Ever wanted to grab a thumbnail from a private or unlisted YouTube video? While private videos come with strict limitations, there is a simple way to download thumbnails from unlisted videos using our free tool – and you don’t need any special permissions or software. Here’s how it works:
🔓 What’s the Difference Between Private and Unlisted Videos?
- Unlisted videos: Anyone with the link can view the video (not searchable on YouTube).
- Private videos: Only visible to the uploader or people specifically invited.
👉 Our tool works with unlisted videos – but not private ones (YouTube restricts access to those).
✅ How to Download a Thumbnail from an Unlisted YouTube Video
1. Copy the Unlisted Video URL
Go to the video or receive the link from someone. It will look like a regular YouTube URL but won’t appear in search results.
2. Paste the Link at DownloadYouTubeImage.com
Open the site in your browser and paste the unlisted video URL into the input box.
3. Click “Get Thumbnails”
Our tool will instantly generate all available thumbnail sizes from the video – including max resolution (Full HD).
4. Click “Download”
Choose your desired resolution (1080p, SD, or HQ) and click the Download button. On mobile, tap and hold the image to save it to your device.
🚫 Can You Download a Thumbnail from a Private Video?
No – YouTube blocks thumbnail access for private videos because they’re not publicly available. Even if you have the link, the thumbnail can’t be fetched unless the video is unlisted or public.
📱 Works on Desktop and Mobile
Just like with public videos, you can grab thumbnails from unlisted links on both desktop and mobile – no app or login required.
💡 Use Cases for Unlisted Thumbnails
- Previews for blog articles or presentations
- Collaborative review before publishing a video
- Internal team design reviews
- Marketing pre-launch graphics
So if you’re working with an unlisted YouTube video, you can still grab the thumbnail in seconds at DownloadYouTubeImage.com. Just paste the link – we’ll handle the rest.