Frequently asked questions
How do I download a YouTube thumbnail?
Copy the video link from YouTube, paste it into the box at the top of the page, and click Get thumbnails. Pick the size you want and press Download.
Which thumbnail sizes are available?
Up to five: maxresdefault (1280×720), sddefault (640×480), hqdefault (480×360), mqdefault (320×180) and default (120×90). The max resolution only exists if the creator uploaded an HD thumbnail.
Why is the max resolution missing for some videos?
Older or low-resolution uploads don’t have a 1280×720 version, so YouTube never generated one. Use the next size down.
Is it free, and can I reuse thumbnails?
The tool is free. Thumbnails belong to their creators, so use them for reference, commentary or with permission, and never present them as your own work.
Does it work with Shorts and short links?
Yes. Standard watch links, youtu.be links, Shorts, embed and live URLs all work, and so does a bare 11-character video ID.
Do you store my links or images?
No. Your link is processed in your browser and the images load straight from YouTube.