AMP & Image Optimization: What You Need to Know

ALi Irfan
AMP and Image Optimization SEO

AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) was introduced by Google to improve mobile web performance. When combined with proper image optimization, AMP can help your website load instantly on mobile and rank higher in search results. But there are specific requirements and limitations to keep in mind when handling images in AMP-supported pages.

In this guide, you’ll learn how AMP handles images, why optimization matters even more under AMP restrictions, and which tools can help you compress visuals effectively.

Why Image Optimization Matters in AMP

AMP strips down unnecessary elements to ensure speed. Images in AMP use `` instead of standard ``, and require explicit width, height, and layout values. Poorly compressed or oversized images can still slow down AMP pages and affect your SEO performance, especially on mobile search.

Common Image Challenges in AMP

  • No lazy loading via JS – use native methods
  • No external CSS or JS – minimal formatting
  • Images must be responsive via layout="responsive"

Best Practices for AMP Image Optimization

Before adding images to your AMP pages:

  • Compress with ProCompressor to reduce file size
  • Convert to WebP if supported
  • Always define `width`, `height`, and `layout` for each image
  • Use CDN for faster image delivery

Recommended Tools for Optimizing AMP Images

  • ProCompressor – For fast, bulk image compression & ZIP download
  • Squoosh – For fine-tuning compression levels
  • TinyPNG – For reducing PNG & JPEG sizes

FAQs

What is the AMP image tag?

AMP uses `` instead of `` and requires dimensions and layout attributes for performance.

Can I use lazy loading in AMP?

AMP pages don’t support JS-based lazy loading. Instead, AMP handles loading efficiently natively.

How does compression affect AMP SEO?

Fast-loading images improve AMP validation and Core Web Vitals, which impact mobile rankings directly.

Can I use WebP in AMP?

Yes, AMP supports WebP as long as the browser does. It’s ideal for reducing size and keeping quality intact.

Optimizing AMP images is crucial for SEO, especially if you're targeting mobile-first indexing. Use modern formats like WebP, set exact dimensions, and keep file sizes light using ProCompressor. These steps will improve load times, maintain AMP validity, and help your content appear in top positions, including Google Discover.

Conclusion: AMP provides speed, but it needs precise image handling. Don't just rely on AMP's stripped-down structure — be proactive with image compression, sizing, and formats. With tools like ProCompressor, you can create blazing-fast AMP experiences without sacrificing quality or SEO performance.

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