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Definition
WebP is an image format developed by Google that provides superior compression for images on the web. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as transparency and animation, making it a versatile replacement for JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
Google introduced WebP in 2010 as a web-focused image format derived from the VP8 video codec. The goal was to reduce image file sizes across the web — and it succeeded. WebP lossy images are typically 25-34% smaller than comparable JPEGs, while WebP lossless images are 26% smaller than PNGs.
WebP supports transparency (alpha channel) even in lossy mode, which is unique — JPEG has no transparency support at all. It also supports animation, serving as a more efficient alternative to GIF files with better color depth and smaller sizes. This combination of features means WebP can replace JPEG, PNG, and GIF in most web contexts.
Browser support is now universal: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and all modern mobile browsers support WebP. For web developers, serving WebP images is one of the most impactful performance optimizations available. The format is widely supported by CDNs, CMSes (WordPress, Shopify), and image optimization services.