WordPress is the world’s most popular website-building platform, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these 10 surprising facts about WordPress will give you a new perspective on this powerful platform.
1. WordPress Powers Over 43% of the Web
Yes, you read that right! More than 43% of all websites on the internet run on WordPress, making it the most widely used content management system (CMS).
From small blogs to major corporations like BBC, Sony, and TechCrunch, WordPress is the go-to choice for millions.
2. WordPress Is Completely Free
Despite being the most popular website platform, WordPress itself is 100% free and open-source. Anyone can download, modify, and use it without paying a dime.
💡 However: You may need to pay for hosting, themes, and plugins if you want premium features.
3. WordPress Is Not Just for Blogging
Many people think WordPress is only for blogs, but it’s much more than that! You can build:
✔ eCommerce stores (WooCommerce)
✔ Business websites
✔ Portfolios
✔ Membership sites
✔ Forums & social networks
💡 Fact: WooCommerce, a WordPress plugin, powers 28% of all online stores worldwide!
4. There Are Over 59,000 Free Plugins
WordPress has a massive plugin library that allows you to add almost any feature to your website.
Want to add an online store? WooCommerce.
Need better SEO? Yoast SEO.
Looking for contact forms? WPForms.
💡 Fact: The most downloaded plugin is Contact Form 7, with over 5 million active installations!
5. WordPress Has Over 8,000 Free Themes
With thousands of free themes available, you can design your website without hiring a designer.
Whether you need a sleek business site, a creative portfolio, or a simple blog, WordPress has a theme for you.
💡 Pro Tip: Premium themes offer extra customization and advanced features.
6. WordPress Is Available in 200+ Languages
WordPress is truly global! It supports over 200 languages, making it accessible to users worldwide.
💡 Fun Fact: The most translated WordPress plugin is Yoast SEO, available in over 50 languages.
7. Major Brands Use WordPress
Some of the biggest brands and organizations trust WordPress for their websites, including:
🏛 The White House (whitehouse.gov)
🎬 The Walt Disney Company
📺 MTV News
📰 The New York Times
💡 Fact: Even NASA’s blogs run on WordPress! 🚀
8. WordPress Has a Massive Community
With millions of users, developers, and designers, WordPress has one of the largest online communities.
There are WordPress meetups, forums, and WordCamps (global events) where enthusiasts share knowledge and network.
💡 Tip: If you ever need help, there are thousands of free tutorials, forums, and Facebook groups available.
9. WordPress Is Extremely Secure—If You Keep It Updated
WordPress itself is very secure, but since it's widely used, it's also a target for hackers.
To stay safe:
✔ Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated
✔ Use strong passwords & security plugins (like Wordfence)
✔ Choose a trusted hosting provider
💡 Fact: 90% of hacked WordPress sites were not updated regularly!
10. WordPress Will Keep Growing
With continuous updates, growing community support, and new features, WordPress is not going anywhere.
🔮 Experts predict that WordPress will continue to dominate web development for years to come.
💡 Bonus Fact: WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg still plays a key role in its development today!
Final Thoughts
WordPress isn’t just a blogging tool—it’s a powerful, flexible, and ever-evolving platform that powers a huge portion of the internet. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, understanding these facts will help you make the most of WordPress.
Did any of these facts surprise you? Let us know in the comments! 🚀