In plain English
Every image, PDF and video uploaded lands here, along with the multiple resized versions WordPress generates for each image.
It grows faster than people expect. One upload can produce six files, and themes and plugins add their own sizes on top of the defaults.
What to know
Holds all uploads
Images, documents, video.
Generates multiple sizes
Per image, automatically.
Alt text lives here
Set once per file.
Needs housekeeping
Unused files accumulate.
Why it matters
Two habits fix most media problems: resize and compress before uploading, and write alt text at the point of upload rather than intending to later.
Common mistakes
×Uploading full-size camera images.
×No alt text on anything.
×Unhelpful file names carried from the camera.
×Never removing unused media.
FAQs
Should I compress images before uploading?
Yes. WordPress resizes but does not meaningfully compress.
Where should alt text go?
On the media item, at upload. It carries through to usage.
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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