Preload Featured Images
Preload Featured Images automatically in posts to increase the PageSpeed Score.
The facts
- Rating
- 5★ from 3
- Active installs
- 1k+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 20 Aug 2026
- Added
- Jun 2021
- Requires WP
- 6.3
- Tested up to
- WP 7.1
- Requires PHP
- 7.4
- Downloads
- 20,729
Our analysis
AI-assistedPreload Featured Images is a WordPress plugin designed to enhance the PageSpeed Score by automatically preloading featured images in posts. It is particularly useful for themes that display the featured image at the top of single post pages, as these images often represent the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) element, which is crucial for performance metrics.
The plugin allows you to select the appropriate image size used by your theme through its settings. While it is compatible with all themes, it can automatically configure the image size for several popular themes, simplifying the setup process for users.
Best for: This plugin suits WordPress users who want to improve their site's loading speed, especially those using specific themes that display featured images prominently.
What it does well
- ✓Automatically preloads featured images to improve PageSpeed Score
- ✓Supports all themes with configurable image size
- ✓Automatically configures for popular themes like Astra and Divi
- ✓Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
- ✓High rating and active installations indicate user satisfaction
Where it falls short
- •Limited information on compatibility with less common themes
- •Requires knowledge of the image size used by your theme for optimal setup
Verdict
Preload Featured Images offers a straightforward solution for enhancing performance, particularly for users of compatible themes. It is a practical choice for those focused on optimising their site's PageSpeed Score.
From the developer
WPZOOM's own description of Preload Featured Images, lightly tidied.
Preload Featured Images automatically in posts to increase the PageSpeed Score.
This plugin is a “must-have” for websites using themes that display the Featured Image automatically at the top in single post pages.
Why was this plugin created?
Suppose your theme displays the Featured Image at the top in posts automatically. In that case, the chances that the image is the LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) are very high, so the PageSpeed tool will highly recommend you to preload it.
Are you getting the following recommendation when testing the PageSpeed score of a single post: “Preload Largest Contentful Paint image”? Then this plugin will help you!
How it works?
Go to the Settings > Preload Featured Images page and choose the image size used by your theme to make sure the right image size is preloaded.
Compatible Themes
The plugin supports all themes, but it’s very important to choose the right Image Size on the settings page.
If you are not sure which is the image size used by your theme, simply get in touch with your theme’s developer and they will be able to help you with that.
If you’re using one of the following popular themes, then the plugin will automatically pick the right Image Size, so you don’t have to configure anything:
- Foodica
- Foodica PRO
- Gourmand
- Cookely
- Astra
- Neve
- OceanWP
- GeneratePress
- BlossomRecipe
- Divi
- Ashe