How to download a YouTube thumbnail on your phone
You can save a YouTube thumbnail from any phone without installing an app. All you need is the video link and a web browser, such as Chrome on Android or Safari on iPhone.
Step by step
- Open the video in the YouTube app or website.
- Tap Share under the video, then tap Copy link.
- Open your browser and go to ThumbGrab.
- Paste the link into the box and tap Get thumbnails.
- Find the size you want and tap Download.
This works with normal videos, Shorts and live streams. A link copied from a Shorts video is recognized in the same way as a regular watch link.
Where is the downloaded image?
On Android, the file usually goes to your Downloads folder. Open the Files app, or the downloads list in your browser menu, to find it. Some gallery apps don’t show the Downloads folder right away, so open the file from the Files app first and then move it to Pictures if you want it in your gallery.
On iPhone, Safari may ask whether you want to download the file. After you confirm, it is saved in the Files app under Downloads. To get it into Photos, open it in Files, tap Share and choose Save Image.
If the download doesn’t start
- Press and hold the thumbnail, then choose Save image or Add to Photos.
- If you opened the page inside another app, such as a social media browser, open it in Chrome or Safari instead. In-app browsers often block downloads.
- If the image opens in a new tab, that is fine. Use the hold-and-save method above.
- Check that you still have storage space on your phone.
Which size should you download?
Choose the largest one for the sharpest result, which is usually 1280×720 (maxresdefault). If it isn’t shown, the video has no large version, so take the next size down. You can learn why in our guide to thumbnail sizes.
Use thumbnails responsibly
A thumbnail belongs to whoever made it. Saving one to look at, study or keep as a reference is common. Putting it on your own site, channel or product is different and may need permission. Read our guide on reusing thumbnails to understand the basics, and when in doubt, ask the creator.
Tips for a faster workflow
If you download thumbnails often, add ThumbGrab to your home screen so it opens like an app. Keep a notes file of the links you want to check, and download them in one sitting. Name the saved files after the video so you can find them later.