Search Off the Record

Lazy loading demystified

10 snips
Aug 21, 2025
Explore the intriguing world of lazy loading and its impact on web performance! Discover how this technique optimizes resource loading and enhances user experience. Learn about the SEO implications, especially regarding indexing and Core Web Vitals like Largest Contentful Paint. Delve into the difference between native and custom implementations, and why not all images should be lazy-loaded. Plus, get insights into potential pitfalls and how to effectively utilize JavaScript for better results!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Why Lazy Loading Matters

  • Lazy loading delays non-critical resource downloads until they are needed to save bandwidth and battery.
  • It benefits most pages, especially long or resource-heavy ones, by reducing unnecessary work.
INSIGHT

Native Loading Attribute Changed The Game

  • Browsers added a native loading attribute for images and iframes, simplifying lazy loading.
  • Native lazy loading reduced reliance on many third-party libraries and made implementation easier.
ADVICE

Don't Lazy Load Above-the-Fold Images

  • Avoid setting loading="lazy" on images that are immediately visible like hero images.
  • Doing so can delay image downloads and cause layout shifts if width/height aren't specified.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app