Key highlights
- Know how many websites use WordPress today worldwide, ranging from personal blogs to large-scale business platforms.
- Learn why the biggest WordPress sites like Microsoft, CNN and Spotify trust the platform for enterprise-level security.
- Explore examples of the largest WordPress sites, including Whitehouse.gov, Sony Music and Time Magazine.
- Understand how companies that use WordPress benefit from integrated solutions, SEO features and reliable performance.
- Uncover how Bluehost WordPress hosting for small businesses offers a powerful solution for building professional websites.
WordPress is one of the most trusted content management systems (CMS) today. Launched in 2003, this open-source platform empowers web designers to build stunning websites effortlessly.
According to the survey, WordPress powers 43.5% of all websites on the internet, making it the most widely used content management system. Its market share among the largest wordpress sites with a known content management system is even more dominant, holding 64.3% of the CMS market. This widespread adoption has made WordPress a go-to platform for businesses and organizations of all sizes worldwide
Have you ever wondered how WordPress became the go-to platform for businesses and the biggest WordPress websites worldwide? Although it began as a simple blog platform, WordPress powers numerous websites, ranging from personal blogs to large business platforms. Countless businesses worldwide rely on its flexibility and ease of use to manage their online presence.
As the web continues to evolve, let’s delve into WordPress’s market share and examine some of the prominent names that utilize this versatile CMS.
Understanding WordPress’s market share and global dominance
| CMS | Website (% of total) | Website (number) |
| WordPress | 43.3% | 472 million |
| Shopify | 4.4% | 48 million |
| Wix | 2.7% | 29 million |
| Squarespace | 2.1% | 23 million |
| Joomla | 1.7% | 18 million |
It’s hard to know exactly how many websites are live at any given moment, but estimates suggest that WordPress powers over 455 million websites worldwide. BuiltWith reports that 28 million of these sites are active, including more than 36% of the top 10,000 high-traffic websites.
WordPress continues to maintain a commanding lead over other CMS platforms. According to W3Techs, WordPress powers 43.3% of all websites, making it more popular than all other content management systems combined. In comparison, its closest competitor is Shopify.
One of the primary reasons for WordPress’s success is its commitment to being open-source, which enables thousands of developers worldwide to continually improve the platform. This collaborative effort has yielded a system that provides complete control over your content. Whether you’re running a personal blog or a high-traffic eCommerce store, WordPress’s flexibility stands out. It is easy to install and highly customizable. These features make it the preferred choice for millions of users worldwide.
What makes WordPress the preferred choice for brands?
The pricing options available on WordPress.org offer users a selection that ranges from a freemium plan with more restricted features compared to alternative free website builders to eCommerce plans suitable for small businesses. If you’re wondering how many websites use WordPress, the answer is millions worldwide, spanning from personal blogs to large business platforms.
Notably, WordPress.org boasts an impressive clientele that includes big brands such as CNN, Spotify, People, TIME, Microsoft, Popular TED Talks program, The Rolling Stones, etc. In a strategic move, Microsoft discontinued its Windows Live Spaces blogging service in 2010 and opted for a partnership with WordPress.
Why do big companies choose WordPress.org?
Many of the world’s largest companies, including Fortune 500 brands, rely on WordPress to manage their digital presence. These companies that use WordPress benefit from the platform because WordPress.org offers:
- Scalability: WordPress site is built to handle websites of any size, from small, static sites to large, dynamic ones with high traffic. As businesses grow, WordPress scales alongside them, ensuring that their site remains fast and secure.
- Customization: Companies need unique WordPress sites that represent their brand. With WordPress.org, businesses can choose from thousands of WordPress themes, free and premium plugins or even opt for custom designs. The platform’s flexibility allows for complete control over design, functionality and content.
- Security and reliability: Large companies can’t afford downtime or security breaches. WordPress.org offers enterprise-level security features and automatic backups, making it a dependable choice for major organizations.
- Integrated solutions: For businesses that need more than just a website, WordPress integrates seamlessly with various tools and services, such as eCommerce platforms, marketing automation and CRM tools. This means businesses can manage all their online needs from one centralized location.
- Marketing-friendly: Some of the big brands that use WordPress.org include Microsoft, CNN, Spotify and TED. These major brands rely on WordPress to manage the intricacies of their online presence while delivering exceptional performance. Additionally, WordPress.org’s SEO-friendly features make it a marketing powerhouse, helping businesses maintain visibility and rank well on search engines.
Some of the major brands that utilize WordPress include Microsoft, CNN, Spotify and TED. These major brands rely on WordPress.org to manage the complexities of their online presence while delivering exceptional performance. WordPress, paired with the best CMS hosting for small businesses, offers a powerful and scalable solution.
Why do bloggers love WordPress.org?
While big companies appreciate the scalability and advanced features of WordPress, bloggers are drawn to its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you’re starting a new blog or looking to grow an existing one, WordPress has features that make it easy for anyone to publish content and build an audience.
- : WordPress.org’s intuitive interface allows bloggers to start writing and publishing content with minimal effort. Even those without technical skills can build beautiful, professional-looking blogs thanks to the platform’s user-friendly design tools.
- Customization options: Bloggers can choose from a wide range of themes and customization options. This makes it easy to personalize their blog’s look and feel. With WordPress.org, you can create a unique space that reflects your personality and content.
- SEO and traffic growth: WordPress.org comes equipped with powerful SEO tools, enabling bloggers to reach a wider audience. The platform also integrates with social media, making it easy to share posts and grow a following. Many of the world’s top bloggers use WordPress.org because it helps them attract and retain readers.
- Community support: WordPress.org has a large and active community of users who share tips, advice and resources. For bloggers, this means access to a wealth of knowledge and support to overcome challenges and grow their WordPress site.
From hobbyist bloggers to full-time content creators, WordPress.org offers all the tools needed to create a successful blog. log.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com: Which is right for you?
When comparing WordPress.org and WordPress.com, it’s essential to recognize that they cater to distinct user bases. WordPress.org offers complete control, making it ideal for those who want full ownership, extensive customization and the freedom to monetize their sites. This platform is perfect for businesses and individuals building complex websites or online stores. In contrast, WordPress.com offers a simpler, more guided experience, ideal for beginners and those who prefer minimal technical involvement. While WordPress.com is ideal for quick, hassle-free website creation, WordPress.org is suited for scalability and growth.
WordPress.org provides unparalleled freedom and versatility. It gives you full control over your website’s design, features and hosting, allowing you to tailor every detail to meet your specific needs, whether you’re building a blog, a business website or an online store.
Largest WordPress sites in 2025 and who runs them
Millions of users rely on WordPress. Many amazing websites running on the WordPress CMS may even surprise you:
Whitehouse.gov
The official White House website has continued to use WordPress over the past few administrations. This government website is understandably focused on security and decided on a reliable CMS for that reason.
Sony Music’s website
One of the world’s largest music companies, Sony Music, operates on a sleek, modern website built with WordPress. Sony Music’s ongoing focus is on building Web destinations that offer clean and easy navigation and compelling user experiences.
Cisco
The networking giant Cisco runs its blogs on the WordPress platform, making it easy for multiple contributors to add new stories as needed. Cisco publishes hundreds of articles, so it needs a CMS that seamlessly handles the influx of content.
TechCrunch.com
TechCrunch.com is a billion-dollar technology news site that uses WordPress to share breaking news quickly. The website has a simple, easy-to-navigate layout and content optimized for the most popular web browsers.
Meta Newsroom
One of the largest social media platforms in the world, Meta, powers its Newsroom website with WordPress. Meta News shares blogs and articles about topics related to WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other Meta projects. They leverage its features to manage a wide range of content, from press releases to multimedia galleries.
Time Magazine
Time Magazine is the oldest and most respected American press website. It covers a wide array of topics including politics, health, technology, entertainment, science etc. Their website, powered by WordPress, takes advantage of the platform’s flexibility to manage vast amounts of content.
PlayStation Blog
PlayStation, one of the leading gaming companies globally, uses WordPress to run its gaming website. The platform provides game tips, the latest game releases, insider news and much more, offering a dynamic experience for its community.
Spotify Newsroom
Spotify Newsroom is the official press site for the Spotify music streaming app. Visitors can explore the latest news, updates, music releases and sign up for a one-of-a-kind email newsletter to stay informed.
Rolling Stone
The music and pop culture magazine Rolling Stone also uses WordPress for its website. They publish new videos and graphic-heavy stories every day for thousands of readers.
Microsoft News
Microsoft News showcases the most recent web developments within the company. It provides updates, news and stories that highlight the latest happenings at Microsoft.
These are just a few of the millions of other websites using WordPress. These organizations have different reasons for choosing the platform, but the easy-to-use wordpress themes and wordpress plugins customization appeal to most users.
WordPress websites are easy to build, especially with the help of website builders like Bluehost. Bluehost offers intuitive tools that make it simple for anyone, even without technical skills, to edit and manage their website like a pro. Their user-friendly interface and reliable web hosting solutions allow you to create a professional site with ease.
Get started with Bluehost and build your WordPress website today!
Is WordPress expected to maintain its position as the leading CMS on the internet?
WordPress is poised for continued growth, maintaining its agility and strong support as a well-established open-source platform. Over the years, it has consistently demonstrated its ability to swiftly address bugs and security vulnerabilities, thanks to its active global community of WordPress developers. This ongoing commitment to improvement shows no signs of slowing down, which makes WordPress a dependable choice for millions of users.
WooCommerce’s role in WordPress’s competitiveness
The integration of WooCommerce, a prominent eCommerce plugin acquired by Automatic in 2015, has played a pivotal role in WordPress’s ability to stay competitive. WooCommerce has been instrumental in allowing WordPress to compete in the rapidly evolving eCommerce space, providing online store owners with an easy-to-use and highly customizable solution. With WooCommerce holding a significant share of the eCommerce market, it has cemented its position as a leading platform for large and small businesses in the competitive landscape of online retail. In the market, it has solidified its position as a leading platform for both large and small businesses in the competitive online retail landscape.
WordPress.org vs Wix.com: The rising competition
The competition between WordPress.org and Wix.com is intensifying as both platforms cater to different audiences with distinct needs. WordPress.org is known for its flexibility, offering complete control over customization, scalability and functionality.
On the other hand, Wix.com targets users seeking simplicity and ease of use. Its drag-and-drop interface and all-in-one hosting solution make it a favorite for beginners and small businesses that want a quick setup without technical complexity. However, as WordPress.org continues to enhance its offerings and streamline its user experience, it is closing the gap with Wix in terms of accessibility.
The question of whether WordPress.org will ultimately surpass Wix.com as the leading site hosting service remains uncertain. However, it’s highly likely that WordPress’s enduring open-source design is here to stay and time will be the ultimate judge of any potential shifts in popularity.
2025 trends: What’s happening with WordPress’s market share?
Over the years, WordPress has demonstrated substantial growth in its CMS market share, indicating that it is poised to maintain its leading role in the CMS industry. It’s worth noting, however, that most of WordPress’s market share gains have come at the expense of similar competitors, specifically free, open-source content management systems such as Joomla and Drupal.
Conversely, platforms like Shopify, Squarespace and Wix, which deviate from the WordPress model, have witnessed noteworthy growth, even from a minimal presence a decade ago. Consequently, it’s plausible that these platforms may pose a challenge to WordPress’s market share in the years to come.
Who are WordPress’s biggest competitors in the CMS market?
WordPress remains the dominant force in the content management system (CMS) market, holding a commanding position in WordPress’s market share, but it faces stiff competition from several key platforms. Each competitor brings unique strengths and focuses to the table, catering to different user needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of WordPress’s biggest competitors:
Shopify
Shopify is primarily an eCommerce platform, but it also offers basic website-building features. Shopify is ideal for businesses looking to build and manage online stores with ease. Its eCommerce-centric approach is perfect for entrepreneurs and growing businesses that prioritize selling products or services online.
Strengths
Shopify is known for its user-friendly and highly specialized eCommerce tools. It excels in managing product inventories and integrating payment gateways. Its simplicity allows business owners to launch an online store quickly without technical expertise. This makes it a go-to for small to medium-sized businesses focused on selling products online. Shopify also offers a vast library of apps and themes to customize the look and functionality of eCommerce stores.
Weaknesses
While Shopify shines in eCommerce, its capabilities for non-eCommerce websites are more limited. Its design flexibility and overall versatility are constrained when compared to a more open-source CMS like WordPress. Users who need full control over their website or require features beyond eCommerce may find Shopify less adaptable.
Also read: Shopify vs WooCommerce
Wix
Shopify is primarily an eCommerce platform, but it also offers basic website-building features. Shopify is ideal for businesses seeking to easily build and manage online stores. Its eCommerce-centric approach is perfect for entrepreneurs and growing businesses that prioritize selling products or services online.
Strengths
Shopify is known for its user-friendly and highly specialized eCommerce tools. It excels in managing product inventories and integrating payment gateways. Its simplicity allows business owners to launch an online store quickly without technical expertise. This makes it a go-to for small to medium-sized businesses focused on selling products online. Shopify also offers a vast library of apps and themes to customize the look and functionality of eCommerce stores.
Weaknesses
While Shopify shines in eCommerce, its capabilities for non-eCommerce websites are more limited. Its design flexibility and overall versatility are constrained when compared to a more open-source CMS like WordPress. Users who need full control over their website or require features beyond eCommerce may find Shopify less adaptable.
Also read: Shopify vs WooCommerce
Squarespace
Squarespace is a fully hosted website builder focused on design and aesthetics. Squarespace is ideal for creative professionals, small businesses and anyone seeking visually stunning websites without the complexity of coding. It’s also a good choice for users who want a polished, all-in-one solution without worrying about external hosting or security.
Strengths
Squarespace is widely praised for its beautiful, professionally designed templates and a strong focus on visual appeal. It’s particularly popular with creative professionals, such as photographers, designers and artists, who need a portfolio site to showcase their work elegantly. Squarespace also offers integrated eCommerce tools, blogging capabilities and easy-to-use customization features, making it a versatile option for different types of users.
Weaknesses
While Squarespace excels in design, it is not as customizable as WordPress. The range of WordPress plugins and integrations is more limited and users with specific functionality needs may find Squarespace somewhat restrictive. Additionally, because it’s a closed platform, users are bound to Squarespace’s hosting and may face limitations in scalability as their needs grow.
Also read: Squarespace vs Bluehost: Where Should You Host Your Site?
Joomla
Joomla is an open-source CMS that, like WordPress, offers flexibility and control over website development. Joomla is ideal for more complex websites, such as corporate sites, government portals or large-scale community platforms, that require advanced functionality and extensive customization. It’s also a good fit for users who need robust multilingual capabilities and are comfortable with a more technically involved CMS.
Strengths
Joomla provides a powerful platform for building complex websites with robust functionality. It features a flexible system for managing diverse types of content and supports multiple user access levels. Joomla also offers strong multilingual capabilities out of the box, making it a top choice for global websites or businesses that require content in multiple languages. Its community-driven development means that users can access many free extensions and templates to enhance their websites.
Weaknesses
Joomla has a steeper learning curve compared to WordPress and it is often seen as less user-friendly for beginners. While it offers considerable customization potential, its complexity may be overwhelming for users without technical expertise. Furthermore, its plugin ecosystem is not as vast as WordPress, which can limit its adaptability to specific needs.
Also read: Joomla vs WordPress vs Drupal: Choosing the Right CMS
Drupal
Drupal is a highly customizable, open-source CMS known for its strength in creating large, complex websites. Drupal is best suited for large organizations, government websites and enterprises that require powerful, secure and highly customized solutions. It is ideal for high-traffic websites, complex data or content management needs.
Strengths
Drupal offers extensive customization and scalability, making it ideal for enterprises and organizations that require highly specialized websites. Its strong focus on security and performance makes it a favorite among governments, educational institutions and businesses with high traffic or sensitive data needs. Drupal’s modular structure allows developers to add advanced functionality to the site without being restricted by a pre-designed template.
Weaknesses
Drupal is one of the most complex CMS platforms, with a very steep learning curve. It is not recommended for beginners or users who do not have development expertise. Additionally, its smaller community and WordPress ecosystem mean that it may not have as many ready-made solutions as WordPress.
While WordPress continues to dominate the CMS market with its vast user base, strong developer community and versatility, each of these competitors has its unique strengths and caters to specific use cases. Businesses and individuals should assess their specific needs, technical expertise and goals when choosing the most suitable CMS platform for their projects.
WordPress is extensively used across various industries, but it is particularly dominant in sectors like blogging, small to medium-sized businesses and eCommerce. Its versatility and ease of use make it a preferred choice for content creators, entrepreneurs and online retailers.
Also read: Drupal vs WordPress: Which CMS is Right for You?
Common questions related to the market share of WordPress
WordPress has become the backbone of the internet, powering a vast number of websites worldwide. But just how many websites use WordPress today? The platform supports millions of sites, ranging from personal blogs to some of the biggest WordPress sites owned by major corporations. Here are some common concerns to look into.
Are there specific sectors or industries where WordPress holds a particularly dominant market share?
Its versatility and scalability make it the preferred choice for many companies that use WordPress to establish their online presence. Whether you are looking for the best CMS hosting for a small business or aiming to build your own website, WordPress offers flexible solutions that cater to all needs.
Can you provide insights into the trends and future of WordPress in the CMS market?
The future of WordPress in the CMS market is promising, thanks to its continuous evolution and adaptability. Trends show an increasing shift towards block-based editors (like the Gutenberg editor), enhancing ease of use for non-technical users. There’s a growing emphasis on mobile responsiveness and accessibility, ensuring business sites are user-friendly on all devices.
Integration with emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, for improved SEO, personalization and content management is also on the rise, which will further solidify WordPress’s market share. As WordPress continues to evolve, it is expected to support even the largest WordPress sites with scalable WordPress solutions that meet the demands of high traffic and complex functionality.
What are the costs involved in running and maintaining a big website on the WordPress platform?
The cost of running and maintaining a large WordPress website with Bluehost can vary significantly based on several factors. Key expenses include hosting (shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting or WordPress hosting), most popular WordPress themes and WordPress plugins, custom development, security measures (like SSL certificates and security plugins) and ongoing maintenance and support services.
If you’re still wondering how many websites use WordPress, the answer is millions, including some of the biggest WordPress sites on the internet. This widespread adoption is due in part to the platform’s scalability and flexibility, making it a top choice among companies that use WordPress to power their online presence.
For those looking to start out, Bluehost offers the best CMS hosting for small businesses, providing reliable and user-friendly solutions to get your WordPress site up and running smoothly.
Final thoughts
WordPress is powering more websites than ever before, standing in its position as the go-to CMS for a wide range of users. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a favorite among both WordPress developers and designers. Beyond personal blogs and small businesses, hundreds of big brands, non-profit organizations and institutions also rely on WordPress to run their websites. This widespread adoption is a key reason why WordPress’s market share continues to grow and dominate the CMS landscape.
Getting started with WordPress is simple. To run a website using WordPress, simply install it on your domain. You can easily do that with any Bluehost plan.
Get started building your new website today with Bluehost WordPress hosting.
FAQ’s
Big companies like Microsoft News, Spotify and CNN use WordPress because it offers scalability, security and flexibility. These big brands rely on their customization options, plugins and integrations to manage high-traffic business sites with ease.
What makes WordPress stand out is its versatility. From personal blogs to large business sites, it allows users to build their own website with powerful tools, SEO features and the most popular WordPress themes.
WordPress dominates the CMS market share, powering over 40% of all websites worldwide. Its growth continues as more users, from Harvard University to the New York Post, adopt it for content management.
Many big companies and institutions, including Microsoft News, Harvard University and the New York Post, use WordPress to power their websites. These examples prove WordPress’s ability to handle everything from academic sites to global news outlets.
Yes, you can build your own website on WordPress without coding knowledge. Its intuitive interface, themes, and plugins make it beginner-friendly while still offering advanced features for business sites and big brands.
The most popular WordPress themes include Astra, Divi and OceanWP. These themes are lightweight, customizable and SEO-friendly, making them ideal for personal blogs, business sites and even big companies that use WordPress.
WordPress continues to lead the CMS market share by offering scalability, flexibility and open-source innovation. Its dominance comes from powering millions of websites, making it more popular than all other content management systems combined.
Write A Comment