How-to
How to Copy a Thumbnail from a YouTube Video (Image or URL)
Copy a thumbnail from any YouTube video in seconds: copy the full-size image to your clipboard, or copy its direct URL. Steps for PC, Mac, iPhone and Android.
“Copy a YouTube thumbnail” can mean two different things: copying the image to your clipboard, or copying the direct image URL to paste into a document, embed, or design tool. Here’s how to do each reliably.
Copy the image itself
On desktop (the reliable way):
- Paste the video link into the thumbnail downloader and let it load the previews.
- Right-click the resolution you want and choose Copy image.
- Paste it (
Ctrl/Cmd + V) into your document, chat, or design app.
Right-clicking the thumbnail directly on YouTube also offers Copy image, but you’ll get a small, compressed version (roughly 120×90 to 320×180). Copying from the downloader gives you the full-resolution file instead.
On mobile: long-press the thumbnail image and choose Copy (or Copy image) from the menu. On iPhone this works best in Safari.
Copy the image URL
Sometimes you don’t want the file — you want the link. To copy the direct image URL:
- Paste the video link into the downloader or the thumbnail grabber.
- Use Copy URL, or right-click a preview and choose Copy image address.
You’ll get a direct CDN link like:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VIDEO_ID/maxresdefault.jpgThat’s the same link YouTube’s own pages use. For the full pattern and every resolution, see how to get a YouTube thumbnail URL.
Which one do you need?
| You want to… | Copy the… |
|---|---|
| Paste the picture into a slide, doc, or chat | Image |
| Embed the thumbnail on a web page | URL |
| Reference it in a design tool by link | URL |
| Save it permanently to your device | Download instead — see the HD download guide |
Frequently asked questions
Why does right-click “Copy image” on YouTube give a low-res picture? YouTube displays a compressed thumbnail in its grid. Copy from the downloader to get the full 1280×720 version.
Can I copy a thumbnail on my phone? Yes — long-press the image and choose Copy. Saving to your camera roll works too; see Save on iPhone or Save on Android.
Is it OK to reuse a copied thumbnail? Thumbnails are the creator’s copyright. Personal reference and study are generally fine; get permission before republishing someone else’s image.