Methods and systems for optimization of layering of a container image are presented. A modification factor is determined, based on modification events, for each one of multiple software elements. A container image layering structure is determined, based at least in part on the modification factors of the software elements, where the container image layering structure defines a layering order for two or more container sub-images that form the container image, and the layering order determines an order with which container sub-image from the container sub-images are to be executed to form the entire container image, and the container image layering structure further defines for each one of the container sub-images a respective subset of one or more software elements from the plurality of software elements. The container image is deployed based on the container image layering structure to be used for generation of containers in a cloud processing system.