YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
Preview available public YouTube thumbnail images, compare common dimensions, and copy, open, or download the thumbnail responsibly.
FREE YOUTUBE THUMBNAIL TOOL
Download YouTube Thumbnail
Paste a YouTube video link to fetch available thumbnail versions. Download available YouTube thumbnails in common public resolutions. This tool works with thumbnail images only.
How to Use This YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
- Copy a direct YouTube video, Shorts, youtu.be, embed, or live link.
- Enter the link in the tool and click Get Thumbnail.
- Review the recommended image and any smaller versions that are available.
- Use Copy URL, Download, or Open Image for the thumbnail you need.
- Reuse downloaded images only when you own the content, have permission, or have a lawful reason.
Supported YouTube Link Types
The parser accepts direct YouTube video formats and ignores common share parameters when a valid 11-character video ID is present. It does not resolve redirects or third-party shortened links.
youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_IDyoutu.be/VIDEO_IDyoutube.com/shorts/VIDEO_IDyoutube.com/embed/VIDEO_IDyoutube-nocookie.com/embed/VIDEO_IDyoutube.com/live/VIDEO_IDyoutube.com/v/VIDEO_IDyoutube.com/attribution_link?u=...watch...YouTube thumbnail URL versions
YouTube uses predictable thumbnail image filenames for public video thumbnails. This tool checks the most useful YouTube thumbnail URL versions for the submitted video and shows detected dimensions in the results when available.
- Max Resolution —
maxresdefault.jpg— common dimensions: 1280×720 px - Standard Quality —
sddefault.jpg— common dimensions: 640×480 px - High Quality —
hqdefault.jpg— common dimensions: 480×360 px - Medium Quality —
mqdefault.jpg— common dimensions: 320×180 px - Default Quality —
default.jpg— common dimensions: 120×90 px
Availability and actual dimensions can vary by video. Result cards show detected dimensions only when a thumbnail version is available.
Download YouTube Shorts Thumbnails
Shorts URLs use the same video ID format as standard YouTube videos. If a Shorts thumbnail is available through YouTube's public thumbnail image URLs, it will appear in the results.
Why Max Resolution Thumbnail May Not Appear
Not every YouTube video has a maxresdefault.jpg image. When max resolution is unavailable or appears to be a tiny placeholder, the tool recommends the next verified option instead.
Troubleshooting Thumbnail Results
The URL is rejected
Use a direct YouTube video URL. Playlist pages, channel pages, search results, clips, redirects, and third-party short links are intentionally blocked.
Max Resolution is missing
Some videos never generate a true maxresdefault.jpg image. The tool falls back to the best available thumbnail version it can verify.
A thumbnail version is unavailable
This thumbnail version is not available for this video. Try another available version shown in the results.
Can I Use Someone Else's YouTube Thumbnail?
YouTube thumbnails can be protected by copyright. You should only reuse a thumbnail if it belongs to your own video, you have permission from the owner, or your use is legally allowed in your situation. This tool is designed for creators, editors, research, commentary, and reference use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enter a supported YouTube video URL, click Get Thumbnail, then use the Download button on an available image card.
Yes. Shorts links use a normal YouTube video ID, so the tool can check the public thumbnail images for that ID.
Max Resolution is usually the best option when YouTube provides it. If it is missing, Standard or High Quality may be the best available version.
Some videos do not have a maxresdefault.jpg thumbnail. In that case, this tool only shows the thumbnail sizes that YouTube returns as available.
You should only reuse a thumbnail if it is yours, you have permission, or your use is lawful in your situation.
No. This tool only helps you preview and download public thumbnail images. It does not download YouTube videos, audio, playlists, or MP3 files.
Yes. The thumbnail downloader is free and does not require a login.
Yes. Copy URL copies the full image address even when the visible URL is shortened on the page.
No. For safety, paste the original YouTube link instead of a third-party shortener such as bit.ly or tinyurl.
YouTube does not always provide every thumbnail filename for every video. The result section shows only the versions that respond as available.