Why is the lottie animation file size so large when exported from After Effects using bodymovin with a compression of 60, making it unsuitable for Webflow due to long loading times?

The file size of a Lottie animation exported from After Effects using Bodymovin can be large due to various factors. Here are a few reasons why the file size might be bigger than expected, making it unsuitable for Webflow due to long loading times:

1. Complexity of the Animation: The complexity of the animation itself can significantly impact the file size. Animations with a high number of complex shapes, keyframes, or effects will have larger file sizes. The more intricate and detailed the animation, the more data needs to be included in the Lottie file, leading to increased file size.

2. Number of Frames: The number of frames in your animation also affects the file size. Longer animations with a higher frame rate will naturally have larger file sizes. Consider reducing the number of frames or adjusting the frame rate to strike a balance between smoothness and file size.

3. Image and Graphic Assets: If your animation includes images or graphics, they can contribute to the file size. High-resolution images or graphics with a lot of detail will increase the file size. To reduce the size, consider optimizing and compressing these assets before importing them into After Effects.

4. Compression Settings: The compression settings you choose when exporting the Lottie animation can impact the file size. Bodymovin provides an option to adjust the compression level, but setting it too low (e.g., 60) might not be sufficient to achieve a small file size. You might need to experiment with different compression levels to find the right balance between file size and visual quality.

5. Audio and Video Content: If your animation includes audio or video elements, they can significantly contribute to the file size. Consider whether these elements are necessary for the animation and if they can be optimized or removed to reduce the file size.

To make Lottie animations suitable for Webflow and avoid long loading times, it's crucial to find the right balance between visual quality and file size. Consider optimizing and simplifying your animations, compressing image assets, adjusting compression settings, and removing unnecessary elements. Additionally, you could also explore using other techniques like lazy loading or preloading to enhance the loading experience for your users.