WordPress will now Convert and Serve JPG into WebP by Default: Streamlining Image Optimization:

WordPress will now Convert and Serve JPG into WebP by Default: WordPress will now convert and serve JPG images as WebP images by default to enhance the speed of websites built with WordPress.

WebP is a file format for images that is between 25 and 34 per cent smaller than JPEG while maintaining the same resolution.

Google introduced the WebP image format 11 years ago, which is now supported by the majority of prominent browsers.

This implies that Web browsers can now display WebP images.

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WordPress will now Convert and Serve JPG into WebP by Default

Version 5.8 of WordPress introduces support for the WebP image format, allowing users to directly upload WebP images for browser delivery.

WebP is a Google-developed technology, and Google has a poor reputation for abandoning technologies after a while; consequently, very few WordPress users still utilise WebP images.

However, as stated previously, WebP is 25 to 34 per cent lighter than JPG, meaning it also renders faster than JPG and improves the efficacy of a website, as Pagespeed is now a ranking factor.

So, is there a method for users to upload JPG images to WordPress without compromising the WebP format that will be served to browsers and users?

WordPress is now enabling a feature in its core that converts JPG to WebP by default. Previously, different plugins were used for the same purpose.

This does not require any extensions or external services.

However, please note that this new feature is only available for new JPG uploads.

WordPress will now convert and serve to browsers all newly uploaded JPG images as WebP while retaining the original JPG images in the backend.

In the event that Google discontinues WebP image technology in the future, JPG images will remain on the website.

Notably, because WordPress will store both image formats, it will consume an additional 70% of the storage space but will reduce bandwidth usage by approximately 30%.

While this feature is scheduled to be released in WordPress 6.0, users who wish to test it immediately can do so by downloading and installing the Performance Lab Plugin and enabling the WebP uploads module.