YouTube video link
How to download a YouTube thumbnail
- Open the video on YouTube and copy its address, or tap Share → Copy link in the app. Shorts and youtu.be links work too.
- Paste the link above. All available sizes appear at once.
- Click Download JPG under the size you need. If your browser blocks the download, the image opens in a new tab where you can save it.
Thumbnail sizes YouTube provides
- Maximum resolution (maxresdefault): usually 1280×720. Only exists when the video was uploaded in HD or the creator added a large custom thumbnail. If it is missing, the tool marks it as not available.
- Standard (sddefault): 640×480, with black bars above and below a 16:9 image.
- High quality (hqdefault): 480×360. Available for almost every video.
- Medium (mqdefault): 320×180, no black bars. Good for small previews.
- Small (default): 120×90.
Can I reuse someone else’s thumbnail?
Thumbnails are copyrighted by the creator. Downloading one to study its design, to keep a copy of your own thumbnail, or to quote it in a review or news article is usually fine. Re-uploading it as your own video’s thumbnail or using it in ads is not. When in doubt, ask the creator for permission.
Why is the HD version missing?
Older videos and videos uploaded below 720p have no maxresdefault image. YouTube then returns a small grey placeholder, which this tool detects. Use the Standard or High quality version instead.