What Size Is a Featured Photo?
When creating content for your WordPress site, selecting the appropriate size for your featured images is crucial. These images not only catch the eye but also significantly affect your site’s SEO and loading times. In this guide, we’ll explore how to optimise your featured image size for both user engagement and search engine rankings.
Understanding Featured Images in WordPress
What Is the Standard Featured Image in WordPress?
The standard featured image size can vary depending on the theme you use. Generally, a size of 1200×628 pixels works well as it is large enough to be engaging without being too heavy on load times. This dimension suits a variety of devices and orientations, making it a versatile choice for bloggers and webmasters.
WordPress Featured Image Size 2024:
As web standards evolve, so do the recommendations for image sizes. For the year 2024, considering the advancements in screen resolutions and internet speeds, a slightly larger size could be beneficial. Optimising images for 1280×720 pixels could potentially leverage higher-quality displays and improve user experience on up-to-date devices.
How Do I Change the Featured Image Size?
Changing the featured image size in WordPress is straightforward. You can adjust the dimensions by editing the functions.php file of your theme or by using a plugin designed for image resizing. Here’s a quick guide:
- Via Theme File:
- Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
- Open functions.php and add the following code:
add_theme_support('post-thumbnails');
set_post_thumbnail_size(1280, 720); // Width and height in pixels
- Using a Plugin:
- Install and activate an image resizing plugin like ‘Regenerate Thumbnails’.
- Go to Tools > Regen. Thumbnails and follow the prompts to resize your images.
Best Practices for Featured Image SEO
To ensure your images contribute positively to your site’s SEO, follow these best practices:
- Optimise Alt Text: Ensure each image has descriptive, keyword-rich alt text. This not only helps visually impaired users but also lets search engines understand the image content.
- Compress Images: Use tools like Adobe Photoshop or free online services to reduce file size without losing quality. This improves load times and SEO.
- Consistent Aspect Ratios: Maintain uniformity in your images to enhance the site’s aesthetic and usability. The recommended aspect ratio for WordPress featured images is 16:9.
Change Featured Image Size WordPress:
If the default image settings don’t meet your needs, WordPress allows you to customize the size. Whether it’s through coding or plugins, tailoring your image dimensions can significantly impact how content is presented and perceived.
| Use Case | Recommended Size | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Web Display | 1200×628 pixels | 16:9 | Ideal for blogs and general web pages. |
| High-Resolution Display | 1280×720 pixels | 16:9 | Optimal for modern screens in 2024. |
| Full-Screen Background | 1920×1080 pixels | 16:9 | Best for full-screen layouts. |
| Thumbnail Navigation | 150×150 pixels | 1:1 | Perfect for small clickable navigation images. |
| Social Media Sharing | 1200×630 pixels | 1.91:1 | Specifically sized for social platforms. |
What Is the Best Size for Featured Image SEO?
While the ideal size depends on your specific needs and the nature of your website, aiming for high-quality images with balanced dimensions favours both SEO and user experience. A width of 1280 pixels is typically effective, providing clarity and compatibility across devices.
Conclusion
Choosing the right featured image size is a balance between aesthetic appeal and technical efficiency. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your WordPress site remains both attractive and performant. Remember, while the visual impact is immediate, the SEO benefits will drive sustainable traffic over time.
For further tips and tricks on optimizing your WordPress site, visit Spinbot, your go-to resource for enhancing content and improving SEO through advanced article rewriting and spinning tools.
Rishi Sunak, experienced blogger & WordPress developer, excels in digital marketing & SEO. Delivers high-quality content at https://blog.spinbot.uk/, enhancing online visibility & earning potential.