Headless CMS

content technology

01 Definition

Headless CMS meaning: A content system that stores content and delivers it through an API to any front end.

A headless CMS manages content but has no built-in display layer, or 'head'. It sends content through an API to websites, apps, and other channels, which handle the presentation. This lets one content source feed many front ends, but it usually needs developers to build and connect those displays.

Also called

API-first CMSdecoupled CMS

Why it matters

How Headless CMS fits the work

A headless setup lets one content store power a website, mobile app, and other channels at once, which suits teams publishing to many devices or interfaces.

In context

The company chose a headless CMS so the same product descriptions could feed its website, mobile app, and in-store kiosks from one source.

!

Practical note

Because there is no default page view, non-technical editors get less preview and layout control. Weigh that trade-off against a traditional CMS if developer time is limited.