What Is WEBP?
WEBP is a modern image format developed by Google in 2010. It supports both lossy compression (like JPG) and lossless compression (like PNG), plus transparency and animation — all in a single format.
The big advantage: WEBP files are typically 25–35% smaller than equivalent JPGs and 25–34% smaller than PNGs at the same visual quality. That's why Google, Facebook, and most major platforms have adopted it to reduce bandwidth and improve load times.
When WEBP Causes Problems
Despite broad browser support (Chrome, Firefox, Safari 15+, Edge), WEBP still has compatibility gaps:
- Some social media apps and messaging platforms don't accept WEBP uploads
- Older image editors (legacy Photoshop, Windows Photo Viewer) can't open WEBP
- E-commerce platforms (eBay, Etsy, some Shopify themes) may only accept JPG/PNG
- Print services typically require JPG or TIFF, not WEBP
How to Convert WEBP Online
Use the tool.tl WEBP Converter:
- Go to tool.tl/webp-to
- Upload your WEBP file(s) — batch upload supported
- Choose output format: JPG (smaller) or PNG (preserves transparency)
- Click "Convert"
- Download the converted files
WEBP vs JPG vs PNG: Full Comparison
| Format | File Size | Transparency | Animation | Compatibility |
|---|
| WEBP | Smallest | ✅ | ✅ | Modern browsers; limited app support |
| JPG | Medium | ❌ | ❌ | Universal |
| PNG | Largest | ✅ | ❌ | Universal |
| GIF | Medium | ✅ (1-bit) | ✅ | Universal; 256-color limit |
Should You Convert to JPG or PNG?
- Choose JPG: image is a photo, no transparency needed, you want the smallest file size
- Choose PNG: image has transparent areas (cutout, logo), or you need lossless quality (text, icons)
Should Your Website Use WEBP?
Yes — strongly recommended. WEBP is one of Google's PageSpeed optimization recommendations:
- Reduces page weight, improving LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) scores
- Lowers bandwidth costs
- Improves mobile load speed
Modern frameworks (Next.js, Astro, Nuxt) output WEBP by default. WordPress users can auto-convert with plugins like Imagify or ShortPixel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are images from messaging apps saved as WEBP?
Apps like WhatsApp and some social platforms automatically convert JPG/PNG to WEBP before transmission to save bandwidth. The WEBP version is what gets saved to your camera roll. Convert it back to JPG with the online tool for universal compatibility.
Does converting WEBP to JPG reduce quality?
If the WEBP was lossless, converting to JPG introduces lossy compression for the first time — minimal loss at quality 80%+. If the WEBP was already lossy, you're stacking compression, which is worse. Whenever possible, convert from the original source file rather than re-converting.
Can I convert JPG or PNG to WEBP?
Yes — the same tool handles both directions. Converting to WEBP is useful when optimizing images for a website to reduce load times. For images destined for non-web use (print, apps), stick with JPG or PNG.