Set External URLs as
Featured Images in WordPress
Assign featured images from any external source, without uploading to your media library. Save server space, speed up performance, and simplify content management.
These video walkthroughs show how to set external image URLs as WordPress featured images for posts, pages, custom post types, and WooCommerce products. Easily assign remote images via JSON, XML, or direct input—no uploads required. Boost performance with lazy loading and avoid storage bloat.
We use what we build. Every featured image you see on this site is powered by our plugin. Instead of uploading images to the WordPress media library, we set them via external URLs. That means faster sites, leaner hosting, and fewer headaches.
Whether you’re managing a single blog or dozens of client sites, our pricing is built to scale with your needs. Every plan includes full access to the External Images Plugin, along with updates and support. No hidden fees. No bloated bundles. Just straightforward value for developers, freelancers, and businesses who care about performance.
Whether you’re trying to speed up your site, cut down on media clutter, or automate product images, we’ve got you covered. These FAQs cover the most common questions from real users—because we’re not just the developers, we’re users too. In fact, almost every image on this site is powered by the External Images WordPress Plugin.
Because uploading images clutters your media library and slows your site. External URLs keep things lightweight and optimized.
Yes. Fully compatible with popular WordPress themes, page builders, and WooCommerce.
If the external link is broken or deleted, the image won’t load. We recommend using reliable sources or CDNs.
Absolutely. Import links from JSON, XML, or direct URL feeds. Great for syncing image-heavy content or products.
Yes, with our Professional plan or higher, you can activate the plugin across multiple sites.
Yes. If your image source is stable, you never need to upload again.
Definitely. Use them in blog posts, product listings, and any featured image slot.
Yes. Our plugin works with WordPress native galleries and most third-party plugins.
No. In fact, it improves speed. Images are lazy-loaded from external sources, reducing page weight and speeding up delivery.
Yes. Nearly all images you see here are hosted externally. We built this plugin to power our own performance, and now you can too.
