How to optimize images and videos in website HTML

Images play a critical role in creating visually appealing and engaging web pages. However, they can also become a major source of performance bottlenecks if not optimized properly. Here’s how to ensure your images are optimized for the web:

1. Use the Right File Format: Selecting the appropriate image format ensures the best balance between quality and file size.

• JPEG: Ideal for photos and images with complex colors and gradients. It offers excellent compression while maintaining decent image quality.
• PNG: Best for images that require transparency or high detail, such as logos or illustrations. PNG files are larger than JPEG but provide better quality.
• GIF: Suitable for simple animations and small graphic elements. However, avoid using GIF for static images as it results in larger file sizes.
• WebP: A modern image format that provides superior compression for both static and animated images. It supports transparency like PNG and animation like GIF while offering smaller file sizes.

2. Compress Images: Compressing images reduces their file size without significantly compromising quality.

• Use online tools like TinyPNG, Squoosh, or Kraken.io to compress PNG and JPEG files.
• For bulk compression, desktop apps like ImageOptim or RIOT (Radical Image Optimization Tool) can automate the process.
• When compressing, test different levels of compression to find the optimal balance between quality and file size.

3. Resize Images: Resize images to fit the exact dimensions needed on your website.

• Avoid uploading unnecessarily large images that require resizing using CSS or HTML, as this increases load times.
• Use graphic editing tools like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva to crop and resize images before uploading them.

4. Use Image Sprites: Combine multiple small images, such as icons or buttons, into a single image sprite sheet.

• Use CSS to display specific parts of the sprite where needed.
• This reduces the number of HTTP requests and improves page loading speed.

5. Implement Lazy Loading: Lazy loading ensures that images are only loaded when they come into the user’s viewport.

• Add the loading=”lazy” attribute to image tags in your HTML.
• Use JavaScript libraries like Lazysizes to add lazy loading functionality for older browsers.

6. Optimize Alt Text: Alt text provides a textual description of images for search engines and visually impaired users.

• Write clear, descriptive, and relevant alt text for each image.
• Incorporate keywords naturally to enhance your website’s SEO.

7. Leverage Responsive Images: Responsive images adapt to the user’s device and screen resolution, improving performance and user experience.

• Use the srcset attribute to define multiple image sources of varying sizes.
• The browser selects the most appropriate image to load based on the user’s device and network conditions.