Optimise your website with next generation media formats

WebP and WebM are modern image and video formats that are increasingly being used in web development to create faster, more efficient websites. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into what WebP and WebM are, how they work, and the benefits they offer to web developers and designers.

What is WebP?

WebP is an image format that was developed by Google. It provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web, allowing for smaller file sizes without a significant loss in quality. This makes it an ideal format for use on the web, where faster loading times are important for a good user experience.

One of the key features of WebP is its ability to compress images without losing quality. The example above posts an png image up to 26% smaller in size without compromising image quality. This is achieved through a combination of advanced compression techniques, including prediction, transform coding, and entropy coding. These techniques allow WebP to reduce the file size of images while still maintaining their visual quality.

In addition to providing superior compression, WebP also offers a number of other benefits. It supports a wide range of image types, including lossless and lossy images, alpha transparency, and animation. It is also capable of handling high-resolution images, making it suitable for use on high-density displays.

The image above highlights the current browser compatibility of WebP.

What is WebM?

WebM is a video file format that uses the VP8 and VP9 video codecs. It is designed to provide high-quality video at a smaller file size, making it ideal for use on the web. WebM is supported by many modern browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.

Like WebP, WebM uses advanced compression techniques to reduce the file size of videos without compromising their quality. This makes it an efficient format for use on the web, where faster loading times are important for a good user experience.

In addition to its superior compression, WebM also offers a number of other benefits. It supports a wide range of video resolutions, making it suitable for use on high-definition displays. It is also capable of handling high frame rates, making it suitable for use in video applications that require smooth, fluid motion.

The image above highlights the current browser compatibility of WebM.

Benefits of WebP and WebM

There are several benefits to using WebP and WebM in web development. One of the main benefits is that they allow for faster loading times for websites. This is because both formats use advanced compression techniques to reduce the file size of images and videos without significantly affecting their quality. This means that websites using WebP and WebM can load faster, providing a better user experience for visitors.

In addition to faster loading times, WebP and WebM also offer improved performance on mobile devices. These formats are designed to be used on the web, and as such, they are optimized for use on devices with limited resources, such as smartphones and tablets. By using WebP and WebM, web developers and designers can create websites that load quickly and smoothly on mobile devices, improving the user experience for mobile users.

Another advantage of WebP and WebM is that they are both open and royalty-free. This means that web developers and designers can use them without having to worry about paying licensing fees or obtaining permission. This makes them an attractive choice for web developers and designers looking to create high-quality websites on a budget.

Conclusion

WebP and WebM are valuable tools for web developers and designers looking to create fast, high-quality websites. By using these formats, you can improve the performance of your site and provide a better experience for your users. Whether you are looking to create a simple website or a complex web application, WebP and WebM can help you achieve your goals in an efficient and cost-effective manner.