Save the published cover image
YouTube Thumbnail DownloaderChoose among the thumbnail sizes that YouTube actually provides.
YouTube tools
A thumbnail is published artwork. A screenshot is a frame you capture. Frame stepping helps you inspect motion. Choose the job before opening a player.
Which tool fits your job?
Capture a frame from a playing video
YouTube ScreenshotScreen capture needs permission and a supported desktop browser.
Inspect motion one frame at a time
YouTube Frame by FrameStep through the player. This does not turn a YouTube URL into a local video file.
Take stills from a video file you already have
Video Frame ExtractorOpen the local file for native-resolution frame extraction and batch export.
3 tools ready to use
Search and filter these toolsTools to choose from
YouTube Thumbnail DownloaderEvery thumbnail size YouTube generates, up to 1280×720 HD, plus its auto-captured frames. Black bars trimmed off.No file neededOpen toolLocal processingYouTube Frame by FrameStep through any YouTube video one frame at a time, including on mobile, where YouTube has no shortcuts.No file neededOpen toolLocal processingYouTube ScreenshotCapture a clean still from a playing video. No player controls, no progress bar, no watermark.No file neededSupported desktop capture requiredOpen toolLocal processing
Before you start
YouTube sources need a connection and can be unavailable or restricted. A tool does not grant rights to reuse a frame or image. No YouTube-to-video downloader is offered.
Guides for these tools
YouTube thumbnail sizes and URLsEvery thumbnail resolution YouTube generates, the exact URL for each, which ones are always available, and why some carry black bars.How to screenshot a YouTube videoMethods for Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android and the browser. Includes the trick for capturing without the player controls in shot.How to go frame by frame on YouTubeThe two keys that step one frame at a time, the three reasons they stop working, and what to do on a phone where they do not exist.