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Understanding WebP: How to Use Next-Gen Images in WordPress

WebP is an image format developed by Google that compresses images more efficiently than traditional formats like JPEG and PNG. Using WebP in WordPress helps improve website speed and performance.

Why use WebP in WordPress?​

  • Smaller File Sizes – WebP images are up to 30-50% smaller than JPEG and PNG.
  • Faster Page Load Speed – Smaller images reduce page load time, improving Core Web Vitals.
  • Improved SEO – Google prefers fast-loading websites, so WebP helps boost search rankings.
  • Transparency & Animation Support – Like PNG and GIF, WebP supports transparency and animations.

How to enable WebP in WordPress​

Use a WebP Conversion Plugin

If your theme or browser doesn't support WebP natively, use a plugin to convert images to WebP:

Recommended Plugins:

  • WebP Express (free)
  • EWWW Image Optimizer
  • Imagify
  • ShortPixel

How to Use a WebP Plugin:

  1. Install & activate a plugin (e.g., WebP Express).
  2. Enable automatic conversion for new and existing images.
  3. Set up fallback images for unsupported browsers.

Testing WebP compatibility​

After enabling WebP, check if your images are loading in the correct format:

  1. Right-click an image → Inspect (in Chrome).
  2. Look for .webp in the image URL.
  3. If WebP isn't loading, clear your cache and test again.

Using WebP in WordPress helps improve website speed and the experience for your visitors. You can use WordPress's built-in support, a plugin, or a CDN.

For additional performance optimization, see Install NitroPack on WordPress to boost your site's speed and performance.