If you’ve ever felt limited by website builders or boxed in by tools that force you to work their way, you’re not alone. The web has changed but so have the expectations of those building it. Whether you’re launching a brand, running an online store, or managing content-heavy platforms, you need more than just a good-looking site. You need real control. That’s where Drupal enters the picture.
So, what is Drupal, and why is it still gaining attention in 2025?
Put simply, Drupal is a powerful CMS, short for content management system. It helps individuals, developers, startups, and organizations create websites that aren’t just functional but structured, scalable, and reliable. Whether it’s a university managing thousands of pages or a brand running a multilingual eCommerce site, Drupal CMS makes it possible.
Now, you might wonder: what is Drupal used for in real-world terms? The answer is more common than you think. According to W3Techs, Drupal powers about 1.2% of all websites whose CMS is known, including government portals, NGOs, tech companies, and media publishers. That’s not just a number, it represents the trust businesses place in a platform that’s flexible and built for longevity.
The rising interest in Drupal today comes from more than just developers. People looking for secure content systems, business owners eyeing eCommerce expansion, and even students exploring CMS technologies are all asking the same thing: Is Drupal still worth learning, using, or investing in?
And that’s exactly what we’re here to answer.
What is Drupal?
Drupal is a content management system (CMS) built using the PHP programming language. It’s an open-source system, which means anyone can download, use, and customize it without licensing fees. Originally created in 2001, Drupal has grown into a mature, community-supported platform known for its flexibility, scalability, and strong performance across different industries.
At its core, Drupal CMS is designed to help individuals and organizations manage content in a structured way. Whether you’re running a personal blog, a news portal, an educational institution’s website, or a corporate intranet, Drupal can adapt to suit the size and complexity of the project.
What makes Drupal different from many other CMS platforms is its modular architecture. This allows developers to extend its capabilities by adding modules prebuilt pieces of functionality that can be installed and configured as needed. While this makes Drupal highly customizable, the platform still keeps things organized for content creators through its intuitive back-end interface.
According to BuiltWith, Drupal powers over 423,492 active websites globally, including government portals, media companies, universities, and NGOs. Its ability to support multilingual content, manage user roles and permissions, and scale across regions makes it suitable for enterprise-grade projects and small websites alike.
In short, Drupal is a content management platform that balances control with reliability, making it a trusted choice for both developers and organizations who need flexibility without sacrificing stability.
What is Drupal Used For?
When people first hear about Drupal, one of the most common follow-up questions is: what is Drupal used for? The answer isn’t limited to just blogs or tech sites. Drupal is built to handle a wide range of website needs, making it useful across industries and sectors. From local government platforms to global eCommerce operations, Drupal supports projects that require structure, control, and adaptability.
Here are some common ways Drupal is used today:
- Government Websites
Drupal is widely adopted by government agencies worldwide because of its strong security features, multilingual support, and accessibility compliance. In fact, sites like Federal IT and numerous U.S. state departments use Drupal to manage public-facing content efficiently. - Educational Institutions
Universities and colleges rely on Drupal to create portals that serve students, staff, and faculty. Its role-based access control makes it easier to manage complex content hierarchies and multiple user types. Schools like George Washington University, and University of Oxford use Drupal to support large-scale academic websites. - Media and Publishing Platforms
News organizations and content-driven media sites use Drupal to manage fast-moving updates, multiple contributors, and varied content types. Its built-in taxonomy and editorial workflows help teams manage large content libraries effectively. - eCommerce Platforms
While often overlooked, Drupal for ecommerce is a growing use case. Modules like Drupal Commerce enable businesses to manage product catalogs, transactions, and personalized experiences. It works well for complex online stores that need more than a simple checkout page. - Community and Membership Portals
Drupal’s strong user management tools make it a smart choice for community-based websites, forums, and membership-driven platforms. Organizations use it to manage registrations, events, and private content.
These use cases show how Drupal fits different goals without compromising on flexibility or performance. Whether you’re running a university portal or scaling an online store, Drupal gives you the framework to do it your way.
Who Should Use Drupal?
Not every website has the same goal or complexity, which is why choosing the right content platform matters. Drupal offers a level of flexibility that suits both beginners exploring new tools and advanced teams managing large-scale websites. Whether you’re comparing platforms or looking to switch, here’s who benefits the most.
- Business Owners and Startup Founders
If you’re running a brand or launching a new venture, Drupal helps you build a professional site that’s stable and secure from the start. It’s especially useful for ecommerce business owners who need custom workflows, multilingual support, and detailed product management. For startups exploring CMS options, Social Exposure offers guidance on how to get started with Drupal and build a foundation that supports growth. - Website Developers
Developers often choose Drupal because of its modular structure, clean codebase, and strong community. It gives more control than many out-of-the-box CMS options and is ideal for building custom features. It’s a solid choice for website developers who prefer to work with open-source systems that can be shaped to fit the client’s exact needs. - Students and Learners
If you’re studying web development or content systems, Drupal is a practical tool to learn. It introduces real-world concepts like content architecture, API integrations, and user management skills that translate well to other platforms. - Bloggers and Content Creators
While Drupal isn’t always the first choice for solo bloggers, it becomes valuable when content volume grows. Writers who want more organization, structured tagging, and scalability will find Drupal a solid step up from simpler platforms. - Users Who Want to Try Different CMS
Some users are just curious about better tools. If you’ve outgrown basic builders or want a CMS that offers more control, Drupal is worth trying. It gives you room to expand without being locked into someone else’s template or pricing structure.
Whether you’re building your first site or planning to scale, Drupal gives you the tools to do it with confidence especially when paired with the right support and strategy.
Key Features That Make Drupal Stand Out
One of the reasons Drupal remains a strong choice in 2025 is because of the balance it strikes between flexibility and control. Whether you’re using Drupal 10 or exploring new features as they evolve, its core strengths are built to support complex content needs while remaining user-friendly and secure.
Here’s what makes Drupal different from other content platforms:
- Customization Through a Modular System
Drupal is built on a modular system that lets you add or remove features as needed. With thousands of contributed modules available, you can shape the platform to meet exact requirements without rewriting core code. This flexible architecture is ideal for teams that need more than just plug-and-play options. - Scalability for Growing Websites
Drupal supports everything from small websites to large enterprise portals with millions of visits. Its content handling capabilities and caching mechanisms make it a reliable choice for brands preparing to scale without slowing down. - Headless and API-First Capabilities
Modern versions, including Drupal 10, offer headless CMS capabilities. That means content can be delivered across platforms like mobile apps, IoT devices, or progressive web apps using APIs. This flexibility supports omnichannel strategies without rebuilding the backend. - Multilingual and Global Ready
With built-in multilingual support, Drupal lets you publish content in multiple languages from a single dashboard. This is especially useful for international brands that need language flexibility without running separate websites. - Role-Based Permissions and User Control
Drupal includes granular role-based permissions, allowing you to assign different access levels for editors, admins, and contributors. This adds a layer of control to collaborative environments and helps organizations maintain workflow security. - Advanced Content Publishing Workflows
Teams can set up editorial workflows, schedule content, and add revision tracking to manage updates smoothly. These publishing tools are key for businesses that run ongoing campaigns, frequent updates, or multi-user content hubs. - Security and SEO Focused
Many ask, is Drupal secure? The answer is yes. Drupal has a dedicated security team and a strong track record of addressing vulnerabilities quickly. As for visibility, is Drupal SEO friendly? It absolutely is. Clean URL structures, meta tagging options, and content control help websites stay search-ready from the start.
Drupal isn’t just a CMS. It’s a content framework that adapts as your needs grow, backed by a strong developer community and continuous updates.
Is Drupal Free?
One of the most common questions from new users is: is Drupal free? The answer is yes. Drupal is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which means it is free to download, use, modify, and share.
Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- No Licensing Fees
Drupal can be installed and used without any purchase or subscription. Whether you’re launching a personal blog or an enterprise portal, there’s no cost for the software itself. - Open Source CMS
Drupal is an open source CMS, supported by a global community of developers and contributors. This community continuously updates the platform, fixes bugs, improves security, and expands functionality. - Freedom to Customize
Because Drupal is not owned by a single company, you’re not tied to specific vendors or pricing models. You have full control over how it’s installed, modified, and extended. - Costs Depend on Implementation
While the software is free, building a Drupal site might involve costs related to development, design, hosting, or maintenance depending on your needs and goals.
If your team is exploring open-source solutions that are flexible and cost-effective, Drupal is a strong candidate. And if you’re not sure where to start, Social Exposure can guide you through implementing Drupal in a way that fits your business goals and technical capacity.
Is Drupal SEO Friendly?
For any website to succeed, visibility in search engines is essential. That leads to the question: is Drupal SEO friendly? The answer is yes. Drupal includes built-in features and optional modules that help website owners manage SEO without relying heavily on third-party tools.
Here’s how Drupal supports SEO performance:
- Clean, Search-Friendly URLs
Drupal allows the creation of clean, readable URLs using path aliases. These URLs are important for both user experience and search engine indexing. - Custom Meta Tags
With modules like Metatag, Drupal enables users to add custom title tags, descriptions, and Open Graph tags for each page. This helps control how pages appear in search results and on social platforms. - Support for Schema Markup
Schema plugins are available to help structure your site’s data. This makes it easier for search engines to understand your content and display it in rich snippets. - Performance Optimizations
Drupal offers strong caching, image compression, lazy loading, and other techniques that contribute to fast page loading times. Since performance is a ranking factor, this gives Drupal-built sites a technical edge. - Mobile Responsiveness and Accessibility
Drupal themes follow responsive design standards. This ensures that websites perform well across devices, supporting mobile-first indexing.
If you’re working with a website development company that understands Drupal’s SEO modules and configurations, you can fine-tune your site for both users and search engines from the very beginning.
Is Drupal Secure for Today’s Web?
Security is a top concern for any business or organization managing digital content. That brings us to a key question: is Drupal secure enough for modern web demands? The answer lies in how Drupal has been built and maintained since its earliest versions, with a strong focus on protection, transparency, and community-driven oversight.
Here’s how Drupal addresses security in real-world scenarios:
- Core-Level Security Architecture
Drupal is designed with a strict coding standard that prioritizes secure practices. Input validation, user access controls, and session handling are all part of the framework. Regular code reviews and centralized issue tracking reduce vulnerabilities before they affect production sites. - Dedicated Security Team and Fast Updates
The Drupal Security Team is an organized group of volunteers and professionals who review vulnerabilities and release security updates regularly. When issues are discovered, patches and advisories are published swiftly to help site administrators stay protected. - Community-Driven Protection
Since Drupal is open-source, thousands of developers globally are involved in maintaining code quality. This collective effort leads to faster detection of issues and more reliable fixes compared to smaller proprietary platforms. - Enterprise Compliance Standards
Drupal supports enterprise-grade compliance features like audit logging, secure user role permissions, and external authentication tools. These are essential for websites that manage sensitive data or operate in regulated industries. - Drupal 10 Security Features
The current version includes improvements such as Symfony 6 support, more modern dependencies, and better handling of configuration and access control further strengthening data protection for all users.
For organizations that prioritize security, Drupal remains one of the most trusted open-source platforms. It’s not just about the tools it’s about the community and structure behind them.
Drupal for eCommerce: Is It a Good Fit?
If you’re a business owner exploring online store platforms, one question might come to mind: is Drupal good for ecommerce? While many lean toward prebuilt solutions, Drupal offers something different: a framework built for flexibility, custom workflows, and business-specific logic.
Here’s what makes Drupal ecommerce solutions worth considering:
- Powered by Drupal Commerce
Drupal uses a specialized set of modules called Drupal Commerce. These enable online stores to handle everything from product catalogs to complex checkout flows. Unlike limited eCommerce plugins, this setup is customizable to match your sales process. - Fits Complex or Growing Store Models
Drupal is well suited for businesses that expect their online operations to evolve. Whether you’re selling digital goods, subscriptions, or multi-variant physical products, Drupal can support those requirements without changing platforms. - Supports Niche and Enterprise Use Cases
Industries like publishing, education, and B2B services often need more than just a shopping cart. Drupal’s flexible structure allows for content-led commerce experiences, which is ideal for businesses that sell through storytelling or customer education. - Deep Integration with Content and CRM Tools
With Drupal, eCommerce doesn’t exist in isolation. You can integrate blogs, landing pages, email tools, and customer data systems all under one platform giving your team full control of the buyer journey. - Better Long-Term Ownership
Unlike off-the-shelf builders that limit customization, Drupal gives you full access to every part of your store. This means fewer compromises, more ownership, and no subscription lock-ins.
For businesses looking to launch scalable, content-driven online stores, Drupal offers more than just features it offers room to grow. And if you’re considering it as part of your strategy, Social Exposure will help you get started with a setup tailored to your audience and business model.
A Quick Look: Drupal vs Other Platforms
Each content platform has its strengths, depending on the goals and scale of a project. Here’s how Drupal compares to a few of the most commonly used platforms without leaning too far in either direction. This helps users understand whether Drupal aligns with their needs or if another system might be a better fit.
Platform | Core Strength | Use Case Fit | Key Difference Compared to Drupal |
Drupal vs WordPress | Easy content publishing | Bloggers, small businesses | WordPress offers quicker setup; Drupal handles complex content structures more effectively. |
Drupal vs Joomla | Simpler admin UI | Community and hobbyist sites | Joomla has a smaller ecosystem; Drupal supports more scalable site architecture. |
Drupal vs Magento | Product-focused engine | Product catalogs, eCommerce | Magento is product-first; Drupal is content-first with Drupal Commerce as an add-on. |
Drupal vs Shopify | Hosted service simplicity | Startups, simple eStores | Shopify is turnkey; Drupal allows full backend control and deeper customization. |
Drupal vs Laravel | Custom application framework | Developers building from scratch | Laravel is a framework only; Drupal combines framework flexibility with CMS capabilities. |
Conclusion
Whether you’re building a scalable platform or rethinking how your content should be delivered, Drupal CMS continues to prove its value in 2025. Its flexible structure, strong community, and regular updates make it a platform that grows with your needs not around them.
From Drupal 10’s modern development stack to its ability to support complex sites across industries, Drupal stands out for those who need control without giving up stability. If your project involves detailed content workflows, multilingual requirements, or eCommerce integrations, Drupal is worth serious consideration.
If you’re searching for the right partner to help you explore or implement Drupal, Social Exposure is here to support you. As the best website development company we focused on long-term solutions, our team can help align Drupal’s strengths with your goals. Drupal isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building something that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drupal used for in 2025?
Drupal is used for building complex websites, including government portals, education platforms, eCommerce stores, and community networks. Its flexibility and structured content system make it ideal for organizations that need full control over how information is managed and delivered.
Is Drupal still relevant?
Yes, Drupal remains relevant in 2025 due to its open-source model, advanced architecture, and continuous updates. The release of Drupal 10 brings cleaner code, better security, and modern tools that help developers and businesses stay ahead of changing digital needs.
Is Drupal hard to learn?
Drupal can have a learning curve if you’re new to content systems, but many users find it approachable with the right guidance. For structured support, platforms like Social Exposure help teams implement and work with Drupal more confidently.
Can I use Drupal for my eCommerce site?
Yes. Drupal for ecommerce is powered by Drupal Commerce, which supports catalogs, payments, and flexible checkout flows. It’s especially useful for businesses that need more than basic store features and want to scale their digital presence.
Is Drupal better than WordPress?
The answer depends on your goals. In the Drupal vs WordPress debate, Drupal offers deeper control and better performance for large or structured websites. WordPress may be faster to launch, but Drupal suits complex use cases with custom requirements.
Is Drupal SEO friendly?
Yes, Drupal is SEO friendly by default. It supports clean URLs, meta tag modules, schema integration, and performance tools that align with modern SEO practices. With proper setup, it handles both technical and on-page SEO effectively.
Who uses Drupal today?
Drupal is trusted by governments, universities, nonprofit organizations, and media companies. Its user base includes developers, business owners, marketers, and teams looking for a reliable and scalable CMS.
What are the benefits of using Drupal?
Drupal offers flexibility, security, and control over content. It supports custom workflows, multilingual capabilities, and integrates well with APIs and external tools. Businesses use it to build fast, reliable, and future-ready websites that don’t rely on closed ecosystems.
Does Drupal support multilingual sites?
Yes. Drupal includes multilingual support as a core feature. You can manage translations, language-specific content, and global settings from a single dashboard without using external plugins.
Is Drupal a secure CMS for enterprises?
Drupal is secure and actively maintained by a global security team. It meets enterprise compliance standards and includes access controls, audit logs, and regular security updates. For enterprise-level implementation, firms like Social Exposure can help build secure Drupal setups tailored to business needs.
