Bit depth is all about how much color or detail a digital image, audio file, or video can store. It tells you the number of bits used to represent each pixel (in images/video) or each sample (in audio). The higher the bit depth, the more information is stored, which means greater detail and accuracy.
Using a lower bit depth image on a website can improve user experience because visitors often value speed and responsiveness over subtle differences in color quality. While higher bit depth provides richer colors, most users won’t consciously notice the loss, especially on mobile devices or smaller screens. Psychologically, slow-loading images can frustrate visitors, create negative impressions, and cause them to leave the site, whereas fast-loading images make the site feel more reliable and engaging. Smaller file sizes from lower bit depth images also improve accessibility for users with limited bandwidth, boost search engine rankings, and support higher conversion rates by keeping users interested and active. In many cases, the trade-off in visual richness is outweighed by the benefits of speed and usability.