TL;DR: Adding media to WordPress is easy no matter if you’re using the Block Editor, Classic Editor, or a builder like Divi or Elementor. Upload images, videos, and audio directly or embed them from platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud. Always optimize files with compression, alt text, and responsive sizing to keep your site fast and accessible.
Why should you add images and media to your WordPress blog?
Visuals can make blog posts easier to read, make them more engaging, and are better for SEO. They can:
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- Break up text into easily readable sections
- Demonstrate examples or tutorials
- Improve your chances of ranking in Google’s image and video search
- Keep visitors on your site longer
If you’re looking for free resources for graphics and visuals, check out My Favorite Free Graphic Design Resources for free tools you can use.
How do you add images in the WordPress Block Editor?
- Open your post in the Block Editor.
- Click the “+” button and choose the Image block.
- Upload from your computer or choose from the Media Library.
- Adjust alignment, size, and alt text.
Pro tip: Use .jpg or .webp for photos, .png for transparent graphics, and keep files small (under 200KB if possible).
How do you add images in the default WordPress Editor or Classic Editor?
WordPress posts will use the default Gutenberg Blocks unless the Classic Editor plugin is active. Here’s how to add an image when Classic Editor is active:
- Place your cursor where you want the image.
- Click the “Add Media” button above the editor toolbar.
- Upload a new file or choose one from the Media Library.
- Add alt text, title, and select alignment/size.
- Click Insert into post.
This works for images, PDFs, audio, and video files.
How do you add images in Divi?
If you’re using the Divi Builder, then you’ll use modules:
- Add a New Module and choose Image.
- Upload or select your image from the Media Library.
- Customize alignment, spacing, and design in the module settings.
- Save and preview your page.
Divi also has Video and Audio modules if you want to embed other media types. Note that you need to use the Divi Builder on your posts if you want to use the Divi modules.
How do you add images in Elementor?
Elementor uses drag-and-drop widgets:
- Open your post/page in Elementor Editor.
- Drag the Image widget into your layout.
- Click the placeholder to upload/select your image.
- Adjust size, alignment, and alt text in the Content tab.
- Use the Style tab for advanced customization (borders, hover effects, etc.).
Elementor also has dedicated Video and Audio widgets for easy embedding.
How do you embed video in WordPress?
- Block Editor: Add a YouTube, Vimeo, or Video block and paste the link.
- Classic Editor: Paste the video URL directly into the editor, and WordPress auto-embeds it.
- Divi/Elementor: Use the Video module/widget, then paste the URL or upload a file.
Best practice: Host long videos on YouTube or Vimeo, not directly on your site, to avoid slowing it down.
How do you add audio?
- Block Editor: Use the Audio block or embed from Spotify/SoundCloud.
- Classic Editor: Use the “Add Media” button, upload audio, or paste a link.
- Divi/Elementor: Use the Audio module/widget and upload or link your file.
WordPress automatically creates a player your readers can use.
How do you optimize images and media for WordPress?
- Compress files before uploading (CloudConvert, TinyPNG, Squoosh, or ShortPixel plugin).
- Use descriptive filenames (e.g., “wordpress-image-tutorial.jpg”).
- Always add alt text for accessibility and SEO.
- Test on mobile to make sure media scales properly.
Final Thoughts
No matter what editor you’re using, WordPress makes it simple to add media. By optimizing your images, video, and audio, you’ll improve SEO, reader experience, and site performance. Need a little help? Schedule a 15-minute consultation with Ruby Moon Designs and let’s get creative.
