Topics covered

Updated for OIO Publisher 3.6.0, October 2026.

Installation requirements

  • A self-hosted WordPress site, meaning one where you can install your own plugins.
  • WordPress: OIO 3.6.0 has been tested with WordPress 6.8 to 7.1. Managing your ads from Claude needs WordPress 6.9 or newer.
  • PHP: 7.2.5 or newer is required. OIO 3.6.0 has been tested on PHP 8.4, and we recommend PHP 8.
  • Database: OIO uses your WordPress database, so there’s nothing extra to set up.

Your theme also needs the standard wp_head() and wp_footer() hooks. Almost every theme includes them. If you’re unsure, see the WordPress developer docs.

Finding your FTP or File Manager details

You only need these to install OIO manually, or to back up and restore files during an update.

File Manager: most hosts include a File Manager in their control panel (in cPanel, look for File Manager under Files). It lets you upload, copy and download files in your browser, with no extra software.

FTP: if you prefer FTP, your host’s control panel will have an FTP section with your details:

  • FTP host (for example ftp.yourdomain.com)
  • Port (usually 21)
  • Username and password

You’ll also need an FTP program such as FileZilla. If you can’t find these details, your web host can help.

Installing from WordPress (recommended)

This is the quickest way to install OIO, and you don’t need FTP. As with any new plugin, back up your site first.

  1. Download the latest OIO zip file from your account at oiopublisher.com. Don’t unzip it.
  2. In WordPress, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
  3. Choose the zip file and click Install Now.
  4. Click Activate. OIO appears in your admin menu as OIO Ad Manager.

Next, follow our getting started guide to set up your first ad zone.

The old OIO web installer has been retired. The steps above replace it.

Installing manually with FTP

Use this method if uploading through WordPress doesn’t work on your host, for example because of a file size limit.

  1. Download the latest OIO zip file from your account at oiopublisher.com and unzip it on your computer. You’ll get a folder called oiopub-direct.
  2. Using FTP or your host’s File Manager, open your site’s wp-content/plugins folder.
  3. Upload the whole oiopub-direct folder there. The folder must be called oiopub-direct, or OIO won’t work.
  4. In WordPress, go to Plugins and click Activate under OIO Ad Manager.

Tip: in cPanel’s File Manager you can upload the zip file itself into wp-content/plugins, then right-click it and choose Extract.

Updating to a new version

When a new version is out, OIO shows a notice in your WordPress admin with a link to download it.

Before you update

Always back up your database first. Then check this list. Updating replaces the whole oiopub-direct plugin folder, so anything you’ve added to that folder needs a copy on your computer:

  • uploads: banner images your advertisers uploaded. From 3.6.0 on, OIO keeps these for you automatically. If you’re updating from 3.5.5 or older, copy this folder first.
  • downloads: zip files you sell as digital downloads.
  • templates/core_custom and any theme folder you created in templates.
  • hacks.php, if you made one.
  • Files ending in _custom.php in the lang folder, if you edited a translation.

Updating

  1. Download the latest OIO zip file from your account at oiopublisher.com.
  2. In WordPress, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin, choose the zip file and click Install Now.
  3. WordPress will see that OIO is already installed. Click Replace current with uploaded.
  4. Open OIO Ad Manager. If OIO asks you to finish the upgrade, click Continue with Upgrade Now.
  5. Copy back any files from the list above, then check your ad zones and purchase page.

Your ad zones, purchases, stats and settings are stored in your database, so they carry over automatically.

Updating with FTP instead

Copy the files from the list above to your computer, delete the old oiopub-direct folder from wp-content/plugins, upload the new one, copy your files back, then open OIO Ad Manager to finish the upgrade.

Showing ads on other websites

Each ad zone’s page in OIO Ad Manager > Ad Zones includes JavaScript code. Paste it into any website, even one that isn’t running WordPress, and your OIO ads will show there.

To count clicks and impressions from those sites, add them to the referrer whitelist in the stats tracker settings.