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The Underappreciated Potential of .webp: Why Isn’t It More Popular?
I’ve recently discovered the incredible advantages of using .webp for images, and I’m perplexed as to why it hasn’t seen more widespread adoption yet.
Initially, I stuck with compressed JPGs out of habit. But once I switched my default to .webp, I was shocked by its limited usage. Given its benefits, .webp should be much more prevalent.
To illustrate, I converted a large 3000×1500 JPG file (1.25MB, 300DPI) into a .webp format. The resulting file was just 96KB with no noticeable loss in quality—an impressive 92% reduction in size.
Curious to understand why .webp isn’t more widely used, I consulted caniuse.com. Aside from the notorious Internet Explorer, .webp enjoys full support across the board.
Do you use .webp for your images? If not, I’d love to hear your reasons!
Update: For those worried about export challenges, there’s an easy solution. You can effortlessly convert your high-definition JPGs in bulk using this tool: towebp.io.
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2 responses to “Why hasn’t the promising .webp format seen widespread use?”
The WebP image format is indeed impressive in terms of providing significant file size reduction without noticeable quality loss compared to traditional formats like JPEG and PNG. However, its widespread adoption has been hindered by several factors. Here’s a comprehensive look into the reasons:
1. Legacy Support and Compatibility
Browser Support: While most modern browsers now support WebP, this wasn’t always the case. For a long time, prominent browsers like Safari and Internet Explorer lacked support. Although Safari has now adopted WebP (as of Safari 14), the historical lack of support delayed adoption.
Software and Application Compatibility: Not all image editing software and CMS platforms fully support WebP yet. For example, older versions of Adobe Photoshop required plugins for WebP compatibility. Similarly, some CMS platforms or their plugins might have required updates to handle WebP.
2. Ecosystem and Infrastructure
Historical Inertia: JPEG and PNG have been around for decades, leading to entrenched usage across many systems, content management workflows, and end-user expectations.
CDN and Hosting Support: Some content delivery networks and web hosting services took time to fully support WebP images, impacting site optimization strategies.
3. Quality Perception
4. Technical and Developer Familiarity
Developer Resources and Knowledge: Web developers might not be fully aware of the benefits and methods for using WebP. Older tutorials, libraries, and codebases often default to JPEG or PNG, perpetuating their use.
Toolchain Integration: Incorporating WebP into an existing toolchain requires development time to update code, scripts, and processes, which some organizations might prioritize lower given resource constraints.
5. User Perception and Marketing
Awareness: End-users, content creators, or even some developers may not be aware of WebP’s capabilities. Without strong marketing or advocacy within tech communities, newer formats struggle to gain ground.
Misconceptions: There might still be misconceptions about WebP’s compatibility or benefits, stemming from outdated information or testing on now-ob
It’s great to see a discussion around the potential of the .webp format! I believe one significant reason for its slower adoption is rooted in legacy support and the existing infrastructure that many websites operate on. While modern browsers have certainly embraced .webp, many older systems and tools still predominantly support formats like JPEG and PNG.
Moreover, transitioning to .webp is not just a simple matter of file conversion; it also requires updates in image processing and storage infrastructures. For large websites or those that rely heavily on third-party plugins and themes, the process can be a daunting undertaking.
Additionally, while .webp offers fantastic compression rates, some content creators and developers remain concerned about potential compatibility issues with certain devices or platforms, especially in contexts where accessibility is crucial. This apprehension can lead them to stick with more universally accepted formats.
With the right resources and educational initiatives to address these concerns—along with tools like towebp.io simplifying the conversion process—we could see a significant shift toward broader adoption. It would be interesting to explore how organizations can facilitate this transition and what small measures can be taken to encourage more content creators to embrace the .webp format. Thank you for bringing this vital topic to the forefront!