Does tawk.to affect my website load speed?

No, adding the tawk.to chat widget will not slow down your site. The widget loads asynchronously after your page content, loads only the features you enable, and is designed to be lightweight (typically ~300 KB even with all features enabled). Page speed testing tools usually exclude the widget from their measurements.

Asynchronous, modular loading

When a visitor opens your site, the widget loads in the background from a primary file (messenger-v4.html). That file then loads only the components required for the features you’ve enabled. For example:

• If you add a video card, only the video script needed for that card loads.

• If you enable Knowledge Base search, only the files needed for that search feature load.

• If no extra features are enabled, the widget remains very small.

• This modular approach keeps unnecessary code off your page.

HTTP/2 and small file chunks

tawk.to breaks files into smaller chunks and serves them over HTTP/2. HTTP/2 multiplexing lets the browser request multiple files over the same connection, which reduces overall load time.

Factors that affect load speed

While the widget itself is optimized, actual loading speed depends on the visitor’s device, browser, and network connection.

Even with all optional features enabled, the widget typically loads about 300 KB of data. With fewer features enabled the total size is smaller.

• Enable only the features you need. Each feature loads its own scripts, so fewer features = smaller footprint.
  
  

• Use visibility settings (for example, hide the widget on load for desktop or mobile) if you want the widget present but not immediately displayed.
  
  

• Use the Widget Scheduler to keep the widget offline outside business hours (this also prevents it loading for users when you don’t want it visible).
  
  

• Add the standard widget snippet just before </body> when installing the widget — that’s the recommended placement. (If you use a CMS, follow the platform guide.)

• Page speed tests
  Most page speed testing tools exclude asynchronously loaded widgets like tawk.to from their score. If you see a difference in a test, check how that tool measures third-party scripts.
  
  

• Third-party integrations
  Some integrations or third-party resources you add via the widget (for example, external analytics or heavy media) can add extra load. Only enable integrations you need and follow best practice for those services.
  
  

• Mobile users
  On slower mobile connections the perceived load time of any resource may be higher; consider hiding the widget on mobile if your audience has many low-bandwidth visitors.

Adding a tawk.to widget to your website

Change how the widget behaves on your site

Changing your widget language

Changing the widget position

Using the Widget Scheduler

Integrations category

Shopping Cart Integrations category

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