Free tool
YouTube Thumbnail Downloader
Paste a YouTube link to get the video’s thumbnail in HD and every other available size.
Quick answer: Paste any YouTube video, Shorts or live link above and press Get thumbnails. You’ll see every size YouTube has for that video – up to 1280 × 720 HD – with a download button for each.
How to download a YouTube thumbnail
- Copy the video link from the address bar or the Share button.
- Paste it into the box above and press Get thumbnails.
- Pick a size and press Download (or Open to view it in a new tab).
Available thumbnail sizes
| Size | Resolution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HD (maxresdefault) | 1280 × 720 | Only exists if the video was uploaded in HD or has an HD custom thumbnail |
| Standard (sddefault) | 640 × 480 | 4:3 with bars on some videos |
| High (hqdefault) | 480 × 360 | Available for every video |
| Medium (mqdefault) | 320 × 180 | 16:9, no bars |
| Small (default) | 120 × 90 | Tiny preview |
What can you use a thumbnail for?
Thumbnails belong to the creator of the video. Use this tool to get back your own thumbnails, to study what works in your niche, or to compare designs with the YouTube Thumbnail Preview tool. Don’t republish other people’s thumbnails without permission.
Last updated: September 2026
FAQ
Thumbnail downloader questions
Why isn’t there an HD version?
YouTube only creates the 1280 × 720 version when the video is HD or has a large custom thumbnail. For older or low-resolution videos, the High (480 × 360) size is the largest available.
Does it work with Shorts and live streams?
Yes. Paste a youtube.com/shorts/, /live/, /embed/ or youtu.be link, or just the 11-character video ID.
Why does Download open a new tab?
Some browsers block direct downloads from another website. If that happens the image opens in a new tab – right-click it and choose Save image as.
Is it free and anonymous?
Yes. It’s free, needs no sign-up, and the link you paste isn’t sent to our server – the images load straight from YouTube’s image server.
Can I download thumbnails of private videos?
No. Only thumbnails of public or unlisted videos are available.
Free tools
More free creator tools
YouTube Money CalculatorEstimate what a channel earns from its views, niche and audience.Open the tool →YouTube Monetization CheckerSee how close you are to the YouTube Partner Program.Open the tool →YouTube Engagement Rate CalculatorWork out engagement, like and comment rates for any video.Open the tool →YouTube Thumbnail PreviewTest your thumbnail and title in a YouTube-style feed.Open the tool →TikTok Money CalculatorEstimate Creator Rewards earnings and brand deal rates.Open the tool →Spotify Royalties CalculatorEstimate streaming royalties and the streams you need.Open the tool →
More views for your next upload
Real viewers, gradual delivery and live tracking in your Customer Panel.