What is the “Featured Image” in WordPress?

Posted by Christina Hills | Popular WordPress Tips, WordPress Tips | 9

Did you know that WordPress has an important section called the “Featured Image”? So, what is the “featured image” in WordPress?

This important aspect of WordPress allows you to assign a specific image to represent each page or post on your website. Think of it as the visual “face” of your content. Every WordPress page or post can have its own featured image, giving visitors a preview of what your content is about. (Click here to learn the difference between a page vs. post)

Why Are Images So Important?

Images make your website come alive. They grab attention, convey emotions, and help tell your story. While you can include multiple images in a post or on a page, the featured image is special because it plays a bigger role in how your content is displayed both on your site and beyond. Choosing the right image is key—it should reinforce your message and make your page visually appealing.

How Does WordPress Use a Featured Image?

The way WordPress uses your featured image can vary depending on your theme, but it always plays a significant role in how your site looks and functions. Here are a few common places where your featured image might appear:

At the top of your post or page: Many themes display the featured image prominently at the top, like the example above of someone holding a tablet.
Blog page thumbnails: Featured images often appear as small thumbnails alongside a snippet of text on your blog page. (Example: Blog page on Website Creation Workshop™)
Category pages: When you organize your posts into categories, the featured image might represent each post. (Example: Category pages on Christina’s Recipes)
Social media feeds: When you share a link to your blog or page on social media, the featured image is usually what gets pulled into the post preview.

Your featured image is often the first thing visitors notice about your content. A relevant, eye-catching image can entice readers to click and explore further. Conversely, a poorly chosen image—or no image at all—might turn them away.

Where Do You Set Your Featured Image?

Adding a featured image in WordPress is simple once you know where to look. In your WordPress dashboard, open the post or page you’re working on. The Featured Image option is usually located in the right-hand column, near the bottom. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there!

Just click on “Set Featured Image,” and you can upload a new image or select one from your media library. Once you choose an image, it will automatically be assigned to that post or page.

Pro Tip: Make sure the image you select is high-quality and appropriately sized for your website. Large, clear images look more professional and appealing.

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Quick Video to See the “Featured Image” in Action!

Check out this quick video where I show you how to set a featured image and explain why it’s such a big deal for your WordPress site.

Simple But Important

Your featured image isn’t just decoration; it’s a critical part of your content strategy. When people come across your page or post on your site or through a shared link on social media, the featured image is often the first thing they see. If it’s not compelling, they might keep scrolling without even clicking.

That’s why it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to choose a great featured image. Add this small but impactful step to your content creation checklist. While it may seem like a small detail, it can make a big difference in how your content performs and how visitors perceive your site.

By paying attention to your featured image, you’re setting yourself up for better engagement and a more polished website.

(Originally published in Oct. 2015, Updated Jan. 2025)

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About The Author

Christina Hills

Christina Hills helps entrepreneurs set up their websites using WordPress without having to rely on a webmaster or any tech people. Her trainings are fun and she makes it easy! Get the free PDF "The Do-It-Yourself Website Creation Checklist" Report Here

9 Comments

Denise on October 14, 2014 at 5:59 am

Hi Christina,

Great step by step video on how to use featured images.

Thank you,
Denise
- The Christina Hills on October 14, 2014 at 6:49 am
  
  Denise,
  Glad you liked it! Yeah it’s a great feature of WordPress when the theme uses it 🙂
Judy Helm Wright on October 14, 2014 at 7:41 am

Hello from beautiful Montana,

Christina, thanks so much for this tip. I did not know this previously and will now make use of the featured image.

I always think of you and your daughter this time of year, because you look so cute in your different costumes.

Have a great day, Judy Helm Wright aka “Auntie Artichoke”
- The Christina Hills on October 14, 2014 at 9:06 am
  
  Judy,
  
  Yeah it does a lot of cool things! Facebook uses it to pull images when you post to facebook
Gary McKinsey,EA on October 14, 2014 at 8:43 am

Hello Christina,

Thank you for pointing this out.
Your step- by- step instruction is very easy to follow.

Looking forward to learning more tips.

Gary McKinsey
- The Christina Hills on October 14, 2014 at 9:07 am
  
  Gary,
  Just click on the WordPress tips category and you will find more. Plus I email out more tips and info that you find on the blog
Audrey on October 14, 2014 at 12:39 pm

Thank you once again for this great piece of information.
Audrey
- The Christina Hills on October 15, 2014 at 9:06 am
  
  Audrey,
  
  Good to hear from you!
Solaya on October 16, 2014 at 1:17 pm

Thank you Christina. This is great info.

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What is the “Featured Image” in WordPress?

Why Are Images So Important?

How Does WordPress Use a Featured Image?

Where Do You Set Your Featured Image?

Quick Video to See the “Featured Image” in Action!