How to Save YouTube Thumbnails on Android and iPhone

You do not need an app to save a YouTube thumbnail on your phone. A mobile browser and the video link are enough. This guide shows the quickest way on Android and iPhone, and what to do if the file lands somewhere unexpected.

Before you start

You need a public video link. Open the YouTube app or website, find the video and tap Share → Copy link. For Shorts this works the same way.

On Android

1. Open Chrome (or another browser) and go to the YouTube thumbnail downloader.
2. Paste the link and tap Download Thumbnail.
3. Choose the size at the top of the list, then tap Download.
4. Open the notification, or look in Files → Downloads.

To see it in your gallery, open the file and choose Share or Save to device, depending on your phone.

On iPhone

1. Open Safari and go to the tool. Paste the link.
2. Tap Download under the size you want and confirm the prompt.
3. Find the file in Files → Downloads.
4. To put it in Photos, tap Open image, press and hold the picture, then choose Add to Photos.

Which size to choose on mobile

Take the first result. It is the largest available, usually 1280×720. If it is missing, the video simply did not have a large image. Our sizes guide explains the alternatives.

Common problems

The download opens as a picture instead of saving

That is normal in some browsers. Press and hold the image and choose Save or Download image.

Paste does not work in the field

Press and hold inside the field and tap Paste. Make sure you copied the full link.

No thumbnail found

The video may be private or removed. Try another video, or see our full troubleshooting steps.

A note on rights

Saving a thumbnail for reference is different from reusing it. Ask the creator before you republish. For Shorts links see the Shorts thumbnail downloader.