2024 WordPress Market Share Insights: 43.1% of All Websites Use WordPress
As we dive into the latest trends and statistics surrounding WordPress in 2024, it’s clear that this content management system (CMS) continues to reign supreme in the digital landscape. From personal blogs to large-scale e-commerce websites, WordPress is utilized by individuals and businesses alike for its versatility and user-friendly features.
WordPress Market Share in 2024
Recent data from W3Techs reveals that approximately 43.1% of all websites on the internet are powered by WordPress. This figure encompasses a wide range of sites, including those that operate on a CMS, custom-coded platforms, and even those without a CMS. When focusing solely on known CMS platforms, WordPress’s market share skyrockets to 62.9%, signifying its dominant position in the market.
Understanding WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com
It’s essential to differentiate between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress.org is the open-source platform that allows users complete freedom to customize their sites, while WordPress.com is a commercial hosting service that offers a simplified version of the WordPress CMS. Both platforms are owned by Automattic Inc., which plays a significant role in the development of WordPress software.
Comparison with Other CMS Platforms
In the landscape of content management systems, WordPress faces minimal competition. Its closest rival, Shopify, accounts for only 4.2% of global websites. Other platforms like Joomla and Drupal lag far behind in user adoption, making WordPress the clear leader.
Current Usage Statistics
As of 2024, there are roughly 1.98 billion websites on the internet, with over 835 million of those utilizing WordPress. The platform’s popularity is further evidenced by the more than 2 million downloads it garners annually. This steady growth reflects WordPress’s ability to empower users to create and manage their websites seamlessly.
Why WordPress is So Popular
WordPress’s appeal lies in its flexibility and extensive support network. With over 59,561 plugins and 11,782 themes, users can tailor their sites to meet a variety of needs, from corporate websites to personal blogs. The vibrant community surrounding WordPress ensures that users have access to a wealth of resources, including forums, tutorials, and self-help articles.
Growth Over Time
Since tracking began, WordPress’s market share has demonstrated consistent growth. Starting at 27.3% in 2017, it has climbed to 43.1% in early 2024—a significant increase of 15.8%. Among the top 10 million most visited sites, WordPress’s share rose from 32.7% five years ago to 43% today.
Global Usage Breakdown
WordPress is available in over 70 languages, broadening its reach. In 2024, the top five countries using WordPress are:
- United States
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Brazil
The U.S. alone hosts approximately 3,768,672 WordPress sites, which represent about 10.34% of all known live WordPress-powered sites. Germany follows with 1,727,361 sites, while the UK, France, and Brazil round out the top five.
The Rise of E-Commerce with WooCommerce
Originally conceived as a blogging platform, WordPress has established itself in the e-commerce arena as well. The WooCommerce plugin, which is also owned by Automattic Inc., has transformed WordPress into the world’s leading e-commerce platform, powering 16% of the top one million e-commerce sites. This statistic highlights WooCommerce’s substantial market presence, especially among medium to high-traffic websites.
Looking Towards the Future
The future of WordPress is increasingly intertwined with technological advancements, particularly through the REST API. This interface allows developers to interact with WordPress installations using JavaScript, enabling the creation of dynamic and interactive websites and applications. As WordPress continues to evolve, it remains a suitable choice for diverse online systems, dispelling any notions that it might be losing relevance.
WordPress is not just a blogging tool; it has transformed into a comprehensive CMS that dominates both the web and e-commerce sectors. Its robust features and intuitive design ensure that it remains a go-to choice for website and online store creation.
