Why WordPress Rules the Web: Facts, Usage, Themes, Plugins & Top Sites 2025

WordPress Facts You Should Know

  • WordPress powers over 43% of all websites globally, making it the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world. [Source]
  • WordPress was launched in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little as a fork of b2/cafelog.
  • It is open-source and completely free to use, with thousands of contributors worldwide.
  • The WordPress plugin repository alone hosts over 60,000 free plugins.
  • WordPress.com is a hosted platform, while WordPress.org allows self-hosted solutions with full control.

Why Choose WordPress?

  • Flexibility: WordPress can create anything from blogs to complex eCommerce sites.
  • Open Source: Free to use and highly customizable.
  • SEO-Friendly: Built with search engine optimization in mind.
  • Strong Community Support: Millions of developers and users contribute daily.
  • Scalability: Suitable for small blogs and enterprise-level websites alike.

Applications of WordPress

  • Personal blogs and portfolios
  • Business websites and corporate portals
  • eCommerce stores using WooCommerce
  • Membership and community sites
  • News websites and online magazines
  • Nonprofit and charity websites
  • Educational websites and online courses (LMS)

WordPress Usage Statistics

  • WordPress holds a CMS market share of over 63% as of 2025. [Source]
  • Over 500 new WordPress sites are launched every day.
  • More than 409 million people view over 20 billion WordPress pages monthly.

WordPress Themes

  • Thousands of free themes are available in the official WordPress Theme Directory.
  • Premium themes from developers like MyThemeShop, ThemeForest, and StudioPress offer advanced customization.
  • Popular multipurpose themes include Astra, GeneratePress, and Divi.
  • Themes control the design and layout, making WordPress adaptable to any industry.

WordPress Plugins

  • The plugin ecosystem allows you to add virtually any feature without coding.
  • Popular plugins include:
  • Both free and premium plugins are available, catering to different needs and budgets.

The Popularity of WordPress

  • WordPress powers websites of all sizes, from personal blogs to major corporate platforms.
  • Trusted by millions due to its reliability, ease of use, and robust features.
  • The massive community ensures continuous improvement and regular updates.
  • Frequent security updates and a wide array of themes and plugins maintain its position as a market leader.

Major Sites Using WordPress