YouTube thumbnail downloader
Paste a video link to grab its thumbnail in every size YouTube stores, up to HD 1280×720. Handy for backing up your own thumbnails, studying what works in your niche, or redesigning an old one.
Thumbnail sizes YouTube stores
| Name | File | Size |
|---|---|---|
| HD | maxresdefault.jpg | 1280×720 |
| SD | sddefault.jpg | 640×480 (letterboxed) |
| High | hqdefault.jpg | 480×360 (letterboxed) |
| Medium | mqdefault.jpg | 320×180 |
| Small | default.jpg | 120×90 |
The 4:3 sizes (SD and High) contain the 16:9 image with black bars top and bottom. For a clean 16:9 file, use HD or Medium.
Using downloaded thumbnails well
Collect the top ten thumbnails in your niche and look for patterns: face size, number of words, dominant colour. Then do something different enough to stand out. Paste your own and a competitor's into the thumbnail tester to see them side by side.
Questions
How do I download a YouTube thumbnail?
Paste the video link above and press Get thumbnails. Every size YouTube stores appears; press Download on the one you want. HD (1280×720) exists only when the uploader provided a large enough thumbnail or video.
Is it legal to download YouTube thumbnails?
Downloading for reference, research or to back up your own thumbnails is common. Thumbnails are copyrighted by the channel that made them, so don't republish someone else's thumbnail as your own. Use them as inspiration, or ask permission.
Why is there no HD version?
Older videos and videos uploaded below 720p often have no maxresdefault image. The downloader then shows the largest available size.
Does it work with Shorts?
Yes. Paste a youtube.com/shorts/… link. Shorts thumbnails are stored in the same sizes.