1.5 Performance & Core Web VitalsLowInferred
No lazy-loading on below-fold images
Loading every image eagerly, including those far down the page, competes for bandwidth with the content people see first. Below-fold images should load only as they approach the viewport.
What it is
All images load eagerly.
Why it matters
Wastes bandwidth, slows initial load.
How to fix it
Add loading=“lazy” below the fold (not on LCP image).
How to find it on your site
- Check whether below-fold images use loading=lazy.
- Confirm above-fold and LCP images stay eager, since lazy loading them would hurt.
- Add loading=lazy to images below the fold.
- Re-test that the LCP image is not accidentally lazy-loaded.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Deferring off-screen images frees bandwidth for the initial view, helping LCP. Just avoid lazy-loading the LCP image itself.
Impact
Low. Inferred.
Evidence
Lazy-load below-fold media for performance. web.dev, Core Web Vitals (Google)