If you’ve ever wondered, “Who owns WordPress?”, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Unlike most platforms, WordPress has a unique ownership structure that often confuses website owners, bloggers, and businesses alike.
Here’s the deal: WordPress isn’t owned by a single company. Instead, it’s split into two versions—WordPress.org and WordPress.com—and each operates differently. This distinction is crucial if you’re planning to build a website, whether for personal use or business growth.
In this article, we’ll break it all down—who created WordPress, who runs it today, and what it means for you as a website owner. Let’s dive in and clear up the confusion once and for all! 🚀
What Is WordPress? A Quick Overview
Think of WordPress as a tool that helps you build a website without coding. It’s a content management system (CMS) that lets you create, edit, and manage content easily. From blogs to business sites, WordPress powers over 40% of the internet.
But here’s where it gets tricky. There are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. They share a name but work differently.
- WordPress.org is self-hosted. You download the software, install it on your own hosting, and control everything. It’s free and offers unlimited customization.
- WordPress.com is a hosted service owned by a company called Automattic. It’s easier to start with but comes with restrictions unless you pay for upgrades.
This difference matters because WordPress ownership depends on which version you’re talking about. Let’s break it down.
Who Owns WordPress.org? The Open-Source Community Model
Here’s something interesting—no single company or person owns WordPress.org. Instead, it’s open-source software, meaning anyone can use or improve it for free.
A nonprofit called the WordPress Foundation oversees it. This group protects the WordPress brand and ensures the software stays open to everyone. But they don’t control how it’s built.
So, who keeps WordPress running? A global community of developers and contributors. Thousands of people work on updates, security fixes, and new features. This makes WordPress a shared project, not a private company’s product.
Because of this, WordPress.org belongs to its users. No CEOs, no investors—just a worldwide team making the internet better.
But WordPress.com is a different story. Let’s look at who owns that next. 🚀
The Role of Automattic and WordPress.com
So far, we’ve talked about how WordPress.org is open-source and community-driven. But what about WordPress.com? Who owns that?
That’s where Automattic comes in. Automattic is a for-profit company founded by Matt Mullenweg, one of the original creators of WordPress. Unlike WordPress.org, which belongs to the community, Automattic fully owns and operates WordPress.com.
Wait, What’s the Difference?
Think of it like this:
- WordPress.org is like buying a plot of land—you own it, build whatever you want, and have full control.
- WordPress.com is like renting an apartment—you get a ready-made space, but there are rules and limitations unless you upgrade.
With WordPress.com, Automattic handles hosting, security, and updates for you. This makes it easier for beginners but comes with restrictions. For example, on the free plan, you can’t install plugins or fully customize your site. Want more freedom? You’ll need to pay for an upgraded plan.
Automattic’s Impact on WordPress
Even though Automattic doesn’t own WordPress.org, it plays a huge role in the WordPress ecosystem. Over the years, the company has acquired key tools and plugins like:
- WooCommerce (eCommerce powerhouse)
- Jetpack (security and performance tools)
- Akismet (spam protection)
Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of WordPress.com and Automattic, is still actively involved in WordPress development. His company invests in improving WordPress, but it doesn’t control the open-source version.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding WordPress ownership helps you choose the right platform. If you want full control, go with WordPress.org. If you prefer simplicity with less maintenance, WordPress.com might be better—but it comes at a cost.
In short, Automattic owns WordPress.com, but the open-source WordPress.org belongs to everyone. 🚀
Who Is Behind WordPress? The Founders and CEO
Ever wondered who created WordPress and how it became the powerhouse it is today? Let’s take a quick trip back to 2003 when two developers—Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little—built what would become the world’s most popular website platform.
The Beginning: How WordPress Started
In the early 2000s, blogging was growing fast, but the tools available were outdated and hard to use. One of the most popular platforms then was b2/cafelog, an open-source blogging tool. But when its lead developer disappeared, the project stalled.
That’s when Matt Mullenweg, a college student and coding enthusiast, saw an opportunity. Instead of letting b2/cafelog fade away, he shared his idea to improve it on his blog. Mike Little, a skilled developer from the UK, responded. Together, they started working on a better version—and WordPress was born!
Matt Mullenweg’s Role in WordPress’s Growth
While Mike Little helped co-found WordPress, it was Matt Mullenweg’s leadership and vision that took it to the next level. He wanted WordPress to be more than just a blogging tool—it needed to be a complete website-building solution.
In 2005, Matt founded Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and key products like WooCommerce, Jetpack, and Akismet. His mission? To make WordPress easy for everyone, from hobby bloggers to major corporations.
Who Runs WordPress Today?
You might ask, “Who is the CEO of WordPress?” The answer isn’t straightforward. WordPress.org is open-source, meaning no single person or company owns it. Instead, a worldwide community of developers maintains it.
However, Matt Mullenweg is the CEO of Automattic, the company that owns and operates WordPress.com. He’s also a key leader in the open-source WordPress project, ensuring its continued growth and innovation.
Why Does This Matter?
Knowing who owns WordPress helps you choose the right platform for your needs. If you want full control over your site, go with WordPress.org, built and maintained by the global community. If you prefer managed hosting with built-in features, WordPress.com (owned by Automattic) might be a better fit.
Thanks to Matt Mullenweg, Mike Little, and thousands of contributors, WordPress powers over 40% of the internet today—and it’s still growing. 🚀
WordPress Ownership: The Key Takeaways
Alright, let’s break it down one last time—who owns WordPress, really? If you’ve been scratching your head trying to figure this out, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The answer is a bit unique compared to other platforms, but once you get it, everything clicks.
Think of WordPress like a city with two main areas: one is a free, open park where anyone can build what they want (WordPress.org), and the other is a private neighborhood run by a company with different house plans and rental options (WordPress.com).
Here’s the key distinction:
- WordPress.org belongs to the community. No single person owns it. Instead, it’s an open-source project maintained by thousands of developers worldwide. The WordPress Foundation, a nonprofit organization, ensures it remains free and accessible to everyone.
- WordPress.com is owned by Automattic. This for-profit company, founded by Matt Mullenweg, manages WordPress.com as a paid, hosted platform with extra services. While it contributes to the open-source project, it operates separately.
So, if you’re using WordPress.org, you own and control your website entirely—your hosting, your files, your rules. But if you’re on WordPress.com, Automattic handles everything for you, though with certain restrictions unless you upgrade.
Why WordPress Ownership Matters for Website Owners
So, why should you care who owns WordPress? If you’re building a website, this isn’t just some trivia—it directly affects how much control, flexibility, and freedom you have.
Think of it like renting vs. owning a home. If you rent (WordPress.com), you get convenience, but the landlord (Automattic) sets the rules. If you own (WordPress.org), you make all the decisions—but you also handle the maintenance.
How WordPress Ownership Affects Your Website
1️⃣ Customization & Control
- With WordPress.org, you own everything—your files, your hosting, your domain. Want to install custom themes, plugins, or even tweak the code? Go for it!
- With WordPress.com, Automattic owns the platform. You can build a site quickly, but many features (like custom plugins) are locked behind paid plans.
2️⃣ Long-Term Growth & Independence
- If you plan to scale your business or blog, WordPress.org is the way to go. No one can suddenly change the rules or limit your growth.
- With WordPress.com, your site operates under Automattic’s terms. They can change pricing, features, or policies anytime—just like a landlord increasing rent.
3️⃣ Monetization & Branding
- Want full control over your website’s monetization? With WordPress.org, you can run ads, sell products, and do whatever you want with no restrictions.
- On WordPress.com, you need a premium plan to remove their branding or run ads on your terms.
At the end of the day, WordPress ownership matters because it impacts your website’s flexibility, growth, and future. If you want full control, go with WordPress.org. But if you prefer an all-in-one solution with less technical setup, WordPress.com might work—just know that Automattic owns WordPress.com, not you. 🚀
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Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Who Owns WordPress
So, who owns WordPress? By now, you probably see why the answer isn’t as simple as pointing to a single company or person. Instead, WordPress has a unique ownership structure—one that gives users both freedom and options.
To recap:
- WordPress.org is an open-source platform, owned by no single person or company but maintained by a global community of developers. It’s free, flexible, and fully customizable—perfect if you want total control over your website.
- WordPress.com, on the other hand, is owned by Automattic, a for-profit company founded by Matt Mullenweg. It’s a managed hosting service that simplifies the process but comes with certain limitations unless you upgrade.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re just starting out, choosing between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is a big decision. Want complete control, flexibility, and the ability to monetize freely? Go with WordPress.org. Prefer a hands-off experience where hosting, security, and maintenance are handled for you? Then WordPress.com might be the way to go.
At the end of the day, understanding WordPress ownership isn’t just some fun fact—it helps you make smarter choices about your website’s future.
What’s Next?
Thinking about starting a WordPress site? Check out step-by-step guides on setting up WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com so you can make the best choice for your goals.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you use WordPress.org or WordPress.com? Which one do you prefer and why? Drop a comment below—I’m happy to chat and help! 🚀
FAQs About WordPress Ownership
- Who owns WordPress?
WordPress.org is open-source and owned by the community. WordPress.com is owned by Automattic, a company founded by Matt Mullenweg. - What’s the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org is self-hosted and fully customizable. WordPress.com is a hosted service with limitations unless you upgrade. - Is WordPress.org free?
Yes, WordPress.org is free to download and use. However, you’ll need to pay for web hosting and a domain. - Does Automattic own all of WordPress?
No, Automattic owns WordPress.com but not WordPress.org. The open-source version belongs to the global community. - Who founded WordPress?
WordPress was created in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little as an improvement to the b2/cafelog platform. - Can I make money with WordPress.org?
Yes, with WordPress.org, you can monetize your site however you like—ads, eCommerce, memberships, and more. - Do I need to pay for WordPress.com?
WordPress.com offers a free plan, but it has restrictions. Paid plans unlock custom domains, plugins, and full control. - What is the WordPress Foundation?
The WordPress Foundation is a nonprofit that protects the WordPress brand and ensures the software remains open-source. - Is WordPress.com or WordPress.org better for beginners?
WordPress.com is easier to start with but limits customization. WordPress.org requires setup but offers full control. - Can I switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
Yes, you can migrate your site from WordPress.com to WordPress.org for more flexibility and control.
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