WordPress has become one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world. Since its launch in 2003, it has revolutionized website development, making it accessible to everyone, from beginners to professional developers. Its ease of use, versatility, and scalability have made it the preferred choice for millions of website owners. But just how many websites are built on WordPress? This question highlights the widespread adoption and dominance of the platform in the digital world. WordPress powers a significant portion of the internet, and understanding the scope of its reach provides insight into its role in shaping the web as we know it today. In this article, we will explore how many websites are built on WordPress, why it is so popular, and the factors that contribute to its extensive use.
Why Is WordPress So Popular?
Before diving into how many websites are built on WordPress, it’s important to understand the reasons behind its popularity. WordPress is an open-source platform, which means that anyone can use, modify, and distribute the software for free. This eliminates the financial barriers to entry for many users and developers. Additionally, WordPress offers a user-friendly interface that makes website creation and management accessible even for those without technical expertise.
One of the key factors contributing to WordPress’s popularity is its flexibility. WordPress can be used to build various types of websites, from simple blogs and portfolios to complex e-commerce stores, corporate websites, and news sites. Its vast library of plugins and themes allows users to extend the functionality and design of their websites without the need for custom coding. This versatility has helped WordPress establish a significant presence across different industries and types of websites.
WordPress also benefits from a large and active community of developers, designers, and users who contribute to its continuous improvement. The availability of tutorials, forums, and support networks makes it easy for both beginners and experienced users to find solutions to their problems. Moreover, WordPress is constantly updated with new features and security enhancements, ensuring that it remains a reliable choice for web development.
How Many Websites Are Powered by WordPress?
As of 2025, WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. This number is staggering when you consider the sheer volume of websites globally. According to recent statistics, more than 800 million websites are live on the internet, with WordPress accounting for more than 40% of that total. This makes it the most widely used content management system by a considerable margin, far outpacing other CMS platforms like Joomla, Drupal, and Wix.
The 40% figure is based on the total number of websites running WordPress, including both active and inactive sites. It is estimated that out of the millions of websites built using WordPress, about 70 million are actively maintained and regularly updated. This highlights the massive reach and continued growth of WordPress in the website development landscape.
WordPress’s dominance is not limited to small personal blogs or hobby sites. Many major businesses, organizations, and institutions rely on WordPress to power their online presence. Well-known websites such as TechCrunch, BBC America, Sony Music, and even the White House have chosen WordPress for their content management needs. This further demonstrates the platform’s ability to scale and serve a wide range of users, from individuals to large corporations.
What Types of Websites Are Built on WordPress?
One of the reasons for WordPress’s widespread use is its versatility. It can be used to build nearly any type of website. Here are some of the most common types of websites built on WordPress:
Personal Blogs and Portfolios
WordPress originally started as a blogging platform, and it remains a popular choice for bloggers today. Personal blogs and portfolios are among the simplest types of websites built on WordPress. With its easy-to-use editor and customizable themes, WordPress makes it simple for individuals to create blogs or showcase their work. Whether for personal expression or professional purposes, WordPress allows users to create unique and engaging content.
Business Websites
Small businesses, startups, and large enterprises alike turn to WordPress to create their websites. WordPress offers a range of themes and plugins designed specifically for business websites, including options for e-commerce, booking systems, and lead generation. Its flexibility allows businesses to create websites that reflect their brand identity while providing essential features like contact forms, service listings, and customer testimonials.
E-Commerce Websites
WordPress is also a popular choice for e-commerce websites. With the WooCommerce plugin, users can turn their WordPress websites into fully functional online stores. WooCommerce offers a variety of features, including product pages, shopping carts, payment gateways, and inventory management. It is an excellent option for anyone looking to sell products or services online without the complexity of traditional e-commerce platforms.
News and Magazine Websites
WordPress is widely used for news outlets and online magazines. Its ability to handle large amounts of content and multimedia makes it ideal for publishers who need to update their sites frequently. WordPress’s built-in blogging functionality, along with plugins for SEO and social sharing, makes it easy to reach a broad audience and keep them engaged. Popular news websites like The New York Times and Forbes use WordPress to manage their content and deliver the latest news to their readers.
Educational Websites
Educational institutions, online courses, and learning platforms often use WordPress to build their websites. The platform provides tools for managing course content, student registration, and payments. Plugins like LearnDash allow educators to create and sell online courses, track student progress, and engage learners with interactive features. WordPress’s flexibility also enables institutions to showcase their programs, faculty, and events in a user-friendly format.
Nonprofit and Charity Websites
WordPress is an ideal platform for nonprofits and charitable organizations looking to raise awareness and funds. Many nonprofit websites feature donation forms, event calendars, and volunteer sign-up pages. WordPress allows these organizations to share their mission, connect with supporters, and create a strong online presence that helps them achieve their goals.
How Has WordPress Evolved Over Time?
Since its inception, WordPress has undergone significant changes and improvements. Initially, WordPress was created as a simple blogging tool, but it quickly grew into a fully-fledged content management system with a wide range of features and capabilities. The introduction of custom themes and plugins allowed users to personalize their websites and add functionalities without needing to know how to code.
One of the major milestones in WordPress’s evolution was the release of the Gutenberg editor in 2018. Gutenberg replaced the classic editor, offering a block-based system that allows users to create more complex layouts and designs without needing HTML or CSS knowledge. This shift made it easier for users to build visually appealing and dynamic content.
WordPress has also made strides in terms of security, performance, and mobile optimization. The platform regularly releases updates to address security vulnerabilities, ensuring that websites built on WordPress remain safe from hacking and malware. Furthermore, WordPress’s responsive themes and mobile-friendly plugins ensure that websites perform well on all devices, providing an optimal user experience for visitors on smartphones and tablets.
Why Is WordPress So Dominant?
Several factors contribute to WordPress’s dominance in the website-building space. Here are some of the key reasons why so many websites are built on WordPress:
Open Source and Free to Use
WordPress is open-source software, meaning that it is free to download, use, and modify. This has made it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike, as it eliminates the upfront costs associated with proprietary CMS platforms. The open-source nature of WordPress also allows developers to contribute to its development and improve its functionality.
User-Friendly Interface
One of the main reasons WordPress is so popular is its user-friendly interface. Even people with little to no technical experience can create and manage websites using WordPress. The intuitive dashboard, drag-and-drop editors, and pre-built themes make it easy for anyone to get started and customize their site.
Extensive Plugin Ecosystem
WordPress has an extensive ecosystem of plugins that can add virtually any feature or functionality to a website. Whether you need to add SEO optimization tools, e-commerce capabilities, or social sharing buttons, WordPress plugins make it possible to enhance your website without having to write custom code. There are thousands of free and paid plugins available, covering nearly every aspect of website management.
Active Community and Support
WordPress has a large and active community of developers, designers, and users who contribute to its growth and offer support. The availability of tutorials, forums, and online resources makes it easy to find help when needed. Additionally, the WordPress community hosts events such as WordCamps, where users can network, learn, and collaborate.
Conclusion
WordPress continues to dominate the website-building space, powering millions of websites across the globe. Its ease of use, flexibility, and active community have helped it maintain its position as the most popular content management system. As the internet continues to evolve, WordPress is likely to remain a key player, adapting to new technologies and trends while maintaining its focus on simplicity and user experience.
The number of websites built on WordPress continues to grow, and its dominance is a testament to its reliability and versatility. Whether for personal blogs, business websites, or large-scale online platforms, WordPress provides the tools and resources needed to build and manage successful websites. With ongoing updates, a wealth of themes and plugins, and a supportive community, WordPress is well-positioned to remain the go-to CMS for website creators around the world.
Related Topics
- How to Publish a Blog in WordPress?
- Who Really Controls WordPress?
- Who’s Online and How It Impacts Your Website?
