YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
Paste a video link to see its thumbnail in every available size, then click to save.
How it works
Every YouTube video has its thumbnail stored at a few fixed sizes. This tool reads the video ID from your link, fetches each size directly from YouTube's image server, and shows the ones that exist. Click "Save" to download the JPG.
Thumbnail sizes
| Name | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Max resolution (maxresdefault) | 1280×720 | Same as YouTube's recommended upload size |
| Standard (sddefault) | 640×480 | Includes black bars top and bottom |
| High quality (hqdefault) | 480×360 | Available for every video |
| Medium (mqdefault) | 320×180 | Small image used in lists |
To change a thumbnail's dimensions, use the Image Resizer, or shrink the file with the Image Compressor. More tools are on the image tools page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest thumbnail size?
The "Max resolution" version (maxresdefault) is 1280×720. Some older videos and some Shorts do not have it, in which case 640×480 (sddefault) or 480×360 (hqdefault) is the largest available. Sizes that do not exist are marked "Not available".
Does it work with Shorts and live streams?
Yes. It recognizes youtube.com/watch links, short youtu.be links, and /shorts/, /live/ and /embed/ URLs. You can also paste just the 11-character video ID.
Can I use someone else's thumbnail?
Thumbnails are copyrighted by their creators. Backing up your own thumbnails, or using one with credit while reviewing or discussing a video, is generally fine. Do not reuse another creator's thumbnail as your own or for commercial purposes.