Add option to open Social Links block URLs in a new browser tab

[dharmikpatel97]

Currently, the Social Links block does not provide an option to open external social media links in a new browser tab.

Many site owners prefer external social links to open in a new tab so visitors remain on the website while visiting social media profiles.

Proposed solution:

Add an optional "Open in new tab" setting for Social Links block items, similar to standard link settings.

When enabled, the block should output:

target="_blank"
rel="noopener noreferrer"

Benefits:

• Improved user experience
• Consistent external link behavior
• Gives site owners more control
• Backward compatible because the feature is optional

​https://lightseagreen-snail-106951.hostingersite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-2.png

[wildworks]

The Social Icons block already provides an option to open in a new tab.

[wildworks]

Reported uppstream: ​https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/79273