threaded comments (no plugin needed)

In 2009 you needed a plugin to let readers reply directly to each other. Threaded (nested) comments have been built into WordPress since version 2.7. Turn them on under Settings > Discussion by enabling nested comments, and make sure your theme supports them (most modern themes do). Readers are far more likely to join in when they can reply to a specific comment.

2. wpDiscuz

wpDiscuz is an actively maintained comment plugin that replaces the default comment form with a modern, interactive one. Features include AJAX and live comments, multi-level replies, comment voting, inline comments on parts of a post, follow and subscription options, and social login. Comments stay in your own WordPress database, so you keep them if you ever switch plugins.

3. Jetpack Comments and Subscriptions

Jetpack can replace the default comment form with an improved one that supports social media logins, and its Subscriptions feature lets readers get notified about new posts or comments. Notifications bring commenters back to continue the conversation, which was the main benefit of the old “subscribe to comments” plugins.

4. Top Commentators Widget

Showing your most active commenters in the sidebar rewards regulars with recognition and a link, and encourages others to join in. The Top Commentators Widget plugin does this. Exclude yourself from the list, and moderate carefully so spammers cannot game it.

5. Akismet Anti-Spam

More comments also means more spam. Akismet, from the makers of WordPress, filters spam automatically so genuine comments get approved faster. A clean comment section makes real readers more willing to take part.

Old comment plugins to avoid in 2026

• DoFollow plugins: removing nofollow from comment links attracted a flood of comments in 2009, but mostly from people chasing links. Google expects user-generated links to be marked rel="ugc" or nofollow, which WordPress does by default. Keep it that way.
• CommentLuv: once hugely popular for showing a commenter’s latest post, it was closed on WordPress.org in March 2024 for security reasons.
• Subscribe to Comments Reloaded: closed on WordPress.org in April 2026 due to a security issue. Use wpDiscuz or Jetpack subscriptions instead.
• IntenseDebate: still downloadable but only maintained, not actively developed, and not tested with recent WordPress versions.
• WordPress Thread Comment: no longer needed, since threaded comments are built in.

Non-plugin ways to get more comments

Plugins only help if readers have a reason to comment. As the original author put it, it is all about give and take:

• End each post with a specific question for readers.
• Reply to every comment, quickly and personally.
• Keep the comment form short: name, email and comment are enough.
• Comment on other blogs in your niche to build relationships.
• Highlight great reader comments in future posts.

For more ideas, see our tips for making great blog comments that get accepted, learn how to get a Gravatar for blog comments, and find out whether spam comments hurt WordPress SEO.

FAQ

Do blog comments still matter in 2026?

Yes. Comments build community, show readers the blog is active, and often add useful details to a post. Many conversations have moved to social media, so a healthy comment section helps a blog stand out.

Should I make my blog comments dofollow?

No. It mainly attracts link spam. WordPress adds nofollow to comment links by default, and Google recommends marking user-generated links with rel=”ugc” or rel=”nofollow”.

Is it better to use Disqus or native WordPress comments?

Native comments (optionally enhanced with wpDiscuz) keep your comments in your own database and load faster. Third-party systems store comments on their servers and can add ads or tracking.

How do I stop spam comments on WordPress?

Use Akismet, hold first-time comments for moderation, and close comments on very old posts if spam keeps coming.

Originally written by guest author Luqmaan Ameen, a blogger and software developer who wrote about computers and the internet. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.