In August 2024, Google announced support for the AVIF image format in search results following its latest update.

What is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is an open image file format based on the AV1 video compression structure. Known for its efficient compression, AVIF allows high-quality images with significantly reduced file sizes.

AVIF Support
While major companies had already adopted AVIF for image compression, Google had not indexed or listed this format in search results—until this recent update. Now, AVIF images can be used on websites confidently, knowing they will appear in search results. Popular platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Cloudflare have been supporting AVIF for some time.

Can I Switch My Images to AVIF?
Going forward, you can start using the AVIF format on your website. However, we recommend against mass conversions. For example, if you have 100 images, avoid converting them all at once. Instead, use the AVIF format for new images from now on. Mass changes can lead to issues with indexed content and signal a large update to Google, potentially affecting your search ranking.

If you do proceed with a bulk update, be sure to set up 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones. Avoid major SEO structure changes unless carefully controlled.

Benefits of the AVIF Image Format
Thanks to its superior compression technology, AVIF significantly reduces image sizes. For instance, a 1920×2208 image that would typically be around 875 kB can be compressed to approximately 130 kB—an 86% reduction. This is especially beneficial for e-commerce sites or websites with high image usage, as it improves loading speeds.

This speed improvement can have a substantial positive impact on user experience, which is increasingly valuable in today’s digital landscape.