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YouTube Thumbnail Downloader

Paste any YouTube video URL to grab its thumbnails in every available resolution.

Thumbnails are copyrighted by their uploaders. Use for personal or educational purposes and respect copyright.

How to use

  1. 1 Paste a YouTube video URL or the 11-character video ID.
  2. 2 Thumbnails in 5 resolutions appear automatically — Max HD down to Default.
  3. 3 Click Download to save a thumbnail, or Copy URL to grab the direct link.

Why use this tool

  • All 5 resolutions side-by-side, including 1280×720 max HD.
  • Supports every YouTube URL format — watch, youtu.be, Shorts, and embed links.
  • Automatically fetches video title and channel via YouTube oEmbed.
  • Runs entirely in your browser — direct from YouTube's CDN, no proxy.
  • Free, no signup, no rate limits.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Max Resolution thumbnail sometimes missing?

YouTube only generates 1280×720 thumbnails for videos that meet certain quality thresholds. Older videos, low-resolution uploads, and most Shorts only ship Standard or High Quality.

Is this legal?

Thumbnails belong to the video uploader. Downloading for personal preview, fair-use commentary, or research is generally fine. Re-uploading or commercial use requires permission.

Does it work for Shorts?

Yes — Shorts URLs (youtube.com/shorts/...) and embed URLs are both supported. Shorts are vertical (9:16) so the standard 16:9 thumbnails will show letterboxing.

Why does my browser block the download?

Some browsers/extensions block cross-origin downloads. If Download fails, right-click the image and choose "Save image as…" instead.

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