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Does Flickr recompress JPEGs after upload? I know that if you upload a TIFF, for example, Flickr converts it to JPEG. But do they also compress incoming JPEGs?

I've read some complaints about the quality of the JPEG compression used on Flickr. I'm just wondering if it makes sense to upload TIFFs and let Flickr to the conversion or to upload a high quality JPEG in the hopes that Flickr doesn't recompress it.

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If you upload a JPEG, Flickr does not modify the Original-size image in any way, apart from changing the filename.

I tested it out by uploading a full-size, 100% quality JPEG to Flickr then re-downloading the Original size image and comparing it with the original (using a comparison tool called Beyond Compare). The two files are identical, byte for byte. That means not only has the image not been compressed but all the original metadata (Exif etc.) is also intact.

I also tested a TIFF and the Original image on Flickr is a JPEG. So in the case of TIFFs, they are compressed. (All JPEGs are compressed so some extent, even if you choose 100% quality - hence the size difference between JPEG and an equivalent TIFF.)

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Cool. Good way to confirm the original JPEG remains the same. Thanks! I guess the last remaining question would be how much compression they use on TIFFs when they make them JPEGs. Is it worth the extra step making a 100% quality JPEG on my end before uploading? \$\endgroup\$
    – jaxxon
    May 27, 2011 at 4:06
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    \$\begingroup\$ same for GIF files btw. They aren't changed too. But previews will be in jpg. Important for animated gif files. \$\endgroup\$
    – Dr.Elch
    May 27, 2011 at 4:29
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From the flickr FAQ: "We resize your photos to more web-friendly dimensions. Each image has a 75x75 pixel thumbnail and 100-, 240-, 500-, 640- and 1024-pixel versions (that's the length of the longest side), as well as your original file. ... If you have a free account, no one (including you) can access your original file. ..." http://www.flickr.com/help/photos/#89

So I would say they are processing all uploaded files, so the files fit their needs for the presentation on flickr (dimension, file size, compression-quality, dpi ...), and keep the original as is.

As I do not use TIFF (but RAW), I can not say if it is worth to upload a TIFF in regard of final image quality on flickr, but I doubt it. However it is sure worth for one good reason: backup :)

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Seems this answer is now outdated, the link to the Flickr FAQ now says: "We also store your high-resolution originals, which you can download at any time. Anyone can access public photos and download the high-resolution (original) size, unless you limit access to the downloadable image." \$\endgroup\$
    – jmort253
    May 15, 2015 at 4:50
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The original sized jpg on flickr afaik will be the original file you uploaded with no compression (which would have to be converted to kpg if you upload as a TIF) but the smaller sizes will be compressed to some degree as they're resized jpgs. This shouldn't make too much difference as people can view the full sized image if they want to see that much detail. This is assuming you have a pro account to be able to view the original sizes

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    \$\begingroup\$ Thanks. I've had a pro account since 2005. This has been my assumption as well. But that is all - an assumption. Nowhere on Flickr nor in their forums have I found an answer. \$\endgroup\$
    – jaxxon
    May 26, 2011 at 6:02

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