Understanding WebP Image Format
WebP is an image format developed by Google that provides both lossy and lossless compression for images on the web. It was designed to create smaller, better-looking images that can help make the web faster.
According to Google's research, WebP lossy images are 25-35% smaller than comparable JPEG images at equivalent quality levels. This significant size reduction translates directly into faster page load times and reduced bandwidth consumption.
When to Use WebP Format
WebP is ideal for websites and web applications where loading speed is critical. It's particularly beneficial for:
- E-commerce product images
- Blog post featured images
- Website hero images and banners
- Photo galleries and portfolios
- Social media content
Browser Support for WebP
WebP is now supported by all major modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera. This widespread support makes it a safe choice for most websites. For older browsers, you can implement fallback images or use the HTML picture element with multiple source formats.