YouTube Thumbnail Downloader

What is YouTube Thumbnail Downloader?

Every YouTube video has a thumbnail image, and YouTube keeps it in several sizes. This tool finds the video from the link you paste and shows each size that exists, so you can download the one you need. It works with normal watch links, short youtu.be links, Shorts, embed links and live links, or just the 11-character video ID. Your link is read in your browser. The only request made is to load the images from YouTube, the same as when you watch the video.

How to Download a YouTube Thumbnail

1. 1

   Copy the video link: In the YouTube app or website, press Share and copy the link, or copy the address from your browser.

2. 2

   Paste it above: The thumbnails appear as soon as the link is recognised. There is no button to press.

3. 3

   Pick a size: Each card shows the size in pixels. Maximum, 1280 by 720, is the sharpest and the best choice when it exists.

4. 4

   Download or copy the address: Press Download to save the JPG, or Copy URL to paste the image address into a document, a design tool or a message.

YouTube Thumbnail Sizes

YouTube makes up to five standard sizes for each video. Which ones exist depends on the video.

• Maximum, 1280 by 720: The full HD thumbnail. It only exists for videos uploaded in high resolution, and not for every older video.

• Standard, 640 by 480: A 4:3 image with black bars at the top and bottom on widescreen videos.

• High, 480 by 360: Also 4:3 with bars. This size exists for almost every video.

• Medium, 320 by 180: A small 16:9 image with no bars, good for lists and email.

• Small, 120 by 90: The tiny version YouTube uses in some lists.

Which Links Work

• Watch links: youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID, including links with a time or playlist added.

• Short links: youtu.be/VIDEO_ID, the link YouTube gives you when you press Share.

• Shorts: youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID. Shorts thumbnails are usually tall, so some sizes may show cropped bars.

• Embed and live links: youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID and youtube.com/live/VIDEO_ID.

• The video ID alone: The 11 letters, numbers, dashes and underscores after v= in a watch link.

Using a Thumbnail Responsibly

A thumbnail belongs to the person who made the video. Downloading one is fine for personal use, for a reference, or for a review or news item where the law allows it, but it does not give you the right to reuse it as your own.

• Your own videos: Fine to download and reuse, for example to share on social media or put on your website.

• Other people's videos: Ask the owner, or check the rules that apply where you live, before you publish the image anywhere.

• Give credit: When you do have permission, link to the video and name the channel.

Where to Use a Thumbnail

• Blog posts and newsletters: Show a still from a video you are writing about, with a link to it.

• Presentations and documents: Drop in a clear image of the video instead of a screenshot.

• Link previews: Use the image when you share a video on a site or app that does not make a preview.

• Checking your own thumbnails: See how the small and medium sizes look, since that is how most viewers see them.