Require Featured Image vs Insert Featured Image Shortcode (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Require Featured Image
4.0K+ active installs
Free
Insert Featured Image Shortcode
200 active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Insert Featured Image Shortcode has a higher user rating (5/5 from 1 reviews) while Require Featured Image leads in active installations (4.0K+ vs 200). Both are free WordPress plugins. Require Featured Image has accumulated 96K+ total downloads while Insert Featured Image Shortcode has 14K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Require Featured Image | Insert Featured Image Shortcode | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.9/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 16 | ◄ | 1 |
| Active Installs | 4.0K+ | ◄ | 200 |
| Total Downloads | 96K+ | ◄ | 14K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 6 years ago | ◄ | 12 years ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2010 | |
| Age | 13 years | 16 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.5+ | 2.9+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.5.0 | 1.2.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Require Featured Image
Insert Featured Image Shortcode
Download Trends
Recent Reviews
Require Featured Image Reviews
Does what it needs to do
Works on WP 5.8 with build in Gutenberg editor for CPT = posts When you remove the image the message re-appears
allows to remove thumb image
It allows to delete thumb image on existing posts. If I open post that already doesn’t have thumb image it doesn’t show any error message.
Doesn’t work on version 5.1
at least in terms of hiding the button. Plz fix already.
Insert Featured Image Shortcode Reviews
No reviews yet
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Require Featured Image and Insert Featured Image Shortcode
A visual way to add CSS buttons in the rich text editor and to your themes.
Improve your productivity with this "2-in-1" save button! It saves the post and immediately takes you to your next action.
Take full control of user roles and capabilities in WordPress with an intuitive, powerful interface.
Three, four and five column screen layouts for the post editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Require Featured Image or Insert Featured Image Shortcode more popular?
Which has better ratings — Require Featured Image or Insert Featured Image Shortcode?
Are Require Featured Image and Insert Featured Image Shortcode free?
Which plugin has better support — Require Featured Image or Insert Featured Image Shortcode?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.