YouTube Thumbnail URL Guide: How to Get Any Thumbnail Link

Every YouTube video uses a dedicated set of thumbnail image URLs stored on Google’s content delivery network. These URLs can be accessed directly—if you know the right pattern. This guide shows you how to find, copy, and use YouTube thumbnail URLs for any video, including HD and SD variations.

You can also generate all available thumbnail URLs instantly using the free tool on our TubeThumb Tools homepage. Simply paste the video link and click Get Thumbnail.

How YouTube Thumbnail URLs Work

All thumbnail URLs follow this structure:

https://img.youtube.com/vi/VIDEO_ID/FILE_NAME.jpg

Common Thumbnail File Names

  • maxresdefault.jpg — HD version
  • sddefault.jpg — Standard definition
  • hqdefault.jpg — High quality
  • mqdefault.jpg — Medium quality
  • default.jpg — Small thumbnail

How to Find the VIDEO_ID

Look at the YouTube URL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID

Everything after “v=” is the ID. On Shorts, it appears after the slash.

Using TubeThumb Tools to Get URLs Automatically

  1. Copy the YouTube link.
  2. Paste it at the top of the TubeThumb Tools page.
  3. Click Get Thumbnail.
  4. Copy any URL you need from the results.

Why Would You Need a Thumbnail URL?

Common uses include:

  • Embedding thumbnails into websites
  • Downloading the highest available resolution
  • Building competitor research datasets
  • Creating social media assets
  • Developing scripts or automation tools

FAQ

Does every video have a maxresdefault version?

No. If a creator uploads a low-resolution thumbnail, only the SD or HQ versions will exist.

Can I hotlink to thumbnail URLs?

Technically yes, but downloading is preferred for reliability.

Do Shorts have unique thumbnail URLs?

Shorts use the same pattern as regular videos.

To instantly get thumbnail URLs, return to the TubeThumb Tools URL generator.