If you search the keywords “images optimisation”, you will see some articles recommend using .webp as the best image format for a website. The .webp format is praised for its superior compression offering a smaller file size with better quality retention compared to other formats like .jpg and .png. We don’t disagree with this, but is it a must and worth the time converting every single image on your WordPress site to .webp? Probably not, as .webp has some drawbacks that make you reconsider.
The disadvantage of using .webp
Nothing is perfect. Nor is the .webp format. While it can improve web performance, the issue with .webp is about compatibility.
Social media platforms compatibility issues
Despite the technical advantages of .webp, many social media platforms still do not support it fully. Auto-posted images in .webp format can fail to display correctly, leading to broken or missing visuals.
Social platforms have long been optimised for traditional formats like JPEG and PNG. Until .webp becomes a standard on these platforms, relying solely on .webp could hinder your social media engagement and affect content visibility.
Our recommendation is to run a quick test on the social media platform before make it permanent change.
Email client compatibility issues
Another major limitation of .webp is its lack of support in many popular email clients. If you’re using email marketing to reach your audience, .webp images may not show up in recipients’ inboxes. Older versions of Outlook and some mobile email applications, do not support .webp images.
Many businesses rely on email marketing to nurture relationships with customers, and images are a key component in successful email campaigns. Without proper image support in email clients, your emails may appear incomplete, harming the effectiveness of your campaigns.
Google Merchant and Google Shopping compatibility
Product images in .webp format may not display properly in Google Merchant, which is used for Google Shopping. Since product images are essential for e-commerce, failure to display can affect visibility and sales.
Even though Google’s Merchant Center documentation specifies preferred image formats, and while Google has improved WebP support, some features and integrations still work better with traditional formats.
If you’re using Google Shopping to promote your products, inconsistent product image display can harm your sales. Until .webp becomes universally accepted across all Google Merchant features, using fallback formats like JPEG or PNG is recommended to ensure compatibility and maximize your product visibility.
Web browser compatibility
While most modern browsers support .webp, many older versions or less common browsers do not. This can be problematic, especially for users who have not updated their browsers.
Though modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge fully support .webp, some versions of Safari (particularly older ones) and Internet Explorer have limited or no support. This means users on outdated browsers might encounter broken images, affecting their experience on your site and potentially increasing bounce rates.
A balanced approach: Combining .webp with fallback formats
To mitigate these compatibility issues, a hybrid strategy of serving both .webp and fallback formats like JPEG or PNG is a great solution. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of .webp without sacrificing compatibility across various platforms.
By implementing a dual-image strategy using either .htaccess rules or WordPress plugins, you can ensure that modern browsers receive .webp images, while users with older browsers or platforms get JPEG/PNG images.
# Example .htaccess code for WebP with fallbacks
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_ACCEPT} image/webp
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} (.*)\.(jpe?g|png)$
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME}\.webp -f
RewriteRule (.+)\.(jpe?g|png)$ $1.webp [T=image/webp,L]
</IfModule>Additional insights on WordPress image formats
Compression is critical for improving website speed and SEO. By optimising images for faster loading times, you not only enhance user experience but also improve your search rankings.
Here are two recommended plugins for WordPress image optimisation:
- Converter for Media: This plugin automatically converts images to WebP format You can find it at WordPress.org’s plugin repository.
- Smush Image Optimization: This tool offers image compression and .webp conversion.
FAQ Section
What is the best image format for WordPress?
For most modern sites, .webp is ideal due to its superior compression and quality retention. However, ensure you have fallback formats like JPEG or PNG for broader compatibility.
How do .webp, .jpg, and .png formats differ in terms of quality and compression?
- .webp: Best for compression with minimal quality loss, typically 25-35% smaller than JPEG at equivalent quality levels.
- .jpg: Great for photographs, with reasonable compression but some quality loss, especially at higher compression levels.
- .png: Best for images requiring transparency and detailed graphics but with larger file sizes compared to both JPEG and WebP.
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| WebP Only | Maximum compression, faster load times | Compatibility issues across platforms |
| Traditional Formats Only | Maximum compatibility | Larger file sizes, slower load times |
| Hybrid Approach | Optimizsd for both speed and compatibility | Requires additional configuration |
Conclusion:
Selecting the right image format is crucial for optimizing your WordPress site’s performance. While .webp provides great compression benefits, its compatibility issues with some platforms and email clients might hinder its universal use. By using a combination of .webp and fallback formats like JPEG and PNG, you can optimize your website’s performance without sacrificing compatibility.
