Enabling Shifter Media CDN offers the following benefits. We also outline some points to keep in mind.
Benefits
1. Faster static generation
Because less media data (assets) needs to be copied, the time required for static generation is reduced. The more media files your site has, the more noticeable the improvement.
In real-world deployments, we have seen the following results.
Site B uses Shifter Media CDN and achieved a 163% increase in processing speed.
2. Better experience for site visitors
Media is always kept ready for delivery, so it can be served without waiting for static generation to finish. This leads to a smoother experience for your visitors.
Without Media CDN (HTML, theme files, and media are all copied every time)
With Media CDN (only HTML and theme files are copied; media is always ready for delivery)
3. Smaller WordPress file size
Media files are managed on the CDN side, which keeps the file size of your WordPress installation down.
Drawbacks and Considerations
1. Available only on certain plans
Shifter Media CDN is available only on the new Tier 1–3 plans. Customers on a legacy plan need to switch to a new plan.
2. Results vary depending on your site
For sites that have few media files and spend most of their time on HTML generation, the time savings from Media CDN are limited. Sites that benefit most are those with many media files, where copying assets is the bottleneck.
Sites where HTML generation is the bottleneck (limited benefit from Media CDN)
Sites where asset copying is the bottleneck (noticeable benefit from Media CDN)
