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GIF vs WebP

Choose GIF for short silent loops in chats and docs. Choose WebP for images on websites. The structural difference: GIF is lossless, WebP is not.

GIFWebP
CompressionLosslessLossy
Transparency✓✓
Animation✓✓
HDR--
Metadata-✓
Open / royalty-free✓✓
Defined by-Google
Since19872010
Best forshort silent loops in chats and docsimages on websites

GIF

256 colours and animation. Plays absolutely everywhere, including where video cannot.

WebP

Smaller than JPG and PNG, keeps transparency and animation. Supported by every current browser.

Questions

GIF or WebP: which is smaller?

WebP, by a lot. GIF is lossless and therefore larger.

Can I convert GIF to WebP?

Yes, in your browser, nothing uploaded.

And WebP to GIF?

Yes, as well.