Does ShortPixel Image Optimizer add a lazy load effect to images?

No, the ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin for WordPress does not apply any lazy loading effect to images.

Why do I see a lazy load effect? #

If you notice a lazy load effect on your images, it may be due to:

• Your theme or another plugin adding lazy loading automatically.
• A misunderstanding of progressive images as lazy loading.

What are progressive images? #

Progressive images load gradually, revealing lower-quality versions first before displaying the full image. This can sometimes look like lazy loading, especially on slow connections.

When optimizing an image, ShortPixel selects either a progressive or baseline (normal) format based on which results in a smaller file size. Larger images are usually saved as progressive because they take up less space this way, while smaller images remain baseline.

How to add lazy loading to ShortPixel-optimized images #

Since ShortPixel Image Optimizer does not provide lazy loading, you can use a separate plugin like Autoptimize to enable it:

1. Install and activate Autoptimize.
2. Go to Settings > Autoptimize > Images.
3. Enable the checkbox “Lazy-load images?”.

Note: If you enable “Optimize Images” in Autoptimize, images will be served from ShortPixel’s CDN. More details on how this setup works and what you need to take into account here.

That’s it! Your images will now be lazy-loaded while still benefiting from ShortPixel’s optimization.