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YouTube Thumbnail Downloader

Save the full-size thumbnail of a public YouTube video or Short as a JPG. Paste the link, check the preview, and download the image.

/watch /shorts/ youtu.be/
  1. Link recognised
  2. Fetching media info
  3. Listing available qualities
Usually takes 5–15 seconds

How it works

  1. Copy the YouTube link. Open the video in the YouTube app or your browser, then tap Share and Copy link, or copy the address from the browser bar.
  2. Paste the link into YTDownload. Paste the link into the field at the top of this page and press Download.
  3. Choose a format. Pick Thumbnail (JPG) under Image on the preview card and save the picture.

What you get

  • The largest image available. The download is the biggest thumbnail YouTube publishes for the video.
  • A plain JPG. YTDownload adds no watermark and does not resize the image.
  • Videos and Shorts. Both link types work, and the image sits under Image on the result card.
  • Image only, if you like. Each button is independent, so you can skip the video and audio files.

A thumbnail belongs to its creator. Use images you own or have permission to use, and check the licence before you reuse one on your own channel or site.

Limits

  • MP4: H.264 video up to 1080p, with AAC sound.
  • MP3: 192 kbps, converted and streamed while it downloads.
  • Long videos: videos longer than 60 minutes offer audio only, and media longer than 3 hours is rejected.
  • File size: up to 500 MiB per file.
  • Not supported: private, members-only, age-restricted, and live videos, and playlists.
YouTube downloader Shorts downloader YouTube to MP3 YouTube to MP4

YouTube thumbnail downloader FAQ

What size is the thumbnail?

You get the largest thumbnail YouTube publishes for the video, saved as a JPG. The pixel size depends on what the uploader's video provides.

Does it work for Shorts?

Yes. Paste a Shorts link and the result card lists the Short's thumbnail under Image, alongside the video and audio downloads.

Can I reuse a thumbnail on my own channel?

Not without permission. A thumbnail is a creative work owned by its creator, so download only images you own, have permission to use, or that are licensed for reuse. YouTube's Terms of Service also restrict downloading content.

Why is the thumbnail missing?

Some videos do not expose a thumbnail YTDownload can fetch, and private, members-only, or age-restricted videos are not supported. The Image group only appears when a thumbnail is available.

Do I need to download the video to get the thumbnail?

No. Each download button is independent, so you can save only the image and skip the video and audio files.