How to Download YouTube Thumbnails (Desktop, Android & iPhone)

Downloading a YouTube video’s thumbnail takes under a minute and needs no software. Here is the full process, plus what to do when something does not work.

Quick steps

  1. Copy the video link. On a computer, copy it from the address bar. On a phone, open the video, tap Share, then Copy link.
  2. Paste it into the thumbnail downloader. Watch, Shorts, youtu.be, embed and live links are all accepted.
  3. Pick a size and download. The tool lists only sizes that exist. Press Download, or use Open image to view it first.

On a computer

The file saves to your normal Downloads folder as youtube-thumbnail-VIDEO_ID-WIDTHxHEIGHT.jpg, so you can see the size in the file name. If your browser asks where to save, choose a folder and confirm.

On Android

Chrome and most Android browsers save to Downloads and show a notification. Tap it to open the image, or find it in the Files or Gallery app.

On iPhone and iPad

Safari shows a download prompt and stores the file in the Files app under Downloads. To put it in Photos, open the image with Open image, press and hold it, then choose Add to Photos. We cover more detail in saving YouTube thumbnails on Android and iPhone.

Which size should you pick?

Pick the first one in the list. It is the largest YouTube has for that video. The sizes and resolutions guide explains the differences, and the HD page explains why you will not find real 4K files.

Troubleshooting

“No thumbnail found”

Check that the link is public and complete. Private, deleted and some restricted videos have no downloadable image.

The maximum resolution is missing

The upload was probably smaller than 1280×720. Use the next size.

The image has black bars

Standard and high-quality sizes are 4:3 and often include black bars on 16:9 videos. Choose the maximum resolution or medium size for a clean 16:9 frame.

Nothing downloads on my phone

Try Open image, then save from the image view. Also check that your browser is allowed to download files.

Using the image

Respect the creator. Ask permission before you republish a thumbnail, and credit the source when you quote it. See the disclaimer for details.