What this tool does

Every video uploaded to YouTube gets a set of thumbnail images generated automatically, and those images sit on a public image server. This page reads the video ID out of whatever link you paste, checks which sizes exist for that video, and gives you each one to save.

Nothing is installed, no account is needed, and the link you paste is not stored anywhere. The whole thing runs inside your browser.

How to use it

1. Open the video on YouTube and copy the link from your browser’s address bar, or use the Share button.
2. Paste it into the box above and press Get thumbnails.
3. Pick the size you want and press Download.

Shorts links, youtu.be short links, embed URLs and live stream links all work. You can also paste just the 11-character video ID on its own.

Which sizes you get

Name	Dimensions	Typical use
Max resolution	1280 x 720	Blog headers, presentations, print
Standard definition	640 x 480	General web use
High quality	480 x 360	Cards and previews
Medium quality	320 x 180	Lists, sidebars, small previews

Why the largest size is sometimes missing

YouTube only generates the 1280 x 720 version when the uploader supplied artwork big enough for it. Older videos, and videos uploaded from phones at lower resolutions, often stop at 640 x 480. If the biggest size does not appear in your results, it does not exist for that video, and no tool can produce it — anything claiming otherwise is simply upscaling a smaller image.

The same applies to private, unlisted, deleted and age-restricted videos, whose thumbnails are not publicly served.

Before you use a thumbnail

A thumbnail is part of someone’s video and is usually protected by copyright, exactly like the video itself. Saving one for private reference, for a class, or for commentary and review is generally uncontroversial. Republishing it as your own artwork, using it in advertising, or putting it on merchandise is not.

If you plan to use a thumbnail publicly and you did not create it, ask the uploader first. Our full position is set out on the disclaimer page.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free?

Yes, with no limit on how many videos you look up and no account required.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. On mobile browsers the Download button may open the image in a new tab instead of saving directly — press and hold the image, then choose Save Image.

Can I get a thumbnail from a private video?

No. Private and unlisted videos do not have publicly available thumbnails, so nothing will be returned.

Does this download the video itself?

No. This tool handles thumbnail images only.

Why did I get a grey placeholder image?

That is YouTube’s stand-in for a size that was never generated. The tool filters these out automatically, which is why you sometimes see fewer than four results.