Google Search has recently announced its support for the AVIF file format, making it available in Google Search, Google Images, Google Discover, Google News, and other platforms that display images. This addition comes as exciting news for web developers and users alike.
But what exactly is AVIF? AV1 Image File Format is an open and royalty-free image file format specification that allows for the compression of images or image sequences using AV1 in the HEIF container format. It competes with HEIC, which uses the same container format but employs HEVC for compression.
According to Google, AVIF is one of the most widely used image formats today. It is an open image file format based on the AV1 video compression standard. It is supported by all major web browsers and various services and platforms on the web, including WordPress, Joomla, and CloudFlare.
From an SEO standpoint, the addition of AVIF support by Google Search does not require any specific actions from website owners. If you already use AVIF formats, Google will now process and utilize them just like any other image format. John Mueller, a Google Search Advocate, emphasized that there is no need to take any special steps for AVIF files to be indexed by Google.
Google hinted at the possibility of adding AVIF support in March 2024, and now it has become a reality. This development is significant for those who have been using workarounds for AVIF files on their websites, as they can now be removed. It simplifies the process and ensures that AVIF files are properly processed by Google going forward.
However, it is important to note that blindly implementing changes to image file formats across a website is not recommended. It is crucial to evaluate which format works best for your specific needs. If you do decide to switch image file formats and this results in changes to filenames or extensions, it is essential to set up server-side redirects to maintain the integrity of your website.
To keep track of any changes made regarding AVIF files, website owners are advised to monitor their Search Performance reports. This will ensure that Google is correctly processing the images and that there are no negative effects on search performance.
In conclusion, Google’s addition of AVIF support in Google Search is a significant development for web developers and users. It simplifies the process of using AVIF files, eliminates the need for workarounds, and ensures that Google properly processes these files. As AVIF becomes more widely adopted, it is crucial for website owners to stay informed and make informed decisions regarding image file formats.
