Download YouTube Thumbnail
⭐ HD & 4K Quality | 🎬 For Shorts & Videos | 🛡️ Safe & Secure
YouTube Thumbnail Downloader (HD, 1080p & Max Resolution 4K)
Picknar is a free YouTube thumbnail downloader that extracts preview images in HD (1280×720), Full HD (1920×1080), and MaxRes (4K) quality when available. Paste any YouTube video URL to download thumbnails instantly—no login, no watermark—for videos and YouTube Shorts.
Download YouTube Thumbnails Instantly in 3 Simple Steps
The tool automatically fetches all available thumbnail sizes directly from YouTube’s image servers.
No software. No extension. No signup.
Available Thumbnail Resolutions
Our YouTube thumbnail extractor retrieves every resolution YouTube provides:
| Quality | Resolution | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 4K / MaxRes | 1920×1080 | Newer videos only |
| HD | 1280×720 | Most videos |
| Standard (SD) | 640×480 | All videos |
| Medium | 320×180 | Small placeholders |
If 1920×1080 is not available, it means the creator did not upload a high-resolution custom thumbnail.
YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Downloader
Want to download a YouTube Shorts thumbnail?
Shorts use vertical 9:16 images instead of standard 16:9 thumbnails.
Common Shorts resolutions:
- 1080×1920 (vertical HD)
- 720×1280 (vertical SD)
Paste any Shorts URL and the tool detects it automatically.
Is This YouTube Thumbnail Downloader Safe?
Yes. Your privacy and security are our top priority.
- No login
- No personal data collected
- No URL storage
- HTTPS secure
✅ Picknar is Verified Safe: Google Safe Browsing | Norton Safe Web | SSL Trust
All images are publicly available thumbnails fetched directly from YouTube’s CDN.
Picknar does not host or store video files.
Who Uses This Tool?
- Built for everyone who needs it.
- YouTube creators analyzing competitor thumbnails
- Designers collecting visual references
- Digital marketers researching CTR strategies
- Students studying media design
- Agencies archiving campaign creatives
Why Choose Picknar for Downloading YouTube Thumbnails
- Completely free
- 4K MaxRes support
- YouTube Shorts compatible
- No watermarks
- No account required
- HTTPS secure
- Mobile-friendly
- No usage limits
- Privacy-safe
- Fast processing
Unlike browser extensions, which require additional permissions and slow down the speed, Picknar works instantly inside your browser.
How to Use Picknar — Video Tutorial
New to Picknar? Watch our step-by-step video guide that walks you through the entire process of downloading YouTube thumbnails, plus tips on navigating our blog resources and Q&A section.
Related Resources
Have a question? Our comprehensive Q&A page has the solution.
New Update: We’ve just launched the YouTube Digital Library — your new hub for free resources and digital downloads.
Note: Built for speed and trust. See our performance report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download YouTube thumbnails?
Yes. YouTube thumbnails are publicly visible images. You may download them for personal use, research, or design reference. However, do not reuse or redistribute them commercially without the creator’s permission.
How to download YouTube thumbnail in 1080p?
Paste the video URL and select MaxRes (1920×1080) if available.
Does this work on mobile devices?
Yes. Works on Android, iPhone, tablets, and desktop browsers.
Why is MaxRes not available?
YouTube only creates 1920×1080 thumbnails if the creator uploads a high-quality custom image. Older or auto-generated thumbnails may only have 1280×720.
How do I save thumbnails to my iPhone Photos app?
After generating the thumbnail, tap and hold the image. Select “Save Image” from the menu. The file saves directly to your Photos app. Alternatively, use the share button and choose “Save Image” from the share sheet.
Why choose Picknar over other thumbnail downloaders?
Many tools require extensions or restrict quality. Picknar offers fast, clean downloads with HD & 4K support, no login, and full compatibility with both videos and Shorts — a simple and secure web tool.
Can I download thumbnails from private videos?
No. The video must be public or unlisted.
Start Downloading YouTube Thumbnails Now
Paste your YouTube video link above and download the thumbnail in the highest quality available.
Important Notice:
DISCLAIMER (24 February 2026):
Picknar does not host or store YouTube content. All thumbnails are publicly available images retrieved directly from YouTube’s CDN. Picknar is not affiliated with YouTube.
Supported YouTube URL Types:
- Standard video URLs
- Short links (youtu.be)
- Mobile URLs
- Shorts URLs
- Embed URLs
- Timestamp links