Google Search Advocate John Mueller says giant video information loading within the background are unlikely to have a noticeable web optimization affect if web page content material masses first.
A website proprietor on Reddit’s r/web optimization requested whether or not a 100MB video would damage web optimization if the web page prioritizes loading a hero picture and content material earlier than the video. The video continues loading within the background whereas customers can already see the web page.
Mueller responded:
“I don’t assume you’d discover an web optimization impact.”
Broader Context
The query addresses a standard concern for websites utilizing giant hero movies or animated backgrounds.
The location proprietor described an implementation the place content material and pictures load inside seconds, displaying a “full visible prepared” state. The video then masses asynchronously and replaces the hero picture as soon as full.
This methodology aligns with Google’s documentation on lazy loading, which recommends deferring non-critical content material to enhance web page efficiency.
Google’s assist paperwork state that lazy loading is “a standard efficiency and UX greatest apply” for non-critical or non-visible content material. The important thing requirement is making certain content material masses when seen within the viewport.
Why This Issues
Should you’re working hero movies or animated backgrounds on touchdown pages, this implies that background loading methods are unlikely to hurt your rankings. The vital issue is making certain your major content material reaches customers shortly.
Google measures web page expertise via Core Net Vitals metrics like Largest Contentful Paint. In lots of instances, a video that masses after seen content material is prepared shouldn’t block these measurements.
Implementation Greatest Practices
Google’s net.dev documentation recommends utilizing preload=”none” on video parts to keep away from pointless preloading of video information. Including a poster attribute offers a placeholder picture whereas the video masses.
For movies that autoplay, the documentation suggests utilizing the Intersection Observer API to load video sources solely when the component enters the viewport. This allows you to keep visible affect with out affecting preliminary web page load efficiency.
Trying Forward
Website homeowners utilizing background video can typically proceed doing so with out main web optimization considerations, supplied content material masses first. Concentrate on Core Net Vitals metrics to confirm your implementation meets efficiency thresholds.
Check your setup utilizing Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Software to verify video parts seem appropriately in rendered HTML.
Featured Picture: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock
