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YouTube Thumbnail Downloader

Download high-quality YouTube thumbnails instantly – HD, Full HD, 4K. Works for videos & Shorts. Free, no signup required.

Supports YouTube videos, Shorts, embed links, and youtu.be URLs.

How YouTube Thumbnail Downloading Works – Simple & Transparent

No magic or API keys needed. YouTube hosts thumbnails publicly using a predictable URL pattern:

  1. Extract the Video ID from your URL (the 11-character code after "v=" or in youtu.be links).
    Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ → ID: dQw4w9WgXcQ
  2. Generate direct links by appending the ID to YouTube's thumbnail base:
    https://img.youtube.com/vi/[VIDEO_ID]/[SIZE].jpg
  3. Common sizes:
    • default.jpg → 120x90 (low quality)
    • mqdefault.jpg → 320x180
    • hqdefault.jpg → 480x360
    • sddefault.jpg → 640x480
    • maxresdefault.jpg → Up to 1920x1080 or higher (best, if available)

Our tool does this instantly and shows previews with direct download links. Max resolution is only available if the creator uploaded a custom high-res thumbnail.

YouTube Thumbnail Sizes & Resolutions

File Name Resolution Best For
default.jpg 120 × 90 Very small previews
mqdefault.jpg 320 × 180 Medium quality
hqdefault.jpg 480 × 360 High quality default
sddefault.jpg 640 × 480 Standard definition
maxresdefault.jpg 1280 × 720+ (up to 4K) Highest available – recommended!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does a YouTube thumbnail downloader work?

By extracting the video ID and linking to YouTube's public thumbnail servers.

Is it legal to download thumbnails?

Yes for personal use/inspiration. Respect copyrights for commercial reuse.

What sizes are available?

From 120x90 up to maxres (often 1280x720 or higher).

Does it work for Shorts?

Absolutely – same system as regular videos.

Why is maxres not always available?

Only if a custom high-res thumbnail was uploaded.