How and why to convert JPG images to WebP format?
Google's PageSpeed Insights update has brought several new features. The connection to Lighthouse has significantly increased the amount of advanced data we can receive. One of the changes is a report on image file formats used on a website. It's worth taking a closer look at what these "next-generation formats" are and how to use them, using one of them – the WebP format – as an example.
What is WebP format?
WebP is a graphic file format designed for websites. A distinctive feature that distinguishes WebP from its older predecessors, JPG and PNG, is its higher image compression rate. Simply put, the same quality graphics take up less server space, so they load faster . WebP is no longer a novelty. It saw the light of day in 2010 and became widely discussed three years later, when the image file format was implemented in Google Play. WebP once again gained attention with the recent update of the PageSpeed Insights tool, in which Google emphasized the importance of using next-generation image formats on websites .
Why is the WebP format worth considering? If only because Google owns it, and as we've seen many times in the past, the Mountain View giant favors technologies it has acquired. This was similar with Google Analytics . Despite its age, WebP has been somewhat reluctantly adopted by the development community. This is evident in the fact that not all browsers support it, making implementation difficult. Therefore, when converting images, we need to take appropriate precautions.
What does converting images from JPG to WebP in PageSpeed Insights do?
Of course, it improves results! Optimizing your website's graphics is one of the most important (and also easiest) things you can do to speed things up. Converting JPG to WebP shouldn't pose any difficulties. There are several ways to do this, depending on the CMS and your level of access.
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We can manually convert images using an external program and then upload them to our hosting. However, if we don't want to manually modify files and our website is built on the popular WordPress platform, the easiest way is to use a plugin.
A simple WordPress plugin to convert JPG and PNG files to WebP
There are many plugins that offer conversion from JPG, PNG, or GIF to WebP. ShortPixel Image Optimizer offers this option.
The free version of ShortPixel Image Optimizer allows you to convert up to 100 photos per month from older formats to WebP. Additionally, you can choose between a subscription or a one-time top-up. For those on a budget, there's a referral option, which allows both the referrer and the registrant to compress an additional 100 photos at a time.
Converting JPG to WebP step by step
Download the ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin like any other. After enabling it in your WordPress dashboard, you'll be asked to enter an API key. Simply register on the website using any email address you have access to. You'll receive an email with the key within seconds. The plugin's primary function is compressing images within the same format. We're interested in converting JPG, PNG, or GIF to WebP. To do this, go to the ADVANCE tab and select the following options:
As we've already mentioned, the WebP format isn't supported by all search engines. However, selecting the options above will ensure that your photos display correctly in those cases. The plugin automatically creates a function in the .htaccess file to display the new image format for browsers that support it, and the old one for browsers that don't support WebP.
After selecting the option, click
and move on to the last tab, where we can see how many photos can be converted to the newer format. The free limit of 100 photos should be enough for a small business card website, but if we have more images or want to convert thumbnails as well, we'll need a few loyal friends or a little cash.
After pressing
Let's move on to the process. In the preview, we can see each image the plugin is currently converting and how much its size will be reduced.
Once the process is complete, all that's left to do is return to PageSpeed Insights and re-scan the site. In this case, the tool showed a 7-point speed increase. A great start to successful SEO . 🙂
WebP FAQs
WebP is an image file format designed for modern websites. It was developed and is currently being maintained by Google. Its greatest advantage is its higher image compression compared to older standards such as JPG or PNG.
Thanks to a better compression algorithm, WebP images take up significantly less server space while maintaining high visual quality. Reduced file size means your website loads faster, which directly improves user experience and SEO.
Absolutely. Google explicitly requires the use of "next-generation image formats" in its PageSpeed Insights tool. Replacing old JPG and PNG files with WebP solves this technical issue and almost immediately improves your site's score.
The simplest and fastest way is to use a dedicated WordPress plugin. It allows for mass and automatic conversion of existing images from the media library, without having to manually replace every file on the site.
Although the WebP format has existed since 2010 and is supported by most modern browsers, there are still occasional exceptions (especially in older applications). Professional optimization plugins have a fallback mechanism – if a user's browser is unable to read a WebP file, the server will automatically display the standard JPG or PNG version.
Summary
The above article covers the following topics:
- WebP is a modern graphic format that, thanks to high compression, speeds up the loading of websites while maintaining good image quality.
- Converting images from JPG to WebP can significantly speed up your website loading time and improve your PageSpeed Insights score thanks to a better compression ratio while maintaining high image quality.
- The ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin allows you to convert up to 100 images per month to WebP format for free, while also offering paid packages and a referral bonus system.
- Configuring ShortPixel involves activating the API key and enabling automatic conversion to WebP in the advanced settings, which, by modifying the .htaccess file, ensures correct display of images in all browsers.
