Store WordPress Media in Hetzner Object Storage
Move your WordPress media files to Hetzner Object Storage and free up server space. Reduce hosting costs, speed up your site, and simplify backups. Works with any WordPress installation.
The WordPress Media Problem
WordPress stores all your media files on your server. Every image, PDF, video, and document you upload takes up space in your hosting plan. As your site grows, your media library grows with it.
A photography portfolio might have thousands of high-resolution images. An e-commerce site needs product photos for every item. A blog with years of content accumulates embedded media. Before you know it, you're using 50GB or 100GB of server storage just for media files.
This creates real problems. Hosting providers charge more for larger storage quotas. When you hit your limit, you're forced to upgrade to a more expensive plan. Backups take longer because they include all those media files. Your site's performance can suffer when the server has to serve large files.
Object storage solves this by moving media files off your server and into a dedicated storage service. But most solutions are complex, expensive, or require technical knowledge most WordPress users don't have.
Why Hetzner Object Storage for WordPress
Hetzner Object Storage is designed for simplicity and affordability. It's S3-compatible, which means it works with WordPress plugins built for object storage. But it's simpler to set up, cheaper to use, and designed for European users.
Storage costs €0.02 per GB per month. For a site with 20GB of media, that's €0.40 per month. Compare that to upgrading your hosting plan, and the savings are significant. There are no data transfer fees within the same region, no request charges, and no minimum fees.
Data centers are in Europe, which means faster load times for European visitors. GDPR compliance is built in by default. The interface is straightforward, and support is handled by Hetzner's team.
For WordPress users, the key advantage is simplicity. Create a bucket, get your credentials, and connect. No complex configurations, no technical knowledge required. It just works.
How the Plugin Connects WordPress to Hetzner Object Storage
CloudStrap Offload Media connects your WordPress site to Hetzner Object Storage automatically. You don't need to understand object storage architecture, API endpoints, or complex configurations.
After a simple setup process, the plugin handles everything. When you upload media through WordPress, it automatically stores the file in your Hetzner Object Storage bucket. The plugin rewrites URLs so your content continues to work, but files are served from Hetzner instead of your server.
Your WordPress workflow doesn't change. Upload media through the media library, use the block editor, or add files through your theme. Everything happens in the background. You don't change how you work, but your site runs better.
With the Pro version, you can migrate your entire existing media library with one click. No manual file transfers, no broken links, no downtime. Your old media moves to Hetzner Object Storage, and your site keeps working exactly as before.
How It Works
Setting up WordPress with Hetzner Object Storage takes about five minutes.
1. Create a Hetzner Object Storage Bucket
In Hetzner Cloud Console, go to Object Storage and create a new bucket. Give it a descriptive name like "mysite-media" and choose a region close to your audience. The bucket will store all your WordPress media files.
2. Get Your Access Credentials
In Object Storage, click "Manage credentials" and generate access keys. You'll get an Access Key and Secret Key. These credentials allow the WordPress plugin to connect to your bucket.
3. Install the Plugin in WordPress
Install CloudStrap Offload Media like any WordPress plugin. Activate it, and you'll see a new menu item under Media. Go to Media → Hetzner Offload to configure the connection.
4. Connect to Your Bucket
Enter your bucket name and access credentials in the plugin settings. Click "Test Connection" to verify everything works. The plugin will confirm it can access your Hetzner Object Storage bucket.
5. Upload Media
Upload media through WordPress as you normally would. The plugin automatically stores each file in Hetzner Object Storage and updates the URL. Your media library looks the same, but files are served from Hetzner.
Lite vs Pro
Lite (Free)
- Connect to Hetzner Object Storage
- Automatic offloading for new uploads
- URL rewriting
Pro
- Everything in Lite
- One-click migration of existing media
- Remove files from server after offload
- Priority support
Who This Is For
This plugin is for WordPress site owners who want to reduce hosting costs and improve performance by moving media to object storage. If you're paying for hosting based on storage quotas, or if your media library is slowing down your site, this plugin can help.
It's ideal for sites with large media libraries: photography portfolios, e-commerce stores, content-heavy blogs, or any site that accumulates media over time. Agencies managing multiple client sites appreciate the cost savings. Freelancers and business owners benefit from improved performance.
This isn't necessary for sites with minimal media or sites that are already happy with their hosting costs. If you need advanced object storage features like versioning or complex lifecycle policies, you might need a more technical solution.
But for most WordPress users who want simple, affordable object storage without complexity, this plugin is the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my existing media still work?
Yes. The plugin rewrites URLs automatically, so your existing content continues to work. With Pro, you can migrate your entire existing media library to Hetzner Object Storage with one click. Your old posts and pages will continue to work exactly as before.
Do I need to change how I upload media?
No. Upload media through WordPress exactly as you always have. The plugin handles everything in the background. Files go to Hetzner Object Storage automatically, and URLs are updated transparently.
What happens to files on my server?
With Lite, files remain on your server and are also copied to Hetzner Object Storage. With Pro, you can choose to remove files from your server after they're offloaded, freeing up space immediately.
Can I use this with any WordPress hosting?
Yes. The plugin works with any WordPress hosting that supports standard WordPress plugins. It's particularly useful for managed hosting providers that charge based on storage, but it works anywhere WordPress runs.
How much does Hetzner Object Storage cost?
Storage costs €0.02 per GB per month. For a site with 30GB of media, that's €0.60 per month. There are no data transfer fees within the same region, no request charges, and no minimum fees. You only pay for what you use.
Ready to move your WordPress media to object storage?
Start with the free Lite version. No credit card required, no commitment.