YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
Get every size of a YouTube video's thumbnail from its link.
Get the thumbnail of any YouTube video
Every YouTube video has a thumbnail image that YouTube stores in several sizes. This tool finds them for you. Paste a video link or ID and it shows each available size, from the full HD 1280 x 720 version down to the tiny 120 x 90 one, with buttons to open, copy or download each image. No API key or account is needed.
How to download a YouTube thumbnail
- Copy the link of a YouTube video from the address bar or the Share button.
- Paste it into the box and press Get thumbnails, or press Enter.
- Look through the available sizes. Sizes that do not exist for that video are hidden.
- Press Open full size to view the image in a new tab, then save it, or try the Download button.
Supported links
- Standard watch links, such as youtube.com/watch?v=ID, including links with playlists or timestamps.
- Short links from the Share button, such as youtu.be/ID.
- YouTube Shorts links, such as youtube.com/shorts/ID.
- Embed, live and mobile links, including youtube-nocookie.com.
- A plain 11 character video ID.
Thumbnail sizes explained
Maximum resolution (1280 x 720) exists only for videos uploaded in HD, and is the best choice when available. Standard definition (640 x 480) and High quality (480 x 360) exist for almost every video and use a 4:3 frame, so widescreen thumbnails may show black bars at the top and bottom. Medium quality (320 x 180) is a 16:9 version, and Default (120 x 90) is the small image used in lists.
Why does Download sometimes open a message instead?
The images are served from YouTube’s public image server. Some browsers block a website from downloading images from another site directly. When that happens, use Open full size and save the image from the new tab with a right click or a long press on mobile.
Use thumbnails responsibly
Thumbnails are the creative work of the channel that made them. Use them for reference, research, reviews or your own videos, and ask the creator for permission before reusing someone else’s thumbnail in a way that could be confused with their content.
Who uses thumbnail downloads?
Creators keep a copy of their own thumbnails when redesigning a channel. Bloggers and teachers add a video preview image to an article or slide that links to the video. Designers collect examples of strong thumbnails for inspiration. Researchers archive the images that went with videos they study.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the maximum resolution size missing?
YouTube only creates the 1280 x 720 thumbnail for videos uploaded in HD. When it does not exist, the tool hides it and shows the largest size that does.
Does this tool need a YouTube API key?
No. It reads the public thumbnail images that YouTube serves for every video, based on the video ID in your link.
Can I get thumbnails of Shorts?
Yes. Paste a youtube.com/shorts/ link and the tool finds its thumbnails like any other video.
Why did the Download button not save the file?
Your browser may block downloads from another website. Click Open full size and save the image from the new tab instead.