On December 2, WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, Executive Director Mary Hubbard, and Lead Architect Matías Ventura took the stage in San Francisco — joined by contributors and guests from around the world. And for the first time, a major WordPress release launched live during the keynote — WordPress 6.9 went out to the world as the audience watched. If you missed the livestream, you can watch the full recording below: Our favorite highlights from 2025 2025 was a milestone year for WordPress. The project shipped two major releases, welcomed record numbers of first-time contributors, and saw global adoption accelerate — especially in non-English markets.  Here’s what stood out: WordPress continues to…

WordPress 6.9 is a pivotal release that strengthens the foundation for where WordPress is heading next. The updates to the Abilities API, Interactivity API, Block Bindings, DataViews, and DataForm make the platform more connected and easier to customize. This release also puts developers in a better position to build interactive and intelligent features as WordPress moves into an AI-assisted future. Read on to learn about key updates, see what’s possible, and get excited to start building with WordPress 6.9. 1. Register AI‑ready functions with the Abilities API and MCP One of the most exciting additions to WordPress 6.9 is the new Abilities API.  When paired with the Model Context Protocol…

WordPress 6.9 is here, bringing a handful of upgrades that make life easier for bloggers, creators, and site owners. This release speeds up everyday work, improves how teams collaborate, and adds new block options that give you more room to shape your site the way you want. Here’s a look at the standout WordPress 6.9 features that have arrived since the last update in April 2025, and how they help you build more with WordPress.com. Collaborate and stage content directly in your posts Explore the latest Site Editor updates, which make it easier to do more directly inside WordPress without relying on extra tools or touching backend code. Block-level Notes …

Using AI website builders is like having a conversation with a designer, developer, and copywriter rolled into one — anything you describe can be turned into a reality.  Whether you’re designing layouts, writing copy, or refining appearances, AI handles it all through simple language prompts. This guide shows you how to build a WordPress website using AI in 12 easy steps.  Let’s assume we’re creating a site that reviews various snacks to help busy moms and health enthusiasts make purchasing decisions. You can adapt the following prompts to the site you’re building. Step 1: Define your website’s purpose and content focus First, list the key details about your site’s foundation.…

If you’re planning to move your site to WordPress.com, this step-by-step WordPress migration checklist covers everything you need for a smooth, stress-free process. You’ll find the exact workflow and steps I’ve used to successfully move WordPress sites so that you can complete your own website migration with confidence. TL;DR: Quick WordPress migration checklist Here’s a quick overview of the WordPress migration checklist that’s covered in full detail in this guide: Pre-migration steps: Plan and communicate: Decide when you’ll migrate, and let your visitors know via emails, social media, and a prominent notice on your homepage.  Pause site activity: Place the site in maintenance mode and stop making changes.  Back up…

When you’re starting a website, hosting can feel like one of the trickier choices — especially if you’re trying to balance cost, performance, security, and simplicity. In short, shared hosting is the budget-friendly option where multiple websites share the same server, while managed WordPress hosting offers better speed, security, and automatic maintenance. This guide breaks down how each option works, what you get with managed WordPress hosting, and how to choose the best fit for your needs. TL;DR: Managed WordPress hosting vs. shared hosting Managed WordPress hosting takes care of hosting, advanced security, automatic updates, and ongoing maintenance for your WordPress site. Shared WordPress hosting, on the other hand, provides…

Today, we’re celebrating 20 years of WordPress.com! We set out to put the power of publishing into everyone’s hands, and since then, millions of you have used it to build amazing things. Our beginnings and our purpose On June 20, 2005, WordPress project co-founder Matt Mullenweg hired Donncha Ó Caoimh (a software developer and WordPress contributor) and Automattic was born. Their mission: create a hosted version of WordPress that anyone could use. After beta testing in August 2005, WordPress.com launched publicly on November 21, 2005. Here’s what the homepage looked like: Why the heck not, indeed! (Source: Internet Archive) We’ve come a long way from these humble beginnings, but our…

WordPress’s open-source nature gives you true ownership and flexibility for your website. Unlike proprietary site builders, it allows you full control over every aspect of your site — from hosting and design to performance and functionality. This matters because your website is a long-term asset. The platform you choose establishes the foundation for everything you do with it, now and in the future. To help you make the right choice, in this guide, I’ll break down what “open source” means and why it sets WordPress apart from other site builders. What does “open source” actually mean? Open source refers to software (like WordPress) whose source code is open for anyone…

WordPress lets you do almost anything on your site — from publishing blog posts and selling products to, yes, even adding playable games. Games can be a fun extra or even a central part of your website experience. Whether used as digital easter eggs or interactive content, they’re a creative way to surprise visitors and keep them engaged. In this guide, we’ll cover some WordPress-compatible games and explain how to add them to your site. 1. The Google Chrome Dinosaur Game Screenshot In the Google Chrome Dinosaur Game, players control a T. rex that runs across the screen. As the T. rex approaches various obstacles, players must click the space…

For years, many believed that WordPress was only for blogging: too complicated and too vulnerable to cyberattacks.  These misconceptions spread relentlessly like the viral Labubu dolls. To debunk the most common WordPress myths, I’ll share real success stories backed by my decade of experience working with this platform. By the end of this post, you’ll learn more about our platform’s actual capabilities and determine if it fits your needs. TL;DR: 11 Common myths about WordPress, debunked MythRealityMyth #1: WordPress is only for blogging.WordPress powers 43.2% of the web, including ecommerce stores, corporate sites, and government agencies.Myth #2: WordPress is insecure.Most vulnerabilities stem from weak passwords and outdated plugins. The core…