Google Search has announced support for AVIF, or AV1 Image File Format, which utilizes the AV1 video codec to compress static image files. AVIF is an image format designed to compete with HEIC, which uses the HEVC codec to compress images in a similar fashion. However, AV1 is an open-source codec, free of charge, similar to the case of WebP image format that utilizes the WebM/VP8 video codec. Thus, we can consider AVIF as an extension of WebP, just like AV1 is an extension of WebM/VP8, using a newer version of image compression.
The AVIF format version 1.0 was introduced in 2019 and has been increasingly popular ever since. Currently, all major web browsers (such as Firefox, Edge), image editing applications (like GIMP), and web management systems like WordPress, Joomla, Cloudflare fully support AVIF. With Google Search announcing support for AVIF, it means that AVIF image files will now be indexed and displayed to users in search results, similar to other supported image formats. Google states that it is not necessary to convert all image formats on a website to AVIF, it depends on the specific needs of each website.
TLDR: Google Search now supports AVIF image format, utilizing the AV1 codec for compressed static images. AVIF is gaining popularity and is now widely supported by popular web browsers, image editing apps, and web management systems. The announcement means AVIF images will now be indexed and displayed in search results, without the need to convert all website images to AVIF.
Leave a Comment