Saving YouTube thumbnails has become easier than ever in 2025, thanks to various methods available to users. Whether you're a content creator seeking inspiration or simply want to save an eye-catching thumbnail, here's a straightforward guide to help you.
The most direct method is using YouTube's built-in thumbnail download feature, which was introduced in late 2024. Simply tap the three-dot menu below any video and select "Save Thumbnail." The image will automatically download to your device's gallery in high resolution.
For those who prefer alternative methods, you can still use the classic URL trick. Modify the video's URL by adding "/maxresdefault.jpg" after the video ID. For example: "youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID/maxresdefault.jpg". Open this modified link in your browser, then press and hold the image to save it to your gallery.
Several third-party apps now offer one-click thumbnail saving functionality, with ThumbnailGrab and YT Saver leading the market. These apps integrate directly with the YouTube app, making the process seamless.
Remember that while saving thumbnails is generally acceptable for personal use, always respect copyright laws when using them in your own content.