Free YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Downloader:
Snatch That Perfect Still!
Paste any YouTube Shorts URL to view and download all available thumbnail sizes instantly.
Supports links like: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XXXXXXXXXXX
Available Thumbnails:
Why Use a Dedicated Thumbnail Downloader?
Don't waste time taking blurry screenshots. A dedicated tool accesses the official thumbnail files, giving you the highest possible quality asset for blog posts, social media link cards, or archival purposes. Our tool renders all options in less than 0.5 seconds—no waiting, just instant assets.
All Resolutions: Find the Perfect Size
Bigger isn't always best. For small thumbnails (120 x 90 px), smaller files load faster than huge ones (1280 x 720 px). But for Pinterest or blog headers, use the highest resolution (720p or 1080p) for sharpness. Choosing the right size is key to optimizing your site and social previews.
-
Maxres Default (1280x720): Best for desktop, blog posts.
-
HD Default (480x360): Good for social media previews.
-
MQ Default (320x180): Ideal for smaller embeds or link cards.
How to Get Your Thumbnail in Seconds
- 1
Copy the URL: Get the share link for the YouTube Short.
- 2
Paste & Click: Paste the URL above and hit 'Get Thumbnails'.
- 3
Download: Choose your desired resolution and save the image.
Thumbnail FAQ
Can I download the thumbnail of a deleted Short?
No, we rely on the live API feed from YouTube. If the Short is deleted, the asset links will expire.
Why is the thumbnail 16:9 for a vertical short?
YouTube often stores the highest quality thumbnail in a standard 16:9 format. You will need to crop the image to the 9:16 aspect ratio (e.g., 720x1280px) manually.
Beyond the Thumbnail: Get the Full Video
Snatch that perfect still? Great! But the real value is in the full asset. Creators often grab the thumbnail to see if the video is worth using. If it is, why stop? Click back to the main page to use our yt downloader short feature to grab the video and the audio in high quality. And seriously, if you are reposting that video to other platforms, don't waste time editing out the logo—just use our AI tool for a clean, professional finish.