SEO Benefits of Using WebP Images

Date published: December 3, 2025
Last update: November 21, 2025
Author: Marek Hovorka

Category: Image Optimization & Compression
Tags: Core web vitals, Image optimization, performance optimization, ranking factors, SEO 2026, WebP format, WebP SEO, Website speed

A complete guide to the SEO benefits of using WebP images in 2026. Learn why WebP improves speed, Core Web Vitals, Google ranking, and mobile performance.

Image optimization is one of the most impactful (and most overlooked) parts of modern SEO. Large PNG and JPEG files slow down page load, hurt Core Web Vitals, and reduce conversions. In 2026, Google’s ranking algorithms continue prioritizing speed, performance, and mobile experience—and using WebP is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.

WebP is a modern, highly efficient image format developed by Google. It delivers superior compression, smaller file sizes, faster loading, and high visual quality, making it an ideal choice for SEO-focused websites.

This article explains exactly how WebP improves SEO and why switching from PNG/JPEG to WebP is worth it.

1. What Is WebP and Why Does It Matter for SEO?

WebP is an image format designed specifically for the open web. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, plus transparency (alpha) and animation.

The core SEO reason to use WebP:

👉 WebP files are 25–80% smaller than JPEG and PNG — without visible quality loss.

Smaller files = faster pages = better rankings.

Google directly recommends “next-gen formats” such as WebP inside PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse.

2. WebP Significantly Improves PageSpeed (Largest Contentful Paint)

Most websites load at least one large image above the fold—often the hero image. This directly affects LCP (Largest Contentful Paint), one of the three Core Web Vitals.

How WebP improves LCP:

• WebP compresses images dramatically
• The browser downloads less data
• LCP loads faster on both mobile and desktop
• Google detects an improved user experience
• Higher chance of ranking increase

Switching your hero images to WebP often cuts LCP by 30–50%.

3. WebP Improves Core Web Vitals (CWV)

Core Web Vitals are a confirmed ranking factor. Image performance plays a massive role in all three metrics:

LCP — Largest Contentful Paint

WebP reduces time until the main content is visible.

CLS — Cumulative Layout Shift

WebP loads more predictably than oversized PNG/JPEG, preventing layout jumps.

INP — Interaction to Next Paint (replaces FID)

Lighter images reduce CPU/GPU usage and improve responsiveness.

If you want higher CWV scores, WebP is one of the quickest wins.

4. WebP Reduces Bounce Rate & Increases Conversions

SEO is not only about rankings — it is about user behavior.

Slow-loading websites cause:

• Higher bounce rate
• Lower session duration
• Fewer page views
• Lower conversion rates

Because WebP images load quickly, users stay longer and navigate more content. Fast sites feel better.

A smoother experience → better engagement → better SEO signals.

5. WebP Saves Mobile Data (Huge UX + SEO Advantage)

Mobile visitors often deal with:

• Weak connections
• Limited data plans
• Slow networks

WebP dramatically reduces data usage.

This is especially important because Google ranks based on mobile-first indexing. Better mobile performance = stronger ranking potential.

6. Ideal For Large Sites, Blogs, E-commerce, and Media

WebP is especially beneficial for:

🛒 E-commerce

Product photos load faster → higher conversions → lower cart abandonment.

📰 Blogs

Faster article load → better engagement → more organic visibility.

🖼 Portfolios / Photographers**

High-quality visuals at a fraction of the size.

🏢 Corporate sites**

Reduced bandwidth and hosting costs.

Whether you run WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, or custom websites — WebP is universally supported.

7. Google Recommends “Next-Gen Formats” — WebP Leads the List

PageSpeed Insights literally says:

“Serve images in next-gen formats.”

The first examples?
✔ WebP
✔ AVIF

Switching to WebP immediately removes one of the top PageSpeed warnings and improves Lighthouse scoring.

8. WebP Supports Transparency and Animation

Unlike JPEG, WebP supports:

• Alpha transparency (like PNG)
• Lightweight animations (like GIF, but MUCH smaller)

This means you can replace:

• Logo PNGs → WebP
• Transparent UI elements → WebP
• GIFs → WebP animations

All while reducing file sizes drastically.

9. How Much Faster Does a Website Load After Switching to WebP?

Typical reductions:

Original Format	Average WebP Size Reduction
PNG	40–80% smaller
JPEG	25–60% smaller
GIF	50–90% smaller

If your website has dozens or hundreds of images, switching to WebP can remove megabytes of data per page.

Even a 1-second decrease in loading time can dramatically improve SEO performance.

10. How to Convert Images to WebP Easily

The easiest method is using an online converter such as PixConverter.io.

Steps:

1. Open PixConverter.io
2. Upload PNG/JPEG/WebP/HEIC/AVIF images
3. Select WebP
4. Click Convert
5. Download lightweight WebP files

Advantages:

• No installation
• Works on desktop + mobile
• Batch conversion supported
• High-quality compression settings
• Transparency preserved

❓ FAQ — WebP & SEO

1. Does WebP improve SEO rankings directly?

Indirectly, yes. Google ranks faster websites higher. WebP improves speed, PageSpeed scores, and Core Web Vitals — all ranking factors.

2. Will WebP replace PNG and JPEG completely?

Most major platforms now default to WebP. Traditional formats will stick around, but WebP is becoming the new standard.

3. Does WebP keep transparency?

Yes. WebP fully supports alpha transparency, just like PNG — but with a much smaller file size.

4. Can all browsers display WebP?

Yes, all modern browsers support WebP (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, Opera).

5. What if I need a fallback for older browsers?

You can use <picture> tags with fallback formats, but in 2026 WebP support is essentially universal.

6. Is WebP good for SEO on mobile?

Absolutely. Google’s mobile-first indexing heavily favors fast, lightweight websites — WebP is perfect for that.