Max Resolution
1280 × 720 · maxresdefault
Usually the largest 16:9 video thumbnail available. Use this version when you need a large image for sharing or design.
Every YouTube thumbnail size, explained.
YouTube offers several thumbnail size variants, but not every video has all five. Paste a video or Shorts link below to see which are available for it, then download the exact one you need — no account, no watermark, nothing saved.
The five thumbnail sizes, side by side
These are the typical resolutions YouTube publishes for video thumbnails. Actual dimensions and available variants can differ by video; the results above show what was returned for your link.
Standard Definition
640 × 480 · sddefault
A 4:3 variant that can be useful for blog posts and embeds when max resolution is unavailable.
High Quality
480 × 360 · hqdefault
The classic 4:3 preview YouTube has served for years. Good for small avatars and list previews.
Medium Quality
320 × 180 · mqdefault
A small 16:9 preview used in search results and related-video lists.
Default
120 × 90 · default
The smallest common thumbnail variant, useful only for compact previews.
Which size should you use?
For downloads and sharing, the max-resolution thumbnail (1280 × 720) is usually the best choice — it is the largest and matches what YouTube shows on the watch page. If a video is older and has no max resolution, the standard-definition size is the next best.
The smaller sizes are previews. The high-quality 480 × 360 image is the classic 4:3 preview, useful for small avatars and list thumbnails, while the medium 320 × 180 and default 120 × 90 images are too small for most uses.
The details, made simple.
Why is the max-resolution size missing for some videos?
YouTube does not provide every size for every video. An older or lower-resolution upload may lack a max-resolution image, so this tool checks each variant and lists only the ones actually served.
Are all five sizes 16:9?
No. The max-resolution and medium sizes are 16:9, while the standard-definition and high-quality sizes are 4:3 crops, and the default size is a small 4:3 placeholder.
Can I use a downloaded thumbnail anywhere?
Downloading an image does not transfer its copyright. Use your own thumbnails or obtain the creator’s permission when needed.