How To Boost Your Instagram Reach, Engagement, And Followers The Right Way

Instagram has recently shared some best practices that users can follow to maximize their reach and followers. Everyone wants to have the most exposure and reach to their account but they need to follow Instagram’s guidelines to get that. A lot of users wonder what kind of factors are limiting their distribution on Instagram. As there are some practices that can maximize your reach, there are some practices that can limit it too.

One of the biggest mistakes users make is having a third-party watermark on their reel. Having a third-party watermark on a reel can limit its reach and can impact engagement on Instagram. Another point is posting content you didn't make. Most users tend to repost original content through their own accounts but it doesn't get the right kind of reach. This is because Instagram tends to recommend only the original content to users and ignore the posts users have reposted. It is best to have your own original content on Instagram and using tools like Collab and Remix to make the content more original.

Audiences also love reels which are within 30-90 seconds so try to make videos within 90 seconds time frame as they are enough to keep the viewer's interest and get more engagements. Instagram also filters out users’ accounts out of their recommendation systems if they violate Instagram’s recommendation guidelines.

There are also some other things that you should never post as they can also affect reach and engagements. Any content about suicide, self-harm and violence can limit your reach, plus "content that discusses... eating disorders, as well as content that depicts or trivialises themes around death or depression" is a big no no. If you have shared any content from a non-recommendable account, it can also mess up with your reach. Content that promotes cigarettes, tobacco and other regulated products can also filter or demote your content.

All in all "focus on increasing authentic engagement with your community". Instagram will downrank content if they determine it is engagement bait.

On the other hand if your aim is to get more follower Instagram also has some tips for you.

As per IG, "Consistently sharing feed posts or carousels helps you engage with your audience, which can boost the distribution of your content."

A post from IGforBusiness explains that, "Engagements such as likes and comments are used as signals when determining how your content will be distributed to people who don't follow you. Creating engaging content and interacting with your followers in the comments can help you get more reach overall."

To create more engaging content on Instagram, focus on relatability and humor to encourage shares, and craft posts that spark comments, DMs, or story reshares. Use a strong hook within the first five seconds of reels to capture attention early, and regularly check your insights to identify which posts drive the most engagement so you can refine your strategy.

According to Instagram, posting frequency can also be another important factor in follower growth, as creators with the highest net follower gains typically share 10 or more reels per month. Many grow even further by exceeding that number. However, Instagram emphasizes that content creation is a marathon, not a sprint, sustained growth should never come at the cost of your well-being.

In the end, Instagram suggests that. "It's important to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. If you find that making a reel takes up too much time, but carousels are much more manageable, then do what is most sustainable. The trick is consistency, whatever that looks like to you!"

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

OpenAI Becomes the Default Setting for Corporate AI Spend

Spending patterns across U.S. companies suggest one thing clearly: OpenAI has taken a commanding lead in enterprise AI. That conclusion, based on spending data analyzed by financial automation firm Ramp, underscores how deeply embedded OpenAI’s tools have become in corporate operations.

In April, nearly one-third of companies tracked by Ramp were paying for OpenAI’s platforms or services. Back in January, that figure was closer to 19%. It moved past 28% by March. Few rivals can claim similar traction.

Anthropic, OpenAI’s well-funded competitor, saw modest growth during that same window — from under 5% in January to about 8% in April. Google’s AI offerings, on the other hand, appear to be fading from enterprise budgets. Ramp’s numbers show a sharp decline in spending there, down from 2.3% in February to nearly nonexistent levels by spring.

Date	Total AI user	Google	Openai	Anthropic	Deepseek	xAI
2023-01-01	6.20%	0.04%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-02-01	7.27%	0.03%	1.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-03-01	11.60%	0.04%	4.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-04-01	13.40%	0.04%	6.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-05-01	14.28%	0.06%	6.96%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-06-01	14.12%	0.03%	6.91%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-07-01	14.14%	0.04%	7.64%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-08-01	15.06%	0.04%	8.26%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-09-01	15.27%	0.03%	8.86%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-10-01	15.70%	0.03%	9.27%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-11-01	15.59%	0.03%	9.48%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%
2023-12-01	16.08%	0.03%	10.50%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%
2024-01-01	17.15%	0.05%	11.55%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%
2024-02-01	17.75%	0.06%	11.87%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%
2024-03-01	18.59%	0.52%	12.36%	1.34%	0.01%	0.00%
2024-04-01	18.99%	1.03%	12.44%	1.55%	0.00%	0.01%
2024-05-01	20.19%	1.14%	13.08%	1.55%	0.00%	0.00%
2024-06-01	20.02%	1.14%	13.19%	1.72%	0.01%	0.00%
2024-07-01	20.86%	1.26%	13.66%	2.54%	0.01%	0.00%
2024-08-01	21.97%	1.46%	14.39%	2.88%	0.01%	0.00%
2024-09-01	22.94%	1.58%	15.17%	3.13%	0.01%	0.00%
2024-10-01	23.79%	1.76%	15.59%	3.38%	0.01%	0.02%
2024-11-01	24.30%	1.90%	15.96%	3.76%	0.02%	0.00%
2024-12-01	25.41%	2.07%	17.29%	4.20%	0.02%	0.01%
2025-01-01	27.55%	2.25%	18.92%	4.60%	0.25%	0.04%
2025-02-01	29.24%	2.20%	21.07%	5.08%	0.08%	0.25%
2025-03-01	36.44%	0.10%	27.98%	7.44%	0.11%	0.45%
2025-04-01	40.06%	0.08%	32.40%	8.03%	0.08%	0.48%

Ramp’s analysis draws from around 30,000 companies using its expense and bill management platform. That’s a sizable sample, but it doesn’t capture the entire picture. Some purchases may fall under broader software budgets or appear under general-purpose vendors — and those would slip past Ramp’s AI-tracking filters.

Even with that caveat, OpenAI’s momentum looks undeniable. Not only are more companies signing on, but they’re also doing so at a pace that outstrips all others in the space. The shift isn’t just about experimentation either — it reflects growing reliance on OpenAI’s tools across various departments and workflows.

Internally, OpenAI has shared that it now serves more than 2 million paying business accounts — double the number it cited last fall. The company expects that enterprise revenue will become its primary source of income in the near future. Estimates shared with Bloomberg place its projected revenue at $12.7 billion this year, possibly climbing past $29 billion within the next two.

Despite that upward trajectory, OpenAI still operates at a loss. Profitability isn’t expected before 2029. In the meantime, the company is exploring higher-end offerings aimed specifically at technical teams. These may include tailored AI agents built to support software engineering or complex research, priced at enterprise rates.

As things stand, no other vendor in Ramp’s index is scaling business adoption at anything close to OpenAI’s speed. And unless something changes fast, that gap could widen.

Read next: Top Five Free VPNs in 2025 Offer Mixed Performance and Limited Features
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Top Five Free VPNs in 2025 Offer Mixed Performance and Limited Features

Nowadays, everyone is looking for a good free VPN to use. VPNs are used for different things, like enhancing privacy and security, or even accessing content from different locations. Most people assume that the best VPNs are those you have to pay for, but that’s not entirely true because some free VPNs are available with all the features you need.

Best Free VPNs in 2025

The top five best free VPNs in 2025 are:
1. Proton VPN
2. PrivadoVPN
3. Windscribe Free VPN
4. Hide.me Free VPN
5. Shield Basic VPN

1- Proton VPN

One of the best free VPN in 2025 is Proton VPN, which offers many advanced features like WireGuard protocol, kill switch, and many ad-free open-source apps that are secure. You can also switch between browsing and gaming nodes to improve usability. Proton VPN solely focuses on privacy with no data limits, but it has some its limitations as well. One of the biggest limitations of using Proton VPN is that you cannot connect to a server of your own choice, as it automatically connects to the five available servers. This means that it is only good for torrenting or streaming content from other countries, with the connection speed dropping during busy periods.

Why Should You Use It?
● Offers unlimited data, which is very rare
● Has regular independent audits
● Has decent privacy and security settings
● Has regular independent audits
● Has an ad-free interface

Drawbacks:
● No torrenting/P2P
● No choice of servers as they are auto-assigned
● Has no streaming support like BBC iPlayer and Netflix
● Its servers can get slow during peak hours

2- PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is one of the best VPN in 2025, available on different Windows, Android, MAC, Linux, and iOS apps. Even though it has a lot of streaming functionality with limitations, it is the best free VPN with little to no security issues and breaches. It offers 13 servers from 10 different countries, including the UK and the US, and gives 10 GB of data every month, with up to 900 Mbps speed.

You can easily stream services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Max, Sling, ITV, etc. It is supported by torrenting as well. What you cannot get through PrivadoVPN’s free plan is verified privacy, as there is no third party to audit its security. There is also no unlimited streaming because 10 GB per month cannot cover enough shoes, and there is also no global access, as the free plan only covers specific countries.

Why Should You Use It?
● 10 GBs of data every month
● Torrenting is supported, and strong encryption
● Has a kill switch, Chrome extension, and split-tunneling
● Available for most devices

Drawbacks:
● Has no third-party security audit
● Only allows limited streaming (around 10 shows a month)
● Doesn’t have servers in places like Australia if you want to watch regional content

3- Windscribe Free VPN

The third-best free VPN on the list is Windscribe Free, with 14 server locations across 10 countries. It also offers different simultaneous connections, so no need to get worried about switching between your phone, laptop, or other devices. You get 10 GB of monthly data on Windscribe and can get an additional 5 GB if you promote it on social media. It also uses the R.O.B.E.R.T tool, which blocks ads, malicious sites, and trackers so you can have a smooth experience. The only drawbacks are that there is no port forwarding, which limits torrenting, and it also doesn't have a third-party security audit. Overall, it is good for everyday private browsing and light streaming, as you get decent data every month.

Why Should You Use It?
● Gives you unlimited device connections
● Has access to 14 servers, including the US and UK
● Has R.O.B.E.R.T, which is a built-in ad and tracker blocker
● Has fast speeds up to 900 Mbps
● Also includes browser extensions

Drawbacks:
● Has no port forwarding, and it's bad for torrenting
● Has no third-party audit of privacy policies
● Limited data (10 GB), which limits streaming

4- Hide.me Free

If you are looking for a VPN for accessing blocked platforms, Hide.me Free is a good choice as it offers a wide range of browsers and devices. Hide.me Free also has many advanced features like protocol selection and split tunneling. As with the case with many free VPNs, Hide.me Free also comes with only 10 GB of data every month, with only one device connection, and with very slow speeds. It also cannot support streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix, with no-log policy not being audited since 2015.

Why Should You Use It?
● Has P2P support on 7 servers
● Has strong privacy settings with no personal information required for sign-up
● Has features like split tunneling and other protocols
● Has apps for many browsers and platforms

Drawbacks:
● Has a slow speed of only 25 Mbps
● Has a one-device limit and 10GB of monthly data
● Has no support for streaming services like Amazon and Netflix
● Has an outdated privacy audit

5- Hotspot Shield

The fifth top free VPN in the list is Hotspot Shield Basic, which is very easy to use and offers unlimited data. It can also unblock US content like Hulu and Netflix, and has okish speeds of up to 70 Mbps. The major downsides of using Hotspot Shield Basic are that you can only get access to one server in the US and cannot choose other countries. There are also a lot of ads, and it doesn’t have security features like a kill switch.

Why Should You Use It?
● Offers unlimited data, which is best for streaming and heavy browsing
● Can access US Hulu and US Netflix
● It is available across many platforms, including smart TVs

Drawbacks:
● Has only one server, the US one
● Has limited protection as there's no kill switch
● Gets a lot of ads
● Has inconsistent stream reliability and speeds
● Has no advanced features like server choice, torrenting, and port forwarding

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should You Use a Free VPN?

Yes, free VPNs can be a good choice if you are using them for basic needs like anonymous browsing, securing public Wifi, or for occasional use.

What Things are Not Available in Free VPN?

Free VPNs are good for basic usage and cover essential features like IP masking, encryption, and safe browsing. But they do not always have the best performance and features, which makes them multi-purpose. Moreover, paid VPNs also have more servers and locations to which you can connect.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Google Pays Texas Millions After Lawsuits Challenge Location Tracking and Facial Recognition Practices

Google just handed over nearly $1.375 billion to Texas. Not as a donation — but to shut down two big lawsuits claiming the company dipped too far into people’s private lives.

The whole mess started back in 2022. Texas officials said Google kept tabs on folks in ways they never signed up for. We’re talking location data, quiet audio captures, facial patterns — and all this wrapped inside things like Maps, Chrome, and Photos. The kind of stuff users thought was private? It wasn’t.

This settlement stands taller than anything other states squeezed out of Google over privacy. And oddly enough, it comes just months after Texas pulled the same kind of billion-dollar move on Meta over biometric data.

Google says it didn’t do anything wrong. No rules broken, no admissions. And no changes to how their products work either — at least not because of this case. According to them, anything worth tweaking got updated long ago.

Still, Texas officials called it a win. For them, it’s not just money — it’s a warning shot to other tech giants. If you’re going to mess with user privacy, you better be ready to pay up.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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• How to Detect Misinformation During India-Pakistan Tension Without Falling for Manipulated or Misleading Sources
by Asim BN via Digital Information World

How to Detect Misinformation During India-Pakistan Tension Without Falling for Manipulated or Misleading Sources

Tensions between two nuclear powers India and Pakistan have risen sharply in 2025, and so has the spread of fake news and disinformation. As both countries face heightened political and military rhetoric, social media has become a breeding ground for rumors, false information, and manipulated content. From distorted videos to misleading news reports, these fake stories can cause confusion and even make the situation worse.

In such times, it’s essential to know how to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s fake. This guide is designed to help you navigate the flood of information and recognize misleading content that can misguide public opinion or stir up unnecessary fear.

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The Digital Battlefield: How Misinformation Spreads

Misinformation has been around for as long as people have communicated, but digital tools have made it easier for fake news to spread quickly. In 2025, the tension between India and Pakistan has shown just how much misinformation can affect public opinion. The tools available today, like AI, deepfake videos, and social media algorithms, make it even harder to tell what’s real and what’s not.

• Also read: Study Reveals Social Media Users Share News Without Reading, Driving Misinformation

Past events, like the Kargil conflict and the Pulwama attack, showed us how quickly fake stories could spread. In 2025, things have only gotten more advanced. Digital tools allow misinformation to be shared at a faster pace, often making it difficult to distinguish between a real event and a fabricated one.

On both sides of the border, fake stories are becoming a serious issue. In India, government bodies like the Press Information Bureau (PIB) have debunked many fake claims, while in Pakistan, organizations like the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) are raising awareness about hoaxes and manipulated content on their social media channels.

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Where Fake News Spreads

Misinformation is rampant on various internet platforms, each with its own way of circulating fake stories.

WhatsApp and Texts

WhatsApp is often used to spread rumors. People forward voice messages or text alerts about military movements or political decisions that are rarely true. These messages usually come with a tag like “forwarded many times,” which makes them seem more credible than they really are.

X (Formerly Twitter)

X is one of the most popular platforms for sharing political opinions and news, but it’s also a place where fake accounts and bots spread lies and propagandas. These accounts often appear to be credible sources, making their posts seem more trustworthy than they really are.

• You might like: 76% View Journalism as Essential for Combating Misinformation, with Social Media Seen as Top Culprit

TikTok and YouTube Shorts

Short video platforms are another major source of fake news. Videos, often manipulated or edited, circulate quickly, sharing misleading or false information about events. These videos can be altered in ways that make them seem more convincing, leading viewers to believe they are authentic.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are a common place for misinformation, where old images or videos are shared with new, misleading captions. These can make it appear as though something is happening right now, even though the image is from years ago.

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How to Spot Fake News: Practical Tips

It’s important to stay sharp and be skeptical when you come across news that seems too sensational or emotional. Here are some simple tips to help you spot fake news:

Don’t Trust Everything That’s Viral

Just because something is being shared a lot doesn’t mean it’s true. Viral stories often lack real sources and can be designed to get you to react emotionally.

Check the Source

Look at the website or account that shared the information. Trustworthy news usually comes from well-known and credible sources, like government websites or major news outlets. If the source seems strange or if there are no clear citations, be cautious.

• Related: How to Find the Publish Date of a Website, Webpage or Article

Look for Dates and Updates

Is the story current, or is it from years ago? Fake news often gets passed around as if it’s happening now, even when it’s outdated. Always check the dates and whether the story has been updated or retracted.

• Recommended: Social Media’s 'News-Finds-Me' Mentality Fuels Misinformation Sharing 

Pay Attention to Language

Fake news often uses dramatic language to stir up emotions. Watch out for words designed to make you angry, scared, or overly excited. If the tone is too extreme, it could be fake.

Check the Account’s History

Before you share or engage with a post, check the account that published it. New accounts or accounts with a history of sharing unverified content are more likely to be fake.

Use Reverse Image Search

If you’re unsure about an image or video, use tools like Google’s reverse image search to see if it’s been posted before or if it has been doctored. This can help you identify whether an image is being used in a misleading way.

Look for Signs of Deepfakes

Deepfakes are AI-generated videos and audio that can make people say things they never did. They’re increasingly being used to manipulate public opinion. Pay attention to details like voice inconsistencies, strange facial movements, or mismatched audio and video that might signal a deepfake.

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Language Clues in Misinformation: Recognizing Regional Differences

Fake news isn’t just about visuals and headlines, it can also be found in the way people speak that is from pronunciation differences. For instance, in Pakistan and India, there are subtle language differences in Urdu. Pakistani Urdu tends to use more Persianized words, while Indian Urdu is more closely linked to Hindi. This can be an important clue when you hear audio or video clips from supposed political leaders. A fake audio might mix up these regional differences, making it easier to spot.

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Psychological Impact of Fake News

Misinformation often targets your emotions, trying to get you to react without thinking. It plays on your fear, anger, and national pride to make you believe things that aren’t true. This is a form of psychological manipulation. The goal is not just to mislead you but to make you feel something—so you’ll act on that feeling, whether it’s sharing a post or believing in a false narrative.

Fake news stories are often repeated, which makes them seem more legitimate over time. This is why it’s so important to slow down and check the facts before reacting.

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Why Institutions Struggle to Fight Misinformation

While social media platforms like Facebook and X have tried to curb the spread of fake news, their efforts often fall short, especially when it comes to regional languages. Automated systems can’t always catch the nuances of local languages, and manual moderation is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content.

In India and Pakistan, fact-checking organizations like PIB and DRF are doing good work, but they can’t keep up with the constant flood of fake content produced by army of bots and automated programs. It’s clear that more needs to be done to tackle this problem.

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What You Can Do as a Reader

It’s up to each of us to do our part in fighting fake news. Here’s how you can help:

Verify before you share. Always check the source and use fact-checking tools to confirm the information.

Don’t fall for sensationalism. If something makes you feel overly emotional, take a moment to stop and think.

Report fake content. If you come across misinformation, don’t just ignore it, report it so it doesn’t spread.

Educate yourself and others. Share tips on how to spot fake news with your friends and family so they don’t fall for it either.

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Final Thoughts

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue, the importance of identifying fake news will only grow. By staying vigilant and skeptical, you can help ensure that truth prevails over lies. It’s our collective responsibility to challenge fake stories and demand better from the sources we trust. By doing so, we can prevent misinformation from causing harm and contribute to a more informed and peaceful world.

Image: DIW-Aigen

Read next: New Study Reveals Critical Thinking is More Effective at Combating Misinformation Than Censorship

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

WordPress Plugin Fatigue Is Real. It’s Costing Users Time, Money, and Patience

WordPress powers more than 40% of websites on the internet. Its popularity comes down to flexibility, ownership, and a giant plugin ecosystem that can turn a simple blog into an e-commerce powerhouse, a media library, or a membership site. That plugin library is both a gift and a headache.

The more features you want, the more plugins you install. Each plugin is like adding a new cog in the machine: sometimes helpful, sometimes disruptive. And for a growing number of WordPress users, the strain is catching up. Plugin fatigue is real, and it’s taking a toll on productivity, performance, and peace of mind.

Liquid Web’s recent study on plugin fatigue looked at responses from 1,006 current and former WordPress users. The data paints a clear picture: the plugin problem is growing, especially for users with complex sites or higher plugin counts.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

You’d expect a few plugins here and there to be manageable. But when you hit 10 or more, everything slows down, literally and figuratively. Among users managing 10+ plugins, reports of plugin fatigue jumped by 119%.

One in five WordPress users has more than 10 plugins installed. Only 7% think they actually need that many. That mismatch speaks volumes.

Here’s what’s wearing people out:

• Maintenance overload: Constant updates and compatibility issues eat up time.
• Performance hits: More plugins often mean slower page loads and backend lag.
• Security risks: Each plugin adds another layer of vulnerability that needs monitoring.
• Rising costs: 14% of users spend more than $200 annually on plugins. The ones who do are 50% more likely to feel plugin fatigue.

And it’s not just about the plugins themselves—it’s the industries, too. Nonprofits reported the highest rate of plugin fatigue at 47%, followed closely by professional services (44%), hospitality (43%), and gaming (43%). Government and education sectors weren’t far behind. These organizations often rely on specialized plugins that don’t always play well together.

Switching Platforms Isn’t the Fix It Looks Like

Fed up, some users turn to hosted alternatives. Shopify, Wix, Squarespace — they promise simplicity, no updates, and fewer moving parts. That sounds like a win…until it isn’t.

• Also read: Top SEO Tools for 2025 Every Marketer Needs to Dominate Google Search Results

The study found that 22% of former WordPress users who switched platforms experienced more plugin fatigue, not less. On average, their fatigue jumped by 36%.

Other common complaints after switching included:

• More fatigue: Switching didn’t solve the problem for many (it made it worse).
• Regrets: One in eight users who switched said they wish they hadn’t.
• New problems: Higher subscription costs, limited customization, and learning new systems all introduced fresh friction.

Just because a platform looks simpler doesn’t mean it is. The new tools may not offer the features users relied on in WordPress. Or, if they do, they’re locked behind paywalls or third-party integrations that feel just like plugins, only less transparent.

Why WordPress Still Wins

Despite the hassle, most users still prefer WordPress over its competitors. That loyalty comes down to control. WordPress lets you build what you want, how you want. For users with the right knowledge or support, that freedom outweighs the pain points.

In fact, 67% of users say ease of use is the top reason they picked WordPress. And it’s getting better: 63% say it’s easier to use now than when they started. Hosting improvements, plugin quality, and visual editors have smoothed out some of the older frustrations.

• Related: The Real Reason Some Brands Grow Internationally While Others Stall — It Starts With Better Localization

Speed and performance are now the top hosting priorities for 71% of users. That makes sense because no one sticks around for a sluggish site. But even with better performance, problems remain. Here are the most common ones:

• Troubleshooting fatigue: 33% say solving issues takes too long.
• Learning curve surprises: 27% expected it to be easier to master.
• Plugin bloat: 25% needed too many plugins to get basic features working.
• Customization struggles: 23% said they couldn’t get what they wanted without coding.
• Cost creep: 22% ran into higher-than-expected plugin or hosting fees.

Cutting Back on Plugin Pain

You don’t have to ditch WordPress to simplify your setup. The key is managing your stack better: streamlining, deleting, consolidating, and automating wherever possible.

Here’s what actually helps:

• Regular plugin audits: Cutting what’s not essential keeps things lean.
• Consolidating tools: Swapping five plugins for one well-built option reduces bloat.
• Investing in better hosting: Good hosts handle updates, monitor for security issues, and help troubleshoot plugin conflicts.
• Prioritizing essentials: Most users stick with security (44%), analytics (43%), and SEO (39%). Stick with what really matters.
• Training teams: Teaching plugin best practices prevents stacking unnecessary features just because they’re free.

Just 23% of users say they regularly review their plugin list. That means 3 in 4 are flying blind, adding new tools without cleaning up the old ones. No wonder things start to break.

Staying With WordPress, And Staying Sane

Plugin fatigue is annoying, but it doesn’t have to be fatal. WordPress isn’t the problem, it’s how it’s managed. If you’re juggling dozens of plugins and hoping they all cooperate, you’re probably overdue for a cleanup.

• Also read: 2025’s Best Social Sentiment Tools to Help Brands Know Customers Better

Spending a few hours trimming the fat, choosing smarter tools, and switching to a more hands-on host can make a huge difference. You’ll cut load times, reduce bugs, and save money over time.

Leaving WordPress might feel like hitting the reset button, but it usually means trading known issues for unknown ones. And odds are, you'll still end up relying on plugins or third-party tools, just with fewer options and less control.

The smarter move: Fix what’s broken, and keep what works.

For a deeper dive into the data, check out Liquid Web’s full report: 1 in 3 WordPress users struggle with plugin fatigue, and it’s costing them.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Google Defends Search Growth Amid User Move Toward AI Tools

Google issued a brief statement on Wednesday following courtroom remarks from Apple that caused a sharp market reaction.

During an antitrust hearing, Apple executive Eddy Cue said search use inside Safari declined last month. He described the drop as a shift in how people access information.

That comment drove Alphabet shares down more than 7 percent by the end of the day.

Some in the tech world have echoed similar views. On a recent episode of a Y Combinator program, one host said web traffic from Google dropped 15 percent. He believed the change came from users switching to newer applications that give direct answers.

He said people around him now rely more on ChatGPT and other tools to find what they need. In his view, Google feels less current and more like an older site that serves narrow tasks.

Google, in a short press release, said overall searches continue to rise. The company also noted that queries from Apple devices increased.

Google added that people now access search through apps, voice input, and camera use. No other details were included in the statement.

The company said it plans to show further developments at its I/O event.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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