AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a new image format based on the AV1 video codec. It is designed to provide high-quality images at significantly smaller file sizes compared to traditional image formats like JPG, PNG, and even WebP. The format supports advanced features such as HDR (High Dynamic Range) and transparency.
Google has been actively promoting the adoption of AVIF as part of its broader push to improve web performance and user experience. Because AVIF allows websites to load images faster with smaller file sizes, Google considers it an important format for improving page speed—a key factor in search engine rankings.
Additionally, Google Chrome fully supports AVIF, and Google's PageSpeed Insights tool encourages the use of modern image formats like AVIF to boost page performance. Websites that adopt AVIF images may see improved SEO (Search Engine Optimization) results due to faster load times and better performance scores.
When comparing AVIF to JPG, AVIF offers significantly better compression and image quality. While JPG has been a standard for many years, AVIF can achieve the same visual quality at much smaller file sizes, making it ideal for web performance.
Compared to PNG, AVIF also provides superior compression while maintaining support for transparency, one of PNG's key features. This makes AVIF a more efficient choice for web graphics where transparency is needed, especially since PNG tends to produce large file sizes.
AVIF and WebP are both modern image formats, but AVIF outperforms WebP in terms of compression efficiency and image quality, especially for high-resolution and HDR images. While WebP has gained popularity as a replacement for JPG and PNG, AVIF is poised to take its place as an even more optimized format for the web.
As more browsers and devices begin to support AVIF, it is expected to become the preferred format for delivering high-quality images on the web, offering superior compression, enhanced visuals, and better overall performance.