diff --git a/frontend/src/components/Constructor/CanvasBackground.tsx b/frontend/src/components/Constructor/CanvasBackground.tsx
index d223d44..7395324 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/Constructor/CanvasBackground.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/Constructor/CanvasBackground.tsx
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 import React from 'react';
 import NextImage from 'next/image';
 import { useBackgroundVideoPlayback } from '../../hooks/useBackgroundVideoPlayback';
+import PreviousBackgroundOverlay from '../PreviousBackgroundOverlay';
 
 interface CanvasBackgroundProps {
   backgroundImageUrl?: string;
@@ -101,27 +102,13 @@ const CanvasBackground: React.FC<CanvasBackgroundProps> = ({
       {/* Previous background overlays - show during loading AND crossfade.
           Uses CSS animation for fade-out effect during crossfade.
           z-0 keeps them BELOW new backgrounds (z-1). */}
-      {previousBgImageUrl && (isFadingIn || (isSwitching && !isNewBgReady)) && (
-        <div
-          className={`pointer-events-none absolute inset-0 z-0 ${isFadingIn ? 'animate-crossfade-out' : ''}`}
-          style={{
-            backgroundImage: `url("${previousBgImageUrl}")`,
-            backgroundSize: 'contain',
-            backgroundPosition: 'center',
-            backgroundRepeat: 'no-repeat',
-          }}
-        />
-      )}
-      {previousBgVideoUrl && (isFadingIn || (isSwitching && !isNewBgReady)) && (
-        <video
-          className={`absolute inset-0 z-0 h-full w-full object-contain pointer-events-none ${isFadingIn ? 'animate-crossfade-out' : ''}`}
-          src={previousBgVideoUrl}
-          autoPlay
-          loop
-          muted
-          playsInline
-        />
-      )}
+      <PreviousBackgroundOverlay
+        imageUrl={previousBgImageUrl}
+        videoUrl={previousBgVideoUrl}
+        isSwitching={isSwitching}
+        isNewBgReady={isNewBgReady}
+        isFadingIn={isFadingIn}
+      />
 
       {/* Background video - z-1 keeps it below backdrop blur layer (z-5) */}
       {backgroundVideoUrl && (
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PreviousBackgroundOverlay.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PreviousBackgroundOverlay.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55ea536
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PreviousBackgroundOverlay.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+/**
+ * PreviousBackgroundOverlay Component
+ *
+ * Renders the previous page background during page transitions.
+ * Shows during loading and crossfade, with optional fade-out animation.
+ * Used by both CanvasBackground (constructor) and RuntimePresentation.
+ */
+
+import React from 'react';
+
+interface PreviousBackgroundOverlayProps {
+  /** Previous background image URL */
+  imageUrl?: string;
+  /** Previous background video URL */
+  videoUrl?: string;
+  /** Whether page is currently switching */
+  isSwitching?: boolean;
+  /** Whether new background is ready */
+  isNewBgReady?: boolean;
+  /** Whether fade animation is in progress */
+  isFadingIn?: boolean;
+  /** Additional CSS classes */
+  className?: string;
+}
+
+const PreviousBackgroundOverlay: React.FC<PreviousBackgroundOverlayProps> = ({
+  imageUrl,
+  videoUrl,
+  isSwitching = false,
+  isNewBgReady = false,
+  isFadingIn = false,
+  className = '',
+}) => {
+  // Show during loading (isSwitching && !isNewBgReady) OR during crossfade (isFadingIn)
+  const shouldShow = isFadingIn || (isSwitching && !isNewBgReady);
+
+  if (!shouldShow) return null;
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      {imageUrl && (
+        <div
+          className={`pointer-events-none absolute inset-0 z-0 ${isFadingIn ? 'animate-crossfade-out' : ''} ${className}`}
+          style={{
+            backgroundImage: `url("${imageUrl}")`,
+            backgroundSize: 'contain',
+            backgroundPosition: 'center',
+            backgroundRepeat: 'no-repeat',
+          }}
+        />
+      )}
+      {videoUrl && (
+        <video
+          className={`absolute inset-0 z-0 h-full w-full object-contain pointer-events-none ${isFadingIn ? 'animate-crossfade-out' : ''} ${className}`}
+          src={videoUrl}
+          autoPlay
+          loop
+          muted
+          playsInline
+        />
+      )}
+    </>
+  );
+};
+
+export default PreviousBackgroundOverlay;
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/RuntimePresentation.tsx b/frontend/src/components/RuntimePresentation.tsx
index a4afcdf..66efe48 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/RuntimePresentation.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/RuntimePresentation.tsx
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@
 
 import { mdiFullscreen, mdiFullscreenExit } from '@mdi/js';
 import Head from 'next/head';
-import Image from 'next/image';
 import React, {
   ReactElement,
   useCallback,
@@ -26,6 +25,7 @@ import TransitionPreviewOverlay from './Constructor/TransitionPreviewOverlay';
 import GalleryCarouselOverlay from './UiElements/GalleryCarouselOverlay';
 import { BackdropPortalProvider } from './BackdropPortal';
 import { RotatePrompt } from './RotatePrompt';
+import CanvasBackground from './Constructor/CanvasBackground';
 import { useCanvasScale } from '../hooks/useCanvasScale';
 import { CANVAS_CONFIG } from '../config/canvas.config';
 import LayoutGuest from '../layouts/Guest';
@@ -40,7 +40,6 @@ import {
 import { usePageSwitch } from '../hooks/usePageSwitch';
 import { useTransitionPlayback } from '../hooks/useTransitionPlayback';
 import { useBackgroundTransition } from '../hooks/useBackgroundTransition';
-import { useBackgroundVideoPlayback } from '../hooks/useBackgroundVideoPlayback';
 import { resolveAssetPlaybackUrl } from '../lib/assetUrl';
 import { logger } from '../lib/logger';
 import {
@@ -242,39 +241,14 @@ export default function RuntimePresentation({
   // Use shared background transition hook for crossfade effects
   // NOTE: fadeOut config is NOT used for video transitions.
   // Video transitions end instantly (last frame = new page, then overlay removed).
-  // fadeIn is used for non-video navigation (crossfade 700ms via CSS transitions).
-  const {
-    isFadingIn,
-    crossfadePhase,
-    onFadeInAnimationEnd,
-    onTransitionEnd,
-    resetFadeIn,
-  } = useBackgroundTransition({
+  // fadeIn is used for non-video navigation (crossfade 500ms).
+  const { isFadingIn, resetFadeIn } = useBackgroundTransition({
     pageSwitch,
-    // No fadeOut - video transitions don't use fade
     fadeIn: {
       hasActiveTransition: Boolean(transitionPreview),
     },
   });
 
-  // Helper to generate crossfade classes for CSS transitions
-  // Two-phase approach: 'starting' = opacity 0, 'running' = opacity 1 (transition animates)
-  const getCrossfadeInClasses = () => {
-    if (!isFadingIn) return '';
-    const base = 'crossfade-layer';
-    if (crossfadePhase === 'starting') return `${base} crossfade-in-start`;
-    if (crossfadePhase === 'running') return `${base} crossfade-in-end`;
-    return '';
-  };
-
-  const getCrossfadeOutClasses = () => {
-    if (!isFadingIn) return '';
-    const base = 'crossfade-layer';
-    if (crossfadePhase === 'starting') return `${base} crossfade-out-start`;
-    if (crossfadePhase === 'running') return `${base} crossfade-out-end`;
-    return '';
-  };
-
   const toggleFullscreen = useCallback(async () => {
     try {
       if (!document.fullscreenElement) {
@@ -519,18 +493,7 @@ export default function RuntimePresentation({
       ? parseFloat(String(selectedPage.background_video_end_time))
       : null;
 
-  // Use background video playback hook for custom start/end time handling
-  const { videoRef: bgVideoRef } = useBackgroundVideoPlayback({
-    videoUrl: backgroundVideoUrl,
-    autoplay: videoAutoplay,
-    loop: videoLoop,
-    muted: videoMuted,
-    startTime: videoStartTime,
-    endTime: videoEndTime,
-  });
-
-  // When endTime is set, we disable native loop and handle it via the hook
-  const useNativeLoop = videoEndTime == null ? videoLoop : false;
+  // Note: useBackgroundVideoPlayback is handled internally by CanvasBackground component
 
   if (isLoading) {
     return (
@@ -625,110 +588,40 @@ export default function RuntimePresentation({
               />
             )}
 
-            {/* Previous background overlays - show during loading AND crossfade.
-                Uses CSS transitions for fade-out effect (more reliable in Safari).
-                Cleared by useBackgroundTransition after fade completes. */}
-            {pageSwitch.previousBgImageUrl &&
-              (isFadingIn ||
-                (pageSwitch.isSwitching && !pageSwitch.isNewBgReady)) && (
-                <div
-                  className={`absolute inset-0 pointer-events-none z-0 ${getCrossfadeOutClasses()}`}
-                  style={{
-                    backgroundImage: `url("${pageSwitch.previousBgImageUrl}")`,
-                    backgroundSize: 'contain',
-                    backgroundPosition: 'center',
-                    backgroundRepeat: 'no-repeat',
-                  }}
-                  onTransitionEnd={onTransitionEnd}
-                />
-              )}
-            {pageSwitch.previousBgVideoUrl &&
-              (isFadingIn ||
-                (pageSwitch.isSwitching && !pageSwitch.isNewBgReady)) && (
-                <video
-                  className={`absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-contain pointer-events-none z-0 ${getCrossfadeOutClasses()}`}
-                  src={pageSwitch.previousBgVideoUrl}
-                  autoPlay
-                  loop
-                  muted
-                  playsInline
-                  onTransitionEnd={onTransitionEnd}
-                />
-              )}
-
             {/* Page background wrapper - z-5 keeps it BELOW carousel slide (z-10).
-                Fades in for non-transition navigation.
-                Uses CSS transitions (more reliable in Safari than animations). */}
+                Fades in for non-transition navigation. Uses shared CanvasBackground component
+                for single source of truth with constructor (same transitions, same structure). */}
             <div
               data-testid='page-background-wrapper'
-              className={`absolute inset-0 z-5 ${getCrossfadeInClasses()}`}
-              onTransitionEnd={onTransitionEnd}
-              onAnimationEnd={onFadeInAnimationEnd}
+              className={`absolute inset-0 z-5 ${isFadingIn ? 'animate-crossfade-in' : ''}`}
             >
-              {/* Background image element */}
-              {backgroundImageUrl && !backgroundVideoUrl && (
-                <div className='absolute inset-0 pointer-events-none'>
-                  {backgroundImageUrl.startsWith('blob:') ? (
-                    // eslint-disable-next-line @next/next/no-img-element
-                    <img
-                      key={backgroundImageUrl}
-                      src={backgroundImageUrl}
-                      alt=''
-                      className='absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-contain'
-                      onLoad={() => {
-                        setIsBackgroundReady(true);
-                        pageSwitch.markBackgroundReady();
-                      }}
-                      onError={() => {
-                        setIsBackgroundReady(true);
-                        pageSwitch.markBackgroundReady();
-                      }}
-                    />
-                  ) : (
-                    <Image
-                      key={backgroundImageUrl}
-                      src={backgroundImageUrl}
-                      alt=''
-                      fill
-                      sizes='100vw'
-                      className='object-contain'
-                      priority
-                      unoptimized
-                      onLoad={() => {
-                        setIsBackgroundReady(true);
-                        pageSwitch.markBackgroundReady();
-                      }}
-                      onError={() => {
-                        setIsBackgroundReady(true);
-                        pageSwitch.markBackgroundReady();
-                      }}
-                    />
-                  )}
-                </div>
-              )}
-
-              {/* Background video */}
-              {backgroundVideoUrl && (
-                <video
-                  ref={bgVideoRef}
-                  key={backgroundVideoUrl}
-                  className='absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-contain'
-                  src={backgroundVideoUrl}
-                  autoPlay={videoAutoplay}
-                  loop={useNativeLoop}
-                  muted={videoMuted}
-                  playsInline
-                />
-              )}
+              <CanvasBackground
+                backgroundImageUrl={backgroundImageUrl}
+                backgroundVideoUrl={backgroundVideoUrl}
+                previousBgImageUrl={pageSwitch.previousBgImageUrl}
+                previousBgVideoUrl={pageSwitch.previousBgVideoUrl}
+                isSwitching={pageSwitch.isSwitching}
+                isNewBgReady={pageSwitch.isNewBgReady}
+                isFadingIn={isFadingIn}
+                onBackgroundReady={() => {
+                  setIsBackgroundReady(true);
+                  pageSwitch.markBackgroundReady();
+                }}
+                videoAutoplay={videoAutoplay}
+                videoLoop={videoLoop}
+                videoMuted={videoMuted}
+                videoStartTime={videoStartTime}
+                videoEndTime={videoEndTime}
+              />
             </div>
             {/* End page background wrapper */}
 
             {/* Page elements wrapper - z-[46] keeps it ABOVE carousel slide (z-10) AND carousel controls (z-45).
                 UI controls (z-50) remain on top.
-                Fades in together with background using CSS transitions. */}
+                Fades in together with background. */}
             <div
               data-testid='page-elements-wrapper'
-              className={`absolute inset-0 z-[46] ${getCrossfadeInClasses()}`}
+              className={`absolute inset-0 z-[46] ${isFadingIn ? 'animate-crossfade-in' : ''}`}
             >
               {pageElements.map((element: CanvasElement) => (
                 <RuntimeElement
diff --git a/frontend/src/css/main.css b/frontend/src/css/main.css
index 93b5247..88ccb03 100644
--- a/frontend/src/css/main.css
+++ b/frontend/src/css/main.css
@@ -108,76 +108,56 @@
   }
 }
 
-/* =============================================================================
-   CROSSFADE TRANSITION SYSTEM
-
-   Uses CSS transitions (not animations) for maximum Safari compatibility.
-   Safari handles transitions more reliably than keyframe animations.
-
-   Two-phase approach:
-   1. .crossfade-layer: Base class with transition setup (always present)
-   2. .crossfade-in / .crossfade-out: Trigger classes that change opacity
-
-   The transition automatically interpolates between opacity values.
-   ============================================================================= */
-
-/* Base layer class - sets up GPU acceleration and transition */
-.crossfade-layer {
-  -webkit-transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
-  transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
-  -webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;
-  backface-visibility: hidden;
-  will-change: opacity;
-  /* Transition on opacity only */
-  -webkit-transition: opacity var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
-  transition: opacity var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
-}
-
-/* Fade-in: starts at 0, transitions to 1 */
-.crossfade-in-start {
-  opacity: 0;
-}
-
-.crossfade-in-end {
-  opacity: 1;
-}
-
-/* Fade-out: starts at 1, transitions to 0 */
-.crossfade-out-start {
-  opacity: 1;
-}
-
-.crossfade-out-end {
-  opacity: 0;
-}
-
-/* Legacy animation classes - kept for backwards compatibility */
-/* These use CSS animations (less reliable in Safari but kept as fallback) */
+/* Crossfade animation classes - GPU accelerated for all browsers */
+/* Duration controlled by --crossfade-duration CSS variable (single source of truth) */
 .animate-crossfade-in {
+  /* Explicit initial state prevents flash during animation setup */
   opacity: 0;
   -webkit-transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
   transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
-  -webkit-animation: page-crossfade-in var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)) forwards;
-  animation: page-crossfade-in var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)) forwards;
+  /* Full animation property for maximum browser compatibility */
+  -webkit-animation-name: page-crossfade-in;
+  animation-name: page-crossfade-in;
+  -webkit-animation-duration: var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms);
+  animation-duration: var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms);
+  -webkit-animation-timing-function: var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
+  animation-timing-function: var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
+  -webkit-animation-fill-mode: forwards;
+  animation-fill-mode: forwards;
+  -webkit-animation-play-state: running;
+  animation-play-state: running;
   -webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;
   backface-visibility: hidden;
+  /* Optimize compositing */
   will-change: opacity;
+  contain: layout style paint;
 }
 
 .animate-crossfade-out {
+  /* Explicit initial state prevents flash during animation setup */
   opacity: 1;
   -webkit-transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
   transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
-  -webkit-animation: page-crossfade-out var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)) forwards;
-  animation: page-crossfade-out var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)) forwards;
+  /* Full animation property for maximum browser compatibility */
+  -webkit-animation-name: page-crossfade-out;
+  animation-name: page-crossfade-out;
+  -webkit-animation-duration: var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms);
+  animation-duration: var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms);
+  -webkit-animation-timing-function: var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
+  animation-timing-function: var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
+  -webkit-animation-fill-mode: forwards;
+  animation-fill-mode: forwards;
+  -webkit-animation-play-state: running;
+  animation-play-state: running;
   -webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;
   backface-visibility: hidden;
+  /* Optimize compositing */
   will-change: opacity;
+  contain: layout style paint;
 }
 
 /* Safari-specific GPU compositing optimization */
 @supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none) {
-  .crossfade-layer,
   .animate-crossfade-in,
   .animate-crossfade-out {
     /* Force GPU layer creation in Safari */
@@ -186,6 +166,44 @@
     /* Prevent Safari from optimizing away the GPU layer */
     -webkit-perspective: 1000px;
     perspective: 1000px;
+    /* Safari performs better with explicit transform-style */
+    -webkit-transform-style: preserve-3d;
+    transform-style: preserve-3d;
+    /* Isolate the layer for better compositing */
+    isolation: isolate;
+  }
+}
+
+/* Firefox-specific optimizations */
+@-moz-document url-prefix() {
+  .animate-crossfade-in,
+  .animate-crossfade-out {
+    /* Firefox handles animations well but benefits from layer isolation */
+    will-change: opacity, transform;
+  }
+}
+
+/* Transition-based crossfade (Safari-optimized alternative to animations) */
+/* Use this for better Safari stability - transitions don't have the "snap" issue
+   when state changes because they interpolate between current and target values */
+.crossfade-transition {
+  transition: opacity var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
+  -webkit-transition: opacity var(--crossfade-duration, 700ms) var(--crossfade-easing, cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1));
+  -webkit-transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
+  transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
+  -webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;
+  backface-visibility: hidden;
+  will-change: opacity;
+}
+
+/* Safari-specific optimization for transitions */
+@supports (-webkit-touch-callout: none) {
+  .crossfade-transition {
+    -webkit-perspective: 1000px;
+    perspective: 1000px;
+    -webkit-transform-style: preserve-3d;
+    transform-style: preserve-3d;
+    isolation: isolate;
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/hooks/useBackgroundTransition.ts b/frontend/src/hooks/useBackgroundTransition.ts
index ca3625a..1583982 100644
--- a/frontend/src/hooks/useBackgroundTransition.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/hooks/useBackgroundTransition.ts
@@ -71,12 +71,6 @@ export interface UseBackgroundTransitionOptions {
   fadeIn?: FadeInConfig;
 }
 
-/**
- * Crossfade phase for transition-based approach.
- * Safari requires two-phase: first render initial opacity, then transition to final.
- */
-export type CrossfadePhase = 'idle' | 'starting' | 'running' | 'complete';
-
 export interface UseBackgroundTransitionResult {
   /** Whether the overlay is currently fading out */
   isOverlayFadingOut: boolean;
@@ -84,12 +78,8 @@ export interface UseBackgroundTransitionResult {
   resetFadeOut: () => void;
   /** Whether page content is currently fading (crossfade in progress) */
   isFadingIn: boolean;
-  /** Current crossfade phase for transition-based approach */
-  crossfadePhase: CrossfadePhase;
   /** Handler to call when fade-in animation ends (pass to onAnimationEnd) */
   onFadeInAnimationEnd: (e?: React.AnimationEvent) => void;
-  /** Handler for transition end (alternative to animation end) */
-  onTransitionEnd: (e?: React.TransitionEvent) => void;
   /** Reset fade-in state (for cleanup or cancellation) */
   resetFadeIn: () => void;
 }
@@ -132,8 +122,6 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
 }: UseBackgroundTransitionOptions): UseBackgroundTransitionResult {
   const [isOverlayFadingOut, setIsOverlayFadingOut] = useState(false);
   const [isFadingIn, setIsFadingIn] = useState(false);
-  // Crossfade phase for CSS transitions (more reliable in Safari)
-  const [crossfadePhase, setCrossfadePhase] = useState<CrossfadePhase>('idle');
 
   // Track previous isSwitching state to detect transition start
   const wasSwitchingRef = useRef(false);
@@ -142,8 +130,11 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
   const fadeInTimerRef = useRef<ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null>(null);
   // Track if animation was already completed (by event or timer)
   const fadeInCompletedRef = useRef(false);
-  // RAF handle for two-phase transition approach
-  const rafRef = useRef<number | null>(null);
+
+  // Track fadeIn config in ref to avoid stale closure issues
+  // This allows us to read current values without adding fadeIn to useLayoutEffect deps
+  const fadeInRef = useRef(fadeIn);
+  fadeInRef.current = fadeIn;
 
   /**
    * Reset fade-out state before starting a new transition.
@@ -158,21 +149,16 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
    */
   const resetFadeIn = useCallback(() => {
     setIsFadingIn(false);
-    setCrossfadePhase('idle');
     fadeInCompletedRef.current = false;
     if (fadeInTimerRef.current) {
       clearTimeout(fadeInTimerRef.current);
       fadeInTimerRef.current = null;
     }
-    if (rafRef.current) {
-      cancelAnimationFrame(rafRef.current);
-      rafRef.current = null;
-    }
   }, []);
 
   /**
    * Complete fade-in animation.
-   * Called either by onAnimationEnd, onTransitionEnd, or timer fallback.
+   * Called either by onAnimationEnd or by timer fallback.
    * Uses ref to prevent double-completion.
    */
   const completeFadeIn = useCallback(() => {
@@ -184,12 +170,7 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
       clearTimeout(fadeInTimerRef.current);
       fadeInTimerRef.current = null;
     }
-    if (rafRef.current) {
-      cancelAnimationFrame(rafRef.current);
-      rafRef.current = null;
-    }
 
-    setCrossfadePhase('complete');
     setIsFadingIn(false);
   }, []);
 
@@ -207,19 +188,6 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
     [completeFadeIn],
   );
 
-  /**
-   * Handler for onTransitionEnd event.
-   * Called when CSS transition completes (more reliable in Safari than animations).
-   */
-  const onTransitionEnd = useCallback(
-    (e?: React.TransitionEvent) => {
-      // Only handle opacity transitions, not other properties
-      if (e && e.propertyName !== 'opacity') return;
-      completeFadeIn();
-    },
-    [completeFadeIn],
-  );
-
   /**
    * Effect: Fade out and remove transition overlay when background is ready.
    * Only runs when fadeOut config is provided.
@@ -318,18 +286,23 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
    * IMPORTANT: Skip this for transitions - transition video IS the effect.
    *
    * Cross-browser handling:
-   * - Uses two-phase CSS transitions (more reliable in Safari than animations)
-   * - Phase 1 (starting): Apply initial opacity
-   * - Phase 2 (running): After one frame, apply final opacity - CSS transition animates
-   * - Fallback timer ensures completion even if events don't fire
+   * - Sets up JS timer fallback for Safari (unreliable onAnimationEnd)
+   * - Chrome/Firefox rely on CSS onAnimationEnd event
+   *
+   * NOTE: We use fadeInRef to read current fadeIn config without adding it to deps.
+   * This prevents the effect from re-running on every render when the caller
+   * creates fadeIn config inline (which would reset wasSwitchingRef incorrectly).
    */
   useLayoutEffect(() => {
-    if (!fadeIn) {
+    // Read from ref to get latest value without triggering re-runs
+    const currentFadeIn = fadeInRef.current;
+
+    // Skip crossfade logic if fadeIn config was not provided
+    if (!currentFadeIn) {
       wasSwitchingRef.current = pageSwitch.isSwitching;
       return;
     }
 
-    const { hasActiveTransition } = fadeIn;
     const justStartedSwitching =
       pageSwitch.isSwitching && !wasSwitchingRef.current;
 
@@ -337,59 +310,43 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
 
     // Only start crossfade for NON-transition navigation
     // Transitions use video overlay - no fade needed
-    if (justStartedSwitching && !hasActiveTransition) {
+    if (justStartedSwitching && !currentFadeIn.hasActiveTransition) {
       // Reset completion flag for new animation
       fadeInCompletedRef.current = false;
 
-      // Clear any existing timers/rafs
+      // Clear any existing timer
       if (fadeInTimerRef.current) {
         clearTimeout(fadeInTimerRef.current);
         fadeInTimerRef.current = null;
       }
-      if (rafRef.current) {
-        cancelAnimationFrame(rafRef.current);
-        rafRef.current = null;
-      }
 
       setIsFadingIn(true);
 
-      // Two-phase approach for Safari:
-      // 1. First, set 'starting' phase with initial opacity
-      // 2. After browser paints, set 'running' phase - CSS transition animates
-      setCrossfadePhase('starting');
-
-      // Use double-RAF for Safari to ensure initial state is painted
-      // Safari needs to see the starting state before transitioning
-      rafRef.current = requestAnimationFrame(() => {
-        rafRef.current = requestAnimationFrame(() => {
-          rafRef.current = null;
-          setCrossfadePhase('running');
-        });
-      });
-
-      // Fallback timer - ensures completion even if transition events don't fire
+      // Safari/Firefox fallback: Use JS timer as backup since onAnimationEnd
+      // can be unreliable or fire on wrong animations.
+      // Timer is slightly longer than CSS duration to let CSS complete first.
+      // Chrome typically fires onAnimationEnd reliably, but timer is harmless backup.
       const duration = getCrossfadeDuration();
-      // Add buffer: Safari needs more time, Chrome/Firefox less
-      const bufferMs = isSafari() ? 150 : 100;
+      // Add 50ms buffer for Safari's animation timing variance
+      const bufferMs = isSafari() ? 100 : 50;
 
       fadeInTimerRef.current = setTimeout(() => {
         fadeInTimerRef.current = null;
         completeFadeIn();
       }, duration + bufferMs);
     }
-  }, [pageSwitch.isSwitching, fadeIn, completeFadeIn]);
+    // NOTE: fadeIn intentionally NOT in deps - we read from fadeInRef instead
+    // to avoid re-running when inline fadeIn object is recreated
+    // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+  }, [pageSwitch.isSwitching, completeFadeIn]);
 
-  // Cleanup timer and RAF on unmount
+  // Cleanup timer on unmount
   useEffect(() => {
     return () => {
       if (fadeInTimerRef.current) {
         clearTimeout(fadeInTimerRef.current);
         fadeInTimerRef.current = null;
       }
-      if (rafRef.current) {
-        cancelAnimationFrame(rafRef.current);
-        rafRef.current = null;
-      }
     };
   }, []);
 
@@ -397,9 +354,7 @@ export function useBackgroundTransition({
     isOverlayFadingOut,
     resetFadeOut,
     isFadingIn,
-    crossfadePhase,
     onFadeInAnimationEnd,
-    onTransitionEnd,
     resetFadeIn,
   };
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/hooks/usePageSwitch.ts b/frontend/src/hooks/usePageSwitch.ts
index 46ae6d4..f3e3dd3 100644
--- a/frontend/src/hooks/usePageSwitch.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/hooks/usePageSwitch.ts
@@ -103,6 +103,52 @@ export interface UsePageSwitchResult {
   clearPreviousBackground: () => void;
 }
 
+/**
+ * Decode an image from URL to ensure it's ready for display.
+ * Used for blob URLs that are already loaded but need decoding.
+ * Returns a promise that resolves when the image is decoded.
+ *
+ * Safari-specific: waits extra frame after decode to ensure pixels are painted.
+ */
+const decodeImage = (url: string): Promise<void> => {
+  return new Promise((resolve) => {
+    if (!url) {
+      resolve();
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const img = new window.Image();
+    const safariMode = isSafari();
+
+    const onReady = () => {
+      if (safariMode) {
+        scheduleAfterPaintSafari(() => resolve());
+      } else {
+        // For non-Safari, wait one paint frame after decode
+        scheduleAfterPaint(() => resolve());
+      }
+    };
+
+    img.onload = () => {
+      if (typeof img.decode === 'function') {
+        img
+          .decode()
+          .then(onReady)
+          .catch(onReady); // Resolve even on decode error
+      } else {
+        onReady();
+      }
+    };
+
+    img.onerror = () => {
+      // Resolve even on error to not block navigation
+      onReady();
+    };
+
+    img.src = url;
+  });
+};
+
 /**
  * Load and decode an image with presigned URL fallback.
  * Returns the URL that successfully loaded.
@@ -396,6 +442,16 @@ export function usePageSwitch(
         return;
       }
 
+      // CRITICAL: Resolve URLs BEFORE setting isSwitching
+      // This ensures the new background is ready when the crossfade animation starts.
+      // If we set isSwitching first, the animation begins with opacity:0 but the new
+      // content isn't ready yet, causing a shorter/faster perceived animation.
+      const [imageUrl, videoUrl, audioUrl] = await Promise.all([
+        resolveToDisplayUrl(targetPage.background_image_url),
+        resolveMediaUrl(targetPage.background_video_url),
+        resolveMediaUrl(targetPage.background_audio_url),
+      ]);
+
       // Save current backgrounds as previous for overlay (use refs to avoid dependencies)
       if (currentBgImageUrlRef.current) {
         setPreviousBgImageUrl(currentBgImageUrlRef.current);
@@ -404,27 +460,24 @@ export function usePageSwitch(
         setPreviousBgVideoUrl(currentBgVideoUrlRef.current);
       }
 
-      setIsSwitching(true);
-      setIsNewBgReady(false);
-
-      // Resolve URLs in parallel, preferring cached blob URLs
-      const [imageUrl, videoUrl, audioUrl] = await Promise.all([
-        resolveToDisplayUrl(targetPage.background_image_url),
-        resolveMediaUrl(targetPage.background_video_url),
-        resolveMediaUrl(targetPage.background_audio_url),
-      ]);
-
-      // Set new backgrounds
+      // Set new backgrounds BEFORE triggering animation
       setCurrentBgImageUrl(imageUrl);
       setCurrentBgVideoUrl(videoUrl);
       setCurrentBgAudioUrl(audioUrl);
 
+      // NOW trigger the crossfade animation
+      // The new background is already set, so animation shows the actual crossfade
+      setIsSwitching(true);
+      setIsNewBgReady(false);
+
       // Notify caller that backgrounds are set
       onSwitched?.();
 
-      // For blob URLs, mark ready after paint (Safari-compatible)
+      // For blob URLs, decode the image before marking ready
+      // This ensures the image is actually decoded and ready for display,
+      // matching the constructor behavior where images have a render cycle head start
       if (imageUrl.startsWith('blob:') || !imageUrl) {
-        scheduleAfterPaint(() => {
+        decodeImage(imageUrl).then(() => {
           setIsNewBgReady(true);
         });
       }