| # Image loading optimizations in Chrome 118 that impact LCP and CLS |
| |
| We are launching two complementary changes for image loading optimizations: |
| - [Increase the priority of the first 5 images](#increase-the-priority-of-the-first-5-images) |
| - [Prioritize image load tasks](#prioritize-image-load-tasks) |
| |
| ## Increase the priority of the first 5 images |
| |
| Starting around Chrome 118, we are launching the [change](2023_08_image_loading.md) |
| to 100% of Chrome sessions. |
| |
| ## Prioritize image load tasks |
| |
| When we have an image load task and a rendering task to choose from, we choose |
| the image load task first to prevent layout shift of an intermediate frame |
| that doesn't have the image. For the same reason, LCP improves because we skip |
| the intermediate frame. |
| |
| [Relevant bug](https://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=1416030) |
| |
| ## How does this affect a site's metrics? |
| |
| As we are increasing the priority of the first 5 images and image loading tasks, |
| sites with images might see better CLS and LCP scores. |
| |
| ## When were users affected? |
| |
| Both changes were rolled out to 100% of Chrome users around October 1, 2023 which |
| roughly corresponds with the release of Chrome 118. |
