Download YouTube thumbnails in full size
Paste any YouTube link. You get every thumbnail size YouTube serves, including the 1280x720 HD version, ready to download or copy. Nothing is uploaded anywhere.
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This video has no 1280x720 thumbnail. The largest available is 480x360 (hqdefault), which YouTube pads to 4:3 with black bars. Remove the black bars with the Resize tool.
Your browser could not fetch the images directly, so downloads open in a new tab instead. Right-click or long-press the image to save it.
Alternate frames and WebP
YouTube also stores three automatically picked frames from the video (used for hover previews) and a WebP version of the main thumbnail.
How to download a YouTube thumbnail
- Copy the linkOpen the video on YouTube and copy the address from the browser bar or the Share button.
- Paste it abovePaste the link or the 11-character video ID and press Get thumbnails.
- Pick a sizeDownload the HD version, copy the image to your clipboard, or grab everything as a ZIP.
Thumbnail sizes explained
YouTube stores several versions of every thumbnail. maxresdefault is the 1280x720 HD image you normally want. sddefault (640x480), hqdefault (480x360) and default (120x90) are 4:3 images with black bars above and below the picture, while mqdefault (320x180) is a small 16:9 version. The alternate frames (1, 2, 3) are stills YouTube picked automatically from the video.
Thumbnails belong to the creators who uploaded them. Use downloads for previews, research and your own videos, and ask before reusing someone else's work.
Frequently asked questions
How do I download a YouTube thumbnail?
Copy the video link from YouTube, paste it into the box above and press Get thumbnails. Every available size appears with a Download button. The largest one is usually 1280x720.
Why is there no 1280x720 HD thumbnail for my video?
YouTube only generates the maxresdefault image for videos uploaded in HD or with a custom thumbnail. Older or low-resolution uploads only have the 480x360 version, which YouTube pads to 4:3 with black bars. You can remove the bars with the Resize tool.
Does this work with YouTube Shorts and youtu.be links?
Yes. The tool understands watch, youtu.be, Shorts, embed, live and mobile links, as well as a bare 11-character video ID.
Is it legal to download a YouTube thumbnail?
Thumbnails are publicly served images, but they belong to the creator who uploaded them. Downloading one for reference, research, a preview of your own video, or personal use is generally fine. Reusing someone else's thumbnail as your own may infringe their copyright, so ask for permission first.
Is my link sent to a server?
No. The link is parsed in your browser, and the images are fetched straight from YouTube's image servers to your device. This site has no backend and keeps no logs of what you download.