Free YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
Download YouTube thumbnails in every available size, up to full HD. Paste a video link to preview, download or copy the image URL.
- Free, no login
- Up to 1280×720
- Works with Shorts and short links
How to use YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
- Paste a YouTube video, Shorts, youtu.be or embed link.
- The tool checks which thumbnail sizes exist for that video.
- Download the size you need, or copy its direct image URL.
Features
- Finds every thumbnail size available for the video, up to 1280×720
- Works with watch, youtu.be, Shorts, embed and live links
- Preview each size before you download
- Copy direct image URLs
- No login or software required
What can you use YouTube Thumbnail Downloader for?
Every YouTube video ships with several thumbnail images at different resolutions, from a small preview up to a full HD maxres version. This tool reads a video link, checks which sizes actually exist for that video, and lets you preview, download or copy the direct image URL — no login or software required.
YouTube automatically generates several thumbnail images for every uploaded video, at resolutions ranging from a small preview up to full HD — but not every size exists for every video, and there's no built-in way to browse or download them from the site itself. This tool checks which sizes are actually available for a given video and lets you preview, download or copy the direct image URL.
- Grabbing a high-resolution thumbnail to use in a blog post, article or roundup that references the video.
- Downloading a thumbnail for a video preview card on a personal site or portfolio.
- Checking which thumbnail resolutions are actually available before designing around one.
- Getting a direct thumbnail URL to embed without hotlinking concerns.
Tips for better results
- Try the Maximum Resolution size first — it's not available for every video, but gives the sharpest result when it is.
- Paste the full video URL, including shorts and youtu.be links — the tool reads the video ID from any standard YouTube link format.
- If the maxres size isn't available, the tool will show whichever smaller sizes do exist for that video.
Frequently asked questions
Is the YouTube thumbnail downloader free?
Yes, this tool is completely free to use.
Do I need to log in to download a thumbnail?
No login or software is required — just paste a video link.
What thumbnail sizes are available?
Available sizes depend on the video and can include maximum resolution, high, medium and standard quality.
Can I use a downloaded thumbnail commercially?
Thumbnails are part of the video creator's content, so check the usage rights or ask the creator before using one outside of things like linking back to or referencing their video.
Why isn't the maximum resolution thumbnail available for some videos?
Not every upload generates a full 1280×720 maxres thumbnail — older or lower-resolution uploads may only have the smaller default sizes.
Why is the maximum resolution missing for my video?
Not every video has a maxres thumbnail. Older uploads and videos uploaded in lower resolutions may only have the smaller sizes, so the tool lists what actually exists.
Can I reuse a YouTube thumbnail?
Thumbnails belong to the video creator. Get permission before reusing one outside of commentary or news reporting, and check the terms that apply to your use.