Images are the heart of modern websites. They grab attention, improve user experience, and make content visually engaging. But images also impact page speed, which directly affects SEO and user satisfaction.
That’s where the AVIF image format comes in. AVIF is a next-generation image format that offers smaller file sizes and better quality compared to traditional formats like JPEG and PNG. In this blog, we’ll explore what AVIF is, its benefits, browser support, how to use it, and some common FAQs.
What is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is an image format based on the AV1 video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media (companies like Google, Netflix, and Mozilla).
It’s designed to deliver:
- High-quality images at a fraction of the size of JPEG or PNG.
- Better compression without visible quality loss.
- Transparency and animations (like WebP).
In simple words: AVIF = smaller images + better quality + faster websites.
Why Use AVIF? (Benefits)
Here are some reasons why developers and SEO experts are switching to AVIF:
- Smaller File Size
- AVIF can reduce file size by 30–50% compared to JPEG and PNG.
- This means faster page load speeds, better Core Web Vitals, and higher Google rankings.
- Superior Image Quality
- Supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) for vibrant colors.
- Handles details better in low-light and gradient-heavy images.
- Transparency Support
- Like PNG, AVIF supports transparency (
alpha channel).
- Like PNG, AVIF supports transparency (
- Animation Support
- AVIF can replace GIFs with much smaller, high-quality animations.
- Future-Proof Format
- Backed by big tech companies, ensuring long-term adoption.
AVIF vs Other Image Formats
| Feature | JPEG | PNG | WebP | AVIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless | Both | Both |
| File Size | Large | Very Large | Small | Smallest |
| Transparency | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Animation | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| HDR Support | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Browser Support | ✅ All | ✅ All | Most | Growing |
Browser Support for AVIF
As of now, AVIF is supported in most modern browsers:
- ✅ Chrome (85+)
- ✅ Firefox (93+)
- ✅ Opera
- ✅ Android browsers
- ✅ Safari 16+ (macOS & iOS)
⚠️ Older browsers (like Internet Explorer or old Safari) do not support AVIF. That’s why developers often provide fallback images (JPEG or WebP).
How to Use AVIF on Your Website
You can serve AVIF images using the HTML <picture> element with fallbacks:
<picture>
<source srcset="image.avif" type="image/avif">
<source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Beautiful landscape">
</picture>
👉 This way:
- Browsers that support AVIF load the AVIF image.
- If not, they try WebP.
- As a last fallback, they load JPEG.
Tools to Convert Images to AVIF
You can convert images to AVIF using:
- Squoosh.app (free online tool by Google)
- ImageMagick (
convert input.jpg output.avif) - Sharp (Node.js library)
- Photoshop (with plugin)
Best Practices for Using AVIF
- Always provide fallback formats (JPEG or WebP).
- Use AVIF for photographs and complex images.
- Test image quality — sometimes aggressive compression may reduce sharpness.
- Serve AVIF via a CDN for faster delivery.
Real-World Use Case
- Netflix: Uses AVIF to reduce bandwidth while maintaining image quality.
- Google: Recommends modern formats like AVIF and WebP for better Core Web Vitals.
- E-commerce sites: Faster product images = higher conversion rates.
FAQs About AVIF
1. Is AVIF better than WebP?
Yes. AVIF usually provides smaller file sizes and better quality than WebP, but WebP has wider browser support right now.
2. Should I replace all my images with AVIF?
Not immediately. Use AVIF with fallbacks for best compatibility.
3. Does AVIF support animation like GIFs?
Yes, and with much smaller sizes!
4. Can AVIF be used in WordPress?
Yes, via plugins like Imagify or ShortPixel that handle AVIF conversion.
AVIF Interview Questions (with Answers)
Q1. What is AVIF, and why is it important?
👉 AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a next-gen image format that offers superior compression and quality. It’s important because it improves web performance and SEO.
Q2. How does AVIF compare with WebP?
👉 AVIF usually has smaller sizes and better quality but slightly slower encoding. WebP has wider browser support.
Q3. Which browsers support AVIF?
👉 Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Android browsers, and Safari 16+.
Q4. How do you implement AVIF images on a website?
👉 Use the <picture> tag with AVIF as the first source and JPEG/WebP as fallbacks.
Conclusion
The AVIF image format is the future of web images. It reduces file size, improves image quality, and boosts website performance. While browser support is still growing, using AVIF with fallbacks ensures you stay ahead of the curve.
🚀 Pro tip: Start testing AVIF on your website today — it’s a simple step towards faster loading times and better SEO rankings.
👉 Want to learn more about modern web performance tips? Stay tuned for more tutorials!