Auto WebP Converter

Automatically converts JPEG and PNG uploads to WebP before WordPress stores them. Faster pages, smaller backups, zero duplicates.

~~$49.00~~ $19.00

~~$49.00~~ 15 days free then $19.00 per year

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Why it’s different

Most optimization plugins keep your original JPEG or PNG and generate a WebP copy alongside it. Every image ends up existing twice, roughly doubling your image storage and bloating your backups.

Auto WebP Converter converts before WordPress stores the file:

One file, not two. Only the WebP is kept (unless you choose otherwise).
Every size optimized. All WordPress thumbnail sizes are generated from the WebP, not just the full-size image.
Zero front-end impact. Conversion runs once, at upload, on your own server. Nothing runs on your public pages.
Uploads never break. If conversion ever fails, the upload still succeeds with the original file.

How it works

An image is uploaded, by you or a site visitor.
Before WordPress stores it, the plugin converts it to WebP at your chosen quality.
A smart size check compares the files and only keeps the WebP if it’s actually smaller.
WordPress stores the result and generates every thumbnail size from it.
If “Keep Original Images” is enabled, the untouched original is saved alongside it.

Conversion adds only a fraction of a second at upload time. Your visitors never notice a thing, except the faster pages.

Features

Automatic conversion on upload JPEG and PNG uploads become WebP the moment they hit your Media Library. Works everywhere WordPress accepts images: Media > Add New, the post editor, and front-end upload forms.

Adjustable quality (0-100) The default of 80 is the sweet spot: dramatic size savings with virtually no visible difference. Photographers can raise it to 85-90, and content-heavy sites can push lower for maximum savings.

Choose exactly which formats convert JPEG and PNG by default. Optionally add non-animated GIF, BMP, and TIFF (TIFF requires Imagick). Unchecked types upload as-is.

Smart size check, so it never makes things worse If the WebP wouldn’t actually be smaller than the original, the plugin keeps the original. You can’t accidentally hurt your site.

Animated GIFs are always safe Animated GIFs are automatically detected and never converted, so your animations keep working.

Keep Original Images (optional) Off by default for maximum space savings. Turn it on if you sell original files or want safety copies. The original is stored alongside the WebP.

Per-post-type featured image control Enable conversion specifically for featured images on Posts, Pages, or any custom post type. Useful when you want fine-grained control instead of a site-wide switch.

PNG transparency fully preserved Transparent PNGs stay transparent in WebP. Logos, icons, and product cutouts convert cleanly.

Built-in Directorist support The plugin automatically teaches Directorist to accept .webp files, and adds two dedicated toggles: convert listing images uploaded in wp-admin, and convert images submitted by visitors through the front-end “Add Listing” form. Visitor-submitted 4-8 MB phone photos become lean WebP files before they ever touch your disk.

Maximum host compatibility Uses the Imagick PHP library (recommended) with an automatic GD fallback. If your server has neither, a clear admin notice tells you exactly what to ask your host for, and uploads keep working normally in the meantime.

What you get

Faster page loads. Image weight is the most direct lever on load time, and every upload is now 25-34% lighter.
Better Core Web Vitals and SEO. A lighter hero image improves LCP and clears the “Serve images in next-gen formats” audit in PageSpeed Insights.
Lower hosting costs. One file per image means smaller disk usage, smaller backups, and less bandwidth every month.
A true set-and-forget workflow. Configure it once and never think about image formats again.

WebP works in every modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, and mobile) at roughly 97.4% global support. Safari, the last holdout, added support back in 2020.

Requirements

WordPress 5.0 or higher
PHP 7.0 or higher
Imagick (recommended) or GD with WebP support, available on most quality hosts

Frequently asked questions

Does it convert my existing Media Library images? Not yet. Conversion happens at upload time only, and bulk conversion of existing images is on the roadmap. Every image uploaded after activation is converted automatically.

Will WebP hurt my image quality? At the default quality of 80, there is virtually no visible difference. Raise it to 85-90 if you want extra headroom for photography.

Will it slow down my site? No. Conversion runs only at upload time and adds a fraction of a second. Nothing runs on your public pages.

What happens to animated GIFs? They’re automatically detected and never converted. Your animations always keep working.

Can I get my originals back? Only if “Keep Original Images” was enabled when the image was uploaded. With it off (the default), only the WebP is kept to save space.

What if my server can’t convert images? You’ll see a dashboard notice explaining exactly what to ask your host for, and uploads continue to work normally, just unconverted.