How to Fix Slow LCP Caused by Large Images
To fix a slow Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) caused by large images, optimize image formats (e.g., WebP), resize images to fit container dimensions, use lazy loading, implement a CDN, and preload key visual elements. These strategies dramatically improve load speed and user experience.
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Key Takaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LCP and why does it matter?
Use Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools, or the Core Web Vitals report in Google Search Console to test your LCP.
How can I test my LCP score?
Use Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools, or the Core Web Vitals report in Google Search Console to test your LCP.
Which image formats are best for speed?
Modern formats like WebP and AVIF offer excellent compression, load faster, and are supported by most browsers.
Should I preload all images?
No. Only preload critical images above the fold (typically hero or LCP images). Preloading too many assets can delay others.
What is lazy loading and how does it help?
Lazy loading defers loading images until they are close to entering the viewport, reducing initial page load times.
Step by Step Plan
Audit Your LCP Elements
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to identify which elements are flagged as LCP and determine if an oversized image is the culprit.
Resize Images to Display Dimensions
Ensure images are served at the exact size required for their container. Avoid loading 2000px-wide images when only 800px are displayed.
Convert to Efficient Image Formats
Use modern formats like WebP or AVIF, which offer superior compression without significant quality loss. This can reduce file size by more than 30%.
Convert to Efficient Image Formats
Add a preload link in the <head> of your HTML for the LCP image to tell browsers it’s a priority asset, reducing render delays significantly.
Leverage CDN and Lazy Load Non-Vital Images
Serve images from a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and lazy load assets that aren’t immediately visible to speed up initial paint.
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