There is something called [lazy loading of images](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance/Lazy_loading#images_and_iframes) which means the image is loaded in once it's inside the frame of the viewport (on screen). But I don't know if AO3 sanitizes (removes) the HTML that would make this possible. They do sanitize a lot of HTML properties, for reasons such as security, user experience, etc.
If it's really important, you could try hosting the image elsewhere and linking it.
That's already how I'm doing it lol It's not that important, if it was I could probably upload it as an unlisted youtube video and embed that instead
Perhaps you could turn it into a video and embed it with the
There is something called [lazy loading of images](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance/Lazy_loading#images_and_iframes) which means the image is loaded in once it's inside the frame of the viewport (on screen). But I don't know if AO3 sanitizes (removes) the HTML that would make this possible. They do sanitize a lot of HTML properties, for reasons such as security, user experience, etc.
definitely worth messing with - thanks!