PNG vs JPG for SEO: Which Image Format Is Better?

It is one of the most common questions in technical SEO: "Does file format actually impact rankings?"

Ideal for: SEO Specialists, Content Managers, and Web Designers.

The short answer is Yes, but not because Google hates PNGs. It’s about performance.

Does Google Prefer PNG or JPG?

Google's indexing bots can read both PNG and JPG perfectly fine. There is no inherent "ranking penalty" for using one or the other.

However, Google does penalize slow websites. And choosing the wrong format is the fastest way to slow down your site.

SEO Factors Affected by Image Format

1. Page Speed (Crucial)

This is the big one. PNG files are lossless, meaning they retain significantly more data. A complex photograph saved as a PNG might be 3MB. The same photo as a JPG might be 300KB. If you use the PNG, your page loads 10x slower. That hurts your SEO.

2. Image Quality (User Experience)

Blurry images increase bounce rates. JPG is "lossy," so if you compress it too much, it looks terrible. Sometimes, a crisp PNG is worth the extra file size if it keeps the user on the page (e.g., a detailed infographic).

3. Mobile Optimization

Mobile devices often have slower connections. Forcing a user to download massive PNGs on 4G eats up their data and battery. Google uses Mobile-First Indexing, so if your mobile experience lags, your desktop rankings suffer too.

PNG vs JPG Comparison Table (SEO Perspective)

Quick Verdict: Use JPG for most photos and content images, PNG only when transparency or sharp text/graphics are required.

When PNG Is Better for SEO

Use PNG when visual clarity is more important than raw speed, or when you need transparency.

• Logos: Transparency is required.
• Screenshots: UI elements often have text. JPG compression creates "artifacts" (noise) around text. PNG keeps it sharp.
• Infographics: If your image contains data or text that users need to read, PNG ensures it remains legible.

When JPG Is Better for SEO

Use JPG for 90% of your web content.

• Blog Featured Images: These are usually photos. JPG handles millions of colors efficiently.
• Product Photography: E-commerce stores need fast load times. A high-quality JPG gives the best balance.
• Backgrounds: Large background images must be lightweight.

Best Practices to Optimize PNG & JPG

Regardless of the format you choose, you must optimize the file. Here is your checklist:

1. Resize Dimensions: Don't upload a 4000px wide image. Resize it to the max display width (e.g., 1200px).
2. Compress: Run your files through an Image Compressor. It can reduce PNG size by 60% without visible quality loss.
3. Use Alt Text: Always describe the image for Google, regardless of format. Learn more in our Image SEO Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does PNG hurt SEO? Only if the file size is too large. A 3MB PNG will slow down your site, which hurts rankings. A highly compressed PNG is fine.

Is JPG always better for speed? Generally, yes. JPG compression is more aggressive, resulting in smaller files for complex photography.

Should I convert PNG to JPG? If the image is a photo (like a landscape or portrait), yes. Converting to JPG can reduce the size by 90%.

Is WebP better than both? Yes. WebP typically offers smaller file sizes than both JPG and PNG while maintaining high quality and supporting transparency.

Conclusion

Stop worrying about which format Google "likes" more. Focus on which format loads faster while looking good.

Rule of Thumb:

• Is it a photo? Use JPG (or WebP).
• Is it a logo/screenshot? Use PNG (or WebP).

Compress and convert images instantly — no uploads, no quality loss.

Optimize PNG & JPG Images Now

Read Next

• Image Optimization Guide (Pillar)
• WebP vs JPG vs PNG Guide
• WebP vs AVIF: Which is Best?