Google is testing an expansion of Chrome lazy loading to include video and audio elements, with the feature expected to arrive in Chrome 148 on both desktop and mobile platforms. The update builds on existing functionality that already defers loading of images and iframes to improve page performance.
The development was confirmed as part of ongoing updates to the Chromium codebase, indicating the feature will likely extend to other Chromium-based browsers.
Chrome lazy loading for video and audio
The Chrome lazy loading update will apply to multimedia content embedded within HTML video and audio tags. Similar to existing implementations for images, these elements will only load when users scroll close to them on a webpage.
This approach reduces initial page load times by prioritizing lighter content. As a result, users can begin interacting with webpages more quickly, especially on slower connections.
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Background on Chrome lazy loading
Chrome introduced lazy loading for images and iframes in 2019. Since then, the feature has become a standard optimization technique across modern web browsers.
By delaying the loading of non-critical elements, Chrome lazy loading helps reduce bandwidth usage and improve perceived performance. The extension to video and audio represents a continuation of this strategy.
Impact on web performance and users
The expansion of Chrome lazy loading could benefit both users and developers. For users, it may lead to faster page rendering and reduced data consumption. This is particularly relevant for mobile users and regions with limited bandwidth.
For developers, the feature offers an automated way to optimize multimedia-heavy pages without requiring additional manual configuration.
Broader ecosystem implications
Because the update is being integrated into Chromium, Chrome lazy loading for media elements is expected to reach other browsers such as Microsoft Edge. This would standardize the feature across a large portion of the web ecosystem.
The move reflects broader industry efforts to improve web efficiency as pages increasingly rely on rich media content.
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What happens next
Google has not announced an exact release timeline beyond its inclusion in Chrome 148. The feature remains under testing and may evolve before full deployment.
If finalized, Chrome lazy loading for video and audio could become a default optimization across Chromium-based browsers, further improving web performance standards.
The update underscores ongoing efforts to balance rich media experiences with efficient loading and responsiveness.
