WebP

WebP is a next-generation image format developed by Google that provides high-quality visuals at significantly smaller file sizes compared to traditional formats like JPEG and PNG.

WebP is a modern image format designed to make the web faster and more efficient. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, combining the best features of JPEG, PNG, and GIF — such as animation, transparency, and high visual fidelity — into a single unified format.

Developed by Google in 2010, WebP was created to address the performance challenges caused by large image file sizes on websites. It is now widely supported by all major browsers, enabling web developers and CDN providers to deliver optimized images without sacrificing quality.

Medianova’s Image Optimization system automatically detects browser support for WebP and delivers the optimal format to each user.

Benefits of WebP

WebP’s advanced compression algorithms significantly reduce image file sizes while maintaining visual quality. This results in faster page loads, reduced bandwidth consumption, and improved user experiences.

Compression Type	Compared Format	Typical Size Reduction	Additional Capabilities
Lossy WebP	JPEG	25–34% smaller	Supports transparency (alpha channel)
Lossless WebP	PNG	~26% smaller	Maintains pixel-perfect fidelity
Animated WebP	GIF	Up to 64% smaller	Supports full animation frames
Transparent WebP	PNG	~3× smaller	Allows lossy + alpha blending

Use WebP for all UI and media images where browser support exists; fallback to PNG/JPEG for legacy browsers.

How WebP Works

WebP uses a combination of predictive and block-based compression techniques derived from Google’s VP8 video codec. Instead of storing each pixel independently, WebP predicts pixel values from neighboring areas, which allows it to encode only differences — drastically reducing file size.

WebP Workflow Summary

1. The source image is analyzed for redundancy and patterns.

2. WebP applies predictive compression to store only differences between blocks.

3. The file is encoded in either lossy or lossless mode.

4. The browser decodes and renders the image in real time, maintaining near-original quality.

5. Medianova’s CDN caches and serves WebP automatically to supported clients.

Because of its predictive structure, WebP decoding requires slightly more CPU processing, but the performance benefit from smaller file sizes far outweighs the cost.

Why WebP Matters for Performance

WebP enables websites and applications to deliver faster, lighter, and richer visual content — especially on mobile and low-bandwidth networks.

Key Advantages

• Faster page load times → Direct impact on SEO and Core Web Vitals.

• Reduced bandwidth usage → Lower CDN and origin costs.

• Enhanced user experience → Smoother, more interactive browsing.

• Universal adoption → Supported by Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari (16+), and all modern Android browsers.

• Flexible integration → Works seamlessly with Medianova’s Image Optimization and caching systems.

Implement WebP through Medianova’s Image Optimization and WebP feature to automate detection, conversion, and caching at the CDN edge.

Browser Support

WebP is supported by nearly all major browsers and platforms, covering more than 97% of global internet users.

Browser	Supported Since	Notes
Google Chrome	v23+	Full support
Mozilla Firefox	v65+	Full support
Microsoft Edge	v18+	Full support
Apple Safari	v14+	Full support (macOS, iOS)
Opera	v12.1+	Full support
Android Browser	4.0+	Full support

For older browsers without WebP support, Medianova automatically serves fallback formats (JPEG/PNG).

Best Practices

• Use WebP for all product, banner, and background images.

• Keep original JPEG/PNG files available as fallback.

• Combine WebP delivery with Medianova CDN caching for faster global distribution.

• Use lossy WebP for standard web graphics and lossless WebP for design assets.

• Re-encode large legacy images with WebP to reduce total page size and bandwidth usage.