The Automattic Company Behind WordPress
Automattic is the company that built and maintains WordPress.com, which powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. Founded two decades ago, the company has grown to include 1,434 employees—called Automatticians—distributed across nearly every corner of the globe and speaking 108 different languages. What sets Automattic apart in the tech industry is their unwavering commitment to the open web and customer freedom. Unlike many tech companies that prioritize growth at any cost, Automattic gives away their most successful product—WordPress—for free and has been doing so for 20 years. This philosophy extends across their entire business model. They actively support open-source tools and believe customers should have the freedom to use all the tools of the open web, including those they don't make themselves. This commitment to openness and user autonomy defines their mission of making the web a better place.
A Suite of Web Tools and Platforms
Automattic's portfolio extends far beyond WordPress.com. The company operates a diverse ecosystem of popular web services and platforms including WooCommerce, the leading e-commerce solution for online stores; Tumblr, a content and community platform with passionate user bases; Jetpack, which provides performance and security tools for WordPress sites; Simplenote, a note-taking application; Longreads, a platform for long-form journalism; Day One, a journaling and notes application; and Pocket Casts, a podcast player and discovery platform. This breadth of products means Automattic serves different user needs across the web, whether you're building a simple blog, running an online store, hosting a community platform, or managing podcasts. Each product maintains the company's core values of open standards and user empowerment, allowing customers to work with tools that prioritize their freedom and data ownership.
How to Choose Automattic Products
Choosing the right Automattic products depends on your specific needs and goals. If you want to start a blog or build a website, WordPress.com is a logical first choice, especially since you can begin for free. For those running an online store, WooCommerce provides a flexible e-commerce platform. If you want to share your interests with a community, Tumblr offers a different social experience than WordPress. For existing WordPress site owners, Jetpack extends functionality with performance improvements and security features. The company's distributed team and commitment to serving a global audience means their products generally support multiple languages and diverse use cases. Consider starting with one product and expanding to others as your needs grow. Many users find the ecosystem works together well, since Automattic maintains consistency in philosophy and user experience across its product line. Reading reviews specific to each product and taking advantage of free trials helps ensure you select tools that truly match your requirements.
Common questions
What is Automattic and why does it matter?
Automattic is a 20-year-old web infrastructure company behind WordPress.com, which powers over 40% of all websites. The company operates a global team of 1,434 employees who build and maintain tools that help people create and publish on the web while prioritizing open standards and customer freedom.
Does Automattic offer free products?
Yes. WordPress.com offers a free tier that lets anyone start a blog or website without paying. Automattic's philosophy centers on making powerful tools accessible to everyone. Their free offerings have helped make web creation possible for millions of users worldwide since the company was founded.