Strip Metadata to Save Up to 15% File Size
Explore what EXIF data contains and why stripping it is crucial for web deployment.
DM
Dave Miller
Contributing Author · Squoosh Next BlogPhotos taken with modern cameras embed extensive metadata: camera manufacturer, lens model, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, GPS coordinates, creation timestamp, and even embedded thumbnail previews at 160×120 pixels. On web pages, this data increases page weight and introduces serious privacy risks since GPS tags expose the photographer's physical location. Stripping EXIF tags during compression routinely saves 10–15% of total file size on smartphone camera photos.
Beyond size, metadata stripping protects your users. Publishing a photo on a corporate website that contains GPS coordinates of an employee's home is a significant privacy violation that has real-world consequences. Use the metadata inspector in Squoosh Next to audit EXIF fields before deciding which to strip.
Key Takeaways
Photos taken with modern cameras embed extensive metadata: camera manufacturer, lens model, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, GPS coordinates, creation timestamp, and even embedded thumbnail previews at 160×120 pixels.
On web pages, this data increases page weight and introduces serious privacy risks since GPS tags expose the photographer's physical location.
Stripping EXIF tags during compression routinely saves 10–15% of total file size on smartphone camera photos.
Beyond size, metadata stripping protects your users.
Try It in the Workspace
Everything discussed in this article can be tested directly in Squoosh Next — no sign-up, no upload, 100% client-side.