YouTube thumbnail downloader
Paste a video link and get every available thumbnail size, from full HD 1280 × 720 down to 120 × 90. Vimeo links work too.
How to download a YouTube thumbnail
- Copy the video link. Use the Share button on YouTube, or copy the address from your browser's address bar.
- Paste it in the box above and press Get thumbnails.
- Pick a size. Press Download JPG next to the version you want. The file is saved with the video ID in its name so it is easy to find later.
Thumbnail sizes YouTube stores for every video
Every video has several preview images at fixed addresses. Which ones exist depends on the original upload, so this tool checks each size before showing it.
| Name | Size | Aspect ratio | Best used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| maxresdefault | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 | Blog images, presentations, reference |
| sddefault | 640 × 480 | 4:3 (black bars) | Medium web embeds |
| hqdefault | 480 × 360 | 4:3 (black bars) | Small cards, link previews |
| mqdefault | 320 × 180 | 16:9 | Thumbnails in lists |
| default | 120 × 90 | 4:3 | Tiny icons |
Who uses a thumbnail downloader?
Creators study the thumbnails of top videos in their niche to understand what grabs attention. Bloggers and teachers save a preview image to place next to a video they are writing about. Designers keep a reference when they redesign an old thumbnail. Whatever the reason, the image remains the property of the channel that published it, so use it responsibly.
Need the picture at a different size? Use the free image resizer to produce an exact 1280 × 720 thumbnail, 1920 × 1080 end screen or 2560 × 1440 banner without uploading anything to a server.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?
YouTube recommends 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9), under 2 MB, saved as JPG, PNG or GIF. The maxresdefault image returned by this tool uses exactly that size when the creator uploaded a custom HD thumbnail.
Why is the HD (1280 × 720) option missing for some videos?
Older videos and videos uploaded with a low-resolution thumbnail do not have a maxres file on YouTube. In that case the tool only lists the sizes that really exist, usually 640 × 480 and below.
Can I download thumbnails from YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Paste the Shorts link as it is. Shorts use the same thumbnail system as regular videos, although the picture is often a frame from the video.
Does this tool download the video itself?
No. It only fetches the public preview image of a video. It does not download, record or convert video or audio files.
Is it legal to use a thumbnail I download?
The image is owned by the video creator. Saving one for reference, research or commentary is common, but re-uploading it as your own or using it commercially without permission can infringe copyright. Read our guide on thumbnail copyright for the details.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It works in any modern browser on phone, tablet or computer, and there is nothing to sign up for.
Guides worth reading
YouTube thumbnail size and specs
Dimensions, file size and format rules in one place.
Are YouTube thumbnails free to use?
What copyright means for downloaded thumbnails.
YouTube Shorts thumbnail downloader
Save the cover image of any Short.
Vimeo thumbnail downloader
Get Vimeo preview images in three sizes.