In plain English
It appears in archive listings, related post blocks and often as the social sharing image when the page is shared.
Because it is used in several places at different aspect ratios, an image that works in the post header can be badly cropped in a listing or a social card.
What to know
Set per post
Separate from images in the content.
Used in listings
Archives, related posts, search results.
Often the social image
Where no separate one is set.
Cropped differently
Per context and theme.
Why it matters
Checking how the featured image crops in a listing and in a social preview takes a minute and prevents the common result of a headline sitting across someone's face.
Common mistakes
×No featured image, leaving gaps in archive layouts.
×Images with text that gets cropped out.
×Inconsistent dimensions across posts.
×Never previewing the social card.
FAQs
What size should a featured image be?
Large enough for the widest use, with the subject centred to survive cropping.
Is it the same as the social sharing image?
Often, unless a separate Open Graph image is set.
WRITTEN BY TARIQ SALLAM
Marketing Consultant. Entrepreneur. Content Creator.
I'm a marketing consultant, entrepreneur and content creator. I help businesses grow through practical marketing, websites, SEO, content and AI.
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