Every YouTube video stores a set of thumbnail images. The largest, called maxresdefault, is 1280×720 pixels. YouTube also keeps 640×480, 480×360, 320×180 and 120×90 copies for lists and slow connections. smallyt checks all of them and shows each with its real pixel size and file size.
Some videos have no 1280×720 version — usually older uploads or videos uploaded in low resolution. Instead of showing a grey placeholder, smallyt hides the missing size, says why, and marks the largest real image as the best one.
For Shorts you also get the three automatic frames YouTube takes from the video and, when they exist, tall 1080×1920 covers. Paste up to 50 links, one per line, to download every thumbnail as a single ZIP. The Full HD option enlarges the 1280×720 image to 1920×1080 in your browser for slides and documents; it is labelled “upscaled” because enlarging cannot add detail.
Thumbnails are the work of the channels that made them. Use them for reference, research or commentary, and ask the creator before reusing them commercially.
Frequently asked questions
Which YouTube links work?
Watch links, youtu.be short links, Shorts, live streams, embed links, m.youtube.com and YouTube Music links, links with timestamps or extra parameters, and plain 11-character video IDs.
Why is there no HD thumbnail for some videos?
YouTube creates the 1280×720 image only for videos uploaded in HD or with a custom thumbnail of that size. Older and low-resolution videos often top out at 640×480 or 480×360.
Can I download thumbnails from many videos at once?
Yes. Paste up to 50 video links, one per line, and use Download all (ZIP). Whole playlists are not supported yet.
Where is the file saved on a phone?
On Android it goes to Downloads. On iPhone, Safari saves it to the Files app; use Copy image or long-press the preview to put it in Photos.
Can I reuse a downloaded thumbnail?
The thumbnail belongs to the channel that made it. Saving it for reference or research is common; reusing it as your own or in ads needs the creator’s permission.