YouTube
Monetization Checker
Enter subscribers, watch hours and Shorts views to see how close a channel is to the Partner Program thresholds.
Open toolYouTube Thumbnail Downloader
Paste a video link and open or copy its thumbnail in five sizes.
Quick answer
To get a YouTube thumbnail, paste the video link below, pick a size and open the image. The full-size file lives at i.ytimg.com/vi/VIDEO_ID/maxresdefault.jpg.
How do you download a YouTube thumbnail?
- Copy the link of the video from your browser or the Share button.
- Paste it into the box on this page.
- Choose a size and select Open.
- Right-click the image and save it, or copy its URL.
Which thumbnail sizes are available?
Every video has up to five sizes. The URL pattern is https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VIDEO_ID/FILE.jpg.
| Name | Size | File |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 1280 × 720 | maxresdefault.jpg |
| Standard | 640 × 480 | sddefault.jpg |
| High | 480 × 360 | hqdefault.jpg |
| Medium | 320 × 180 | mqdefault.jpg |
| Small | 120 × 90 | default.jpg |
Which size should you use?
Use the maximum size when it exists. If it shows a grey placeholder, use 640 × 480. Smaller sizes suit lists and previews.
Tips for your own thumbnails
- Upload at 1280 × 720 in a 16:9 shape.
- Keep text short and large enough to read on a phone.
- Leave the bottom-right corner clear, where the video length is shown.
- Check the design at a small size before you upload.
Using thumbnails you find
Thumbnails belong to their creators. Ask for permission before you reuse one. More specs are in YouTube thumbnail size and dimensions.
Read the full guide: YouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions
How to use it
Step 1
Paste a video, Shorts or short link, or the 11-character ID.
Step 2
Pick a size.
Step 3
Open the image and save it, or copy its URL.
Questions about this tool
Which size is best?
Maximum, 1280 × 720, when it exists. Standard, 640 × 480, is the usual fallback.
Why do I see a grey placeholder?
Not every video has a maximum-size file. Open the 640 × 480 size instead.
Can I reuse a thumbnail?
Thumbnails belong to their creators. Get permission before using someone else’s image.
Does it work for Shorts?
Yes. Paste a Shorts link and the tool uses its video ID.