WebP SEO Myths in 2026: What Google Actually Cares About
Is WebP actually better for SEO? Does Google favor it? We debunk the common myths surrounding next-gen image formats and ranking.
WebP has been around for over a decade, but myths about its SEO impact still persist. Let's separate fact from fiction.
Ideal for: Content Strategists and SEO Beginners.
Last updated: Jan 2026
TL;DR (Quick Answer)
- Ranking: WebP does not give direct ranking boosts.
- Speed: Faster images = better Core Web Vitals.
- Indexing: Google indexes WebP normally.
- Usage: Use WebP everywhere except editing workflows.
Image Format SEO Workflow (Recommended Order)
- Resize image to correct dimensions
- Compress image (WebP / AVIF)
- Choose the right format (WebP vs JPG vs PNG)
- Rename image file descriptively
- Add accurate alt text
- Upload & index
Does WebP Improve Rankings?
Yes, but indirectly.
Google does not have a "WebP Ranking Boost" algorithm. You won't rank #1 just because you use WebP.
However, Google does rank fast sites higher. Since WebP images are significantly smaller (usually 30-50%) than JPGs, they make your site faster. Therefore, using WebP helps improve ranking signals.
Important Clarification WebP is NOT a direct ranking factor. Google does not rank pages higher simply because they use WebP.
WebP helps SEO indirectly by:
- Reducing file size
- Improving Core Web Vitals
- Increasing page speed
Learn more about Google’s WebP documentation.
- Increasing page speed
Common WebP SEO Myths
Myth 1: “Google ranks WebP higher than JPG”
🟢 Google-confirmed: ❌ No direct ranking boost.
False. Google ranks fast pages higher. If you have a highly optimized JPG that loads instantly, it’s just as good as a WebP. But achieving that size with JPG is much harder.
Myth 2: “WebP breaks SEO because older browsers can't see it”
🟢 Reality: ❌ Outdated concern.
Outdated. In 2026, WebP support is effectively universal (98%+ coverage). Even Safari and iOS support it fully. Unless your target audience uses Internet Explorer 11, you are safe.
Myth 3: “WebP images don't get indexed in Google Images”
🟢 Reality: ❌ False.
False. Google Images has supported WebP for years. In fact, many top-ranking results in Image Search are now WebP files.
WebP vs AVIF for SEO (Quick Answer)
Google treats WebP and AVIF the same for indexing. Choose based on:
AVIF → smallest size, slower encode
WebP → best balance, universal support
WebP → best balance, universal support
Always serve WebP using
<picture>with JPG/PNG fallback for legacy support.
SEO impact depends on speed, not format name.
Quick Comparison: JPG vs WebP vs AVIF
| Feature | JPG | WebP | AVIF |
|---|---|---|---|
| File Size | Large | Small (30% less) | Smallest (50% less) |
| Quality | High | High | High |
| Speed | Slow | Fast | Fastest |
| SEO Impact | Low | High (Indirect) | High (Indirect) |
Real SEO Benefits of WebP
- Speed: Smaller files load faster. Speed is a ranking factor (see Core Web Vitals Guide).
- Bandwidth: You save money on hosting/CDN costs.
- UX: Users see images instantly, reducing bounce rates.
👉 Want faster images AND better SEO? → Compress images to WebP in seconds
When WebP Alone Is NOT Enough
WebP improves speed, but SEO also depends on:
- Proper dimensions
- Correct lazy loading
- Optimized LCP images
- Clean filenames
- Alt text
👉 Read: Core Web Vitals Guide and Image Optimization Guide (Pillar).
When NOT to Use WebP
There is only one real scenario: Editing workflows. If you offer high-res downloads for people to edit in Photoshop, sticking to high-quality JPG or PNG ensures maximum compatibility with desktop software.
- Example: A wedding photographer delivering high-res "Print Ready" files should provide full-quality JPGs, not WebP.
But for displaying images on a website? Always use WebP.
Final Verdict
WebP won't magically rank your site. But if you care about speed, Core Web Vitals, and user experience, it's the default choice in 2026.
Rule of Thumb: WebP is not a ranking factor, but in 2026 it is the default format for performance-focused SEO.
How to Convert JPG/PNG to WebP
You can convert your entire library easily.
- Take your existing JPGs or PNGs.
- Run them through a WebP Converter.
- Replace the files on your server.
Optimize Images for Speed (WebP / AVIF)
It is a one-time task that pays SEO dividends forever.