Lazy Loading Images and Videos

Implement lazy loading to defer loading of off-screen images and videos. Improve initial page load and reduce bandwidth usage.

lazy-loadingimagesperformance

What is Lazy Loading?

Lazy loading defers loading of resources that aren't immediately needed. Images below the fold load only when the user scrolls near them, reducing initial page weight.

Implementation Methods

1

Native Lazy Loading

Add loading='lazy' to <img> and <iframe> elements. Supported in all modern browsers.

2

Intersection Observer API

For more control, use Intersection Observer to detect when elements enter the viewport.

3

Loading Priority

Don't lazy load above-the-fold images or your LCP element. Use fetchpriority='high' for critical images.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Don't lazy load above-the-fold images or your LCP element. Only lazy load images that are below the fold on initial load.
Native lazy loading is fully supported by Google. JavaScript-based solutions should ensure content is still accessible to crawlers.

Ready to audit your website?

Get instant performance, SEO, and accessibility scores for your website.