How to Optimize Images for WordPress: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Is your WordPress site running slow? Large images are usually the #1 culprit. Optimizing images is the fastest way to speed up WordPress, improve your Core Web Vitals, and rank higher on Google. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Why WordPress Sites Get Slow

When you upload an image to WordPress, it creates multiple copies. If you upload a 5MB photo, you're clogging your server and slowing down your visitors. WordPress doesn't compress images by default—you have to do it yourself.

Manual vs. Plugin Compression

Plugins can slow down your site database. The best method for speed is **Manual Compression**. Use our free online tool to compress images *before* uploading them to WordPress. This keeps your site lightweight and ensures maximum quality control.

Best Size for WordPress Images

• Blog Featured Images: 1200 x 630 px (keep under 200KB)
• Content Images: Max width 800px (keep under 150KB)
• Backgrounds: 1920 x 1080 px (keep under 250KB)
• Thumbnails: 150 x 150 px (keep under 50KB)

WebP for WordPress

Since WordPress 5.8, WebP is supported natively. Converting your JPGs and PNGs to WebP before uploading can reduce file size by 35% instantly. Use our free JPG to WebP converter to prepare your files.

Conclusion

Don't rely on heavy plugins. Compress your images online first, convert them to WebP, and watch your WordPress speed score fly. Start compressing your library now!