Available sizes
YouTube stores thumbnails in several versions: 1280×720 (maximum), 640×480 (standard), 480×360 (high) and 320×180 (medium). Some videos have no maximum version — then the largest available one is used.
Download a YouTube thumbnail from a link
Paste a video or Shorts link and get the thumbnail in every available size, up to HD 1280×720. Free, no sign-up, nothing to install.
- Every available size, up to HD 1280×720
- Free, no sign-up
- Check your own thumbnail in the feed on phone and desktop
Check your own cover
Upload your cover to see it in the same feed mockups.
The file isn't sent to a server — it opens only in your browser.
Want a stronger cover?
OneKlick builds a clickable thumbnail from your photo and idea — with an exact headline and a fitting style.
Make a stronger cover — 50 credits freeFree, no card — 50 credits covers your first thumbnail
How to download a YouTube thumbnail
Every YouTube video has a thumbnail image stored on a public server in several sizes. This tool fetches it straight from the video link — nothing to install, no password.
- 01
Copy the link
Open the video or Short, tap Share → Copy link, or copy the address from the browser bar. youtube.com, youtu.be and mobile links all work.
- 02
Paste it above
Paste the address into the field and press Get thumbnail. We show every size this video has.
- 03
Download the size you need
Pick the quality and press Download JPG. For your own projects take the maximum — 1280×720.
Good to know
Whose thumbnail it is
The cover belongs to the video's author. Download it for analysis, inspiration and studying techniques, and make your own for your videos. Don't pass someone else's image off as yours or publish it without permission.
What makes a cover readable
In the feed the image is small, so a large high-contrast headline of three or four words, one clear face or object and a free bottom-right corner for the duration badge work best.
No sign-up
The tool runs in your browser: the link is parsed on your device, images load from YouTube's servers, and your own file for checking is never uploaded.
When this is useful
The thumbnail is the most studied part of a video: it decides whether people click. Here is what it is usually downloaded for.
- Study someone else's successful cover: which frame was picked, how many words the headline has, where it sits.
- Collect references before making your own cover and show them to a designer or editor.
- Save the cover of your own video if the original file is lost.
- See whether your headline stays readable at a small size — that is how covers appear in the feed.
YouTube thumbnail sizes and when to use each
| Size | Ratio | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum (HD)1280×720 | 16:9 | Study and reference: a clean 16:9 frame without black bars. |
| Standard640×480 | 4:3 | A fallback when there is no HD; 16:9 videos may have black bars. |
| High480×360 | 4:3 | A small copy for notes; black bars at the top and bottom are possible. |
| Medium320×180 | 16:9 | A 16:9 frame at thumbnail size — handy for judging headline readability. |
Frequently asked questions
Which thumbnail sizes can I download?
Up to four versions: 1280×720, 640×480, 480×360 and 320×180. We only show the ones your video actually has.
Why do some videos have no HD version?
The maximum version isn't created for every video — for example older ones or ones uploaded in low resolution. Then only smaller sizes exist and the tool offers the largest of them.
How do I download a thumbnail on my phone?
In the YouTube app tap Share → Copy link, paste it into the field and press Download JPG. If the image opens in a tab instead of saving, press and hold it and choose Save.
Does it work for Shorts?
Shorts links are supported. For vertical videos the thumbnail may differ from the usual 16:9 frame — check the result before downloading.
Can I use someone else's thumbnail?
The thumbnail belongs to the video's author. For analysis, inspiration and personal notes — fine; to publish it yourself you need the author's permission. For your own videos it's better to make your own cover.
What size should my own cover be?
Aspect ratio 16:9, ideally 1280×720, JPG or PNG. Current file size limits are listed in YouTube's help.
How do I check the headline is readable in the feed?
Upload your cover in the Check your own cover block: it appears in feed mockups for desktop and phone, in light and dark themes. If the headline isn't readable in the phone mockup, make it larger and higher-contrast.