Video codec heritage in modern image formats
WebP derives from Google's VP8 video codec, whereas AVIF is built on the modern AV1 standard by the Alliance for Open Media.
Specification comparison
| Feature | WebP | AVIF | Legacy JPEG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underlying Codec | VP8 | AV1 | DCT |
| Size Reduction | -35% to -45% | -50% to -65% | Baseline |
| Color Depth | 8-bit | 10-bit / 12-bit HDR | 8-bit |
| Encoding Cost | Fast (1x) | Heavy (5x-8x) | Ultra-fast |
| Browser Support | 98.2% | 94.8% | 100% |
FAQ
- Is AVIF always superior to WebP?
- AVIF yields smaller file sizes, but WebP encodes significantly faster, making WebP ideal for real-time in-browser conversions.