WordPress has come a long way since it first started back in 2003.
It began as a simple blogging platform but has evolved into the most popular website-building tool in the world.
In 2024, WordPress continues to dominate the web, with countless new features and improvements that make it even more user-friendly and powerful.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your first blog or a seasoned developer building complex websites, WordPress has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll dive into 10 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about WordPress in 2024.
1. WordPress Powers 43% of the Internet
One of the most impressive things about WordPress is just how much of the internet it controls.
As of 2024, WordPress powers a whopping 43% of all websites online.
That means nearly half of the websites you visit are built on WordPress!
From small personal blogs to massive corporate websites, WordPress continues to be the go-to choice for website creation.
Some well-known sites that use WordPress include The New Yorker, TechCrunch, and even the official website of the White House.
Whether you’re browsing an article, shopping online, or reading the latest news, there’s a good chance WordPress is behind it!
2. WordPress Now Offers Full Site Editing (FSE)
In 2024, WordPress introduced a powerful feature called Full Site Editing (FSE).
FSE allows you to design your entire website using a block-based editor, which means that not only can you edit the content of your pages and posts, but you can also customize your website’s header, footer, and sidebars using the same easy-to-use blocks.
FSE makes website customization easier than ever, even for beginners.
No coding skills are needed!
You can simply drag and drop blocks to design your website exactly how you want it.
This feature is especially great for people who want full control over the look and feel of their site without hiring a developer.
3. WordPress is Available in Over 200 Languages
One of the reasons WordPress is so popular worldwide is because it’s available in over 200 languages.
This makes it easy for people from all corners of the globe to use WordPress in their native language.
Whether you speak Spanish, French, German, Japanese, or even more niche languages, WordPress has you covered.
The WordPress community has worked hard to translate the platform into as many languages as possible, and new languages are being added all the time.
This commitment to inclusivity helps make WordPress accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.
4. There are Over 60,000 WordPress Plugins Available
If you’re familiar with WordPress, you probably know that plugins are one of its most powerful features.
Plugins allow you to add new features and functionality to your website with just a few clicks.
As of 2024, there are over 60,000 free plugins available in the official WordPress plugin directory!
Need to improve your site’s SEO? There’s a plugin for that.
Want to add an online store to your blog? There’s a plugin for that too.
Plugins like Yoast SEO, WooCommerce, and Elementor are just a few examples of popular tools that help WordPress users extend their website’s capabilities without writing a single line of code.
5. WordPress is Still Free and Open-Source
One of the best things about WordPress is that it’s still completely free in 2024.
Yes, you heard that right—WordPress doesn’t charge any fees to download or use its core platform.
This makes it accessible to anyone who wants to build a website, regardless of their budget.
WordPress is also open-source, meaning anyone can view and modify the source code, which has led to a massive global community of developers who continuously improve WordPress and create new features.
The open-source nature of WordPress has kept it evolving and improving over the years, and it’s part of why it remains so popular today.
6. WordPress Can Now Be Used as a Headless CMS
In 2024, a new trend called “headless WordPress” is becoming more popular.
But what does that mean?
Essentially, headless WordPress separates the back-end (where you manage your content) from the front-end (what visitors see).
This gives developers more flexibility to build the front-end using different technologies, like React or Vue.js, while still managing content through WordPress.
This approach is ideal for creating faster, more interactive websites.
While it’s not something most beginners will need, developers love the flexibility that headless WordPress provides.
It opens up endless possibilities for creating custom websites with lightning-fast performance.
7. Security is a Top Priority
Because WordPress powers so many websites, it’s a common target for hackers.
But don’t worry—WordPress takes security very seriously.
In 2024, WordPress has stronger security features than ever before.
The core WordPress team releases regular updates to patch vulnerabilities and protect your site from potential threats.
Additionally, there are thousands of security plugins available to help keep your site safe.
Popular plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri offer features like two-factor authentication, malware scanning, and firewall protection.
These tools give you peace of mind knowing your website is secure from hackers and other malicious attacks.
8. WordPress is Becoming More Eco-Friendly
In an era where sustainability is becoming more important, WordPress is doing its part to be eco-friendly.
In 2024, WordPress partnered with several hosting companies to offer green hosting options.
These companies use renewable energy to power their servers, reducing the carbon footprint of WordPress websites.
In addition to eco-friendly hosting, WordPress has also made improvements to its code to make websites more energy-efficient.
This means that websites built on WordPress now require less energy to run, contributing to a greener internet!
9. There are More Than 11,000 Free WordPress Themes
One of the best things about WordPress is how easy it is to change the design of your site.
In 2024, the official WordPress theme directory has over 11,000 free themes to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a sleek business design, a creative portfolio, or a minimalist blog layout, there’s a theme for every type of website.
And if you want even more customization options, premium themes are available from marketplaces like ThemeForest.
These themes often come with extra features and support, allowing you to build a unique and professional website.
10. WordPress Events are More Accessible Than Ever
The WordPress community isn’t just online—it’s also a vibrant, real-world community.
In 2024, WordPress events, like WordCamps and local meetups, have become more accessible than ever before.
Thanks to the rise of virtual events, anyone from anywhere in the world can attend WordPress gatherings to learn, network, and share ideas.
These events feature expert speakers, workshops, and hands-on sessions where you can improve your WordPress skills.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to dive deeper into the platform, attending a WordPress event is a great way to expand your knowledge and connect with others who share your passion.
Conclusion
WordPress in 2024 continues to amaze with its versatility, power, and ease of use.
From its growing dominance on the web to new features like Full Site Editing and headless capabilities, WordPress shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re a beginner building your first website or an experienced developer creating complex web applications, WordPress has something to offer.
With its free and open-source nature, the support of a global community, and thousands of themes and plugins, WordPress remains the top choice for website creation in 2024.
These 10 interesting facts highlight just how much WordPress has evolved, and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for this incredible platform.
