Optimizing images is crucial in 2024 for maintaining site speed as well as search engine performance. Images are integral to user experience. Poorly managed images can slow down the website. As an aftermath, increased load times, higher bandwidth usage and negative impacts on Web Vitals are witnessed. The Web Vitals include metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Interaction to Next Paint (INP). The metrics are important for SEO. If the images are not optimized, it risk poor performance scores and this could harm the search rankings as well as drive users away.
It is important to choose the right image format. AVIF has lately become the preferred choice. It comparatively offers superior compression and quality. It supports lossy as well as lossless compression. It is ideal for a variety of use cases such as photographs, complex images and animations. However, WebP of Google is simultaneously effective. It is to be considered if encoding speed is a concern. SVG is a great option for vector graphics such as icons and logos due to its scalability and smaller file size. PNG is still useful due to its universal compatibility and also absolute lossless quality. It is usually less efficient compared to newer formats.
Compression is another key factor when we talk about image optimization. Choose lossy or lossless compression is a personal choice based on the required quality. Moreover, techniques like lazy loading can help. Images are loaded only when they are nearly at the entrance of the viewport. It helps in reducing initial load times. It also saves bandwidth.
Apart from all these, one can use some advanced techniques. The using of <picture> element and srcset attributes allows delivering the best image versions for different devices and screen sizes. It basically enhances user experience.
