GIF vs WebP: animated images on the web
GIF is the classic animated format with a 256-color limit. WebP supports animation with full color and usually produces much smaller files.
| GIF | WebP | |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | 256 max | Full color |
| Animation | Yes | Yes |
| File size | Often large | Usually smaller |
| Compatibility | Everywhere | Modern browsers |
| Best for | Simple loops, legacy embeds | Replacing heavy GIFs on sites |
Verdict
Stick with GIF when you need a format that plays in every old client. Prefer animated WebP on the web for smoother color and smaller downloads.