A featured image is the main picture associated with a post or page, typically shown at the top of the article, in blog listings, and when the link is shared on social media.
It’s sometimes called a “post thumbnail” in older WordPress documentation, though “featured image” is the term most people use today.
Setting One
You’ll find the Featured Image option in a panel on the right side of the editor while writing a post. Clicking it opens your Media Library, where you can upload a new image or choose an existing one.
Why It’s Worth Getting Right
A strong featured image can noticeably affect click-through rates, especially on social media, where it’s often the first thing people notice before the headline itself. Using a clear, relevant, well-sized image tends to perform far better than a generic stock photo.
It’s also worth checking how your theme crops and displays featured images, since an image that looks great uncropped can sometimes get awkwardly cut off depending on the layout.