YouTube thumbnail downloader
Every thumbnail size YouTube generates for a video, up to 1280 × 720. Paste a link or a video ID.
Paste the video URL above. YouTube stores thumbnails at fixed public addresses on i.ytimg.com, so the tool builds those URLs from the video ID and shows every size that exists — up to 1280 × 720. Right-click any image to save it.
The sizes YouTube generates
| Name | Dimensions | Availability |
|---|---|---|
maxresdefault | 1280 × 720 | 720p uploads and above only |
sddefault | 640 × 480 | Most videos |
hqdefault | 480 × 360 | Every video |
mqdefault | 320 × 180 | Every video |
default | 120 × 90 | Every video |
These are public, documented addresses — no API key, no scraping and no login. That also means the tool cannot reach thumbnails for private or deleted videos, because those images are not served at all.
One caveat worth stating plainly: a thumbnail is part of the copyrighted work, and it belongs to whoever created it. Referencing or analysing one is ordinary use; republishing it as your own is not.
Common questions
What resolution are YouTube thumbnails?
The maximum is 1280 × 720 (maxresdefault), available only on videos uploaded at 720p or above. Below that, YouTube generates 640 × 480, 480 × 360, 320 × 180 and 120 × 90 versions for every video.
Why is the max resolution thumbnail missing?
The maxresdefault image only exists for videos uploaded at 720p or higher. On lower-resolution or very old uploads it was never generated, so the highest available is usually 480 × 360.
Can I use someone else’s thumbnail?
The thumbnail is part of the copyrighted work and belongs to whoever made it. Viewing and referencing it is one thing; republishing it as your own is another. For commentary or criticism, fair dealing may apply — but that is a judgement call, not a blanket permission.
Does this need an API key?
No. YouTube serves thumbnails from i.ytimg.com at fixed, public URLs. This tool simply builds those URLs from the video ID — there is no API call, no scraping and no login.