# YouTube Video Thumbnails API (https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/youtube/video-thumbnails)

> Returns the thumbnail image files for a YouTube video at every available size — each with a direct image `url`, dimensions (`width`/`height`), aspect `ratio`, and image `format` (webp / jpg).

TL;DR: `GET /v1/youtube/video/thumbnails` costs 1 credit per call and returns SocialCrawl's unified JSON schema. Single x-api-key auth, 100 free credits on signup.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `url` | yes | Full URL of the YouTube video. |

## Code example

```bash
curl "https://www.socialcrawl.dev/v1/youtube/video/thumbnails?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DdQw4w9WgXcQ" \
  -H "x-api-key: sc_YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## FAQ

### How do I get a YouTube video's thumbnail via API?

Send a GET to /v1/youtube/video/thumbnails with the video url. The response lists the thumbnail images at every available size, each with a direct image URL, dimensions, aspect ratio, and format.

### What sizes do I get back?

Every thumbnail size YouTube stores for the video, from small preview images up to the full-resolution cover, each with its width and height.

### What image formats are returned?

Each thumbnail includes its format, typically webp or jpg, along with the direct image URL you can download or hotlink.

### Do I need the Data API to fetch thumbnails?

No. This endpoint reads public thumbnail files directly, so there is no Google Cloud quota, OAuth, or project setup involved.

### How much does the thumbnails endpoint cost?

It is a standard endpoint at 1 credit per request, and every new account starts with 100 free credits.

See the full YouTube API: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/youtube

## Pricing

- Standard endpoints: 1 credit per call
- Advanced endpoints: 5 credits per call
- Premium endpoints: 10 credits per call
- 100 free credits on signup, no credit card required. Cached responses cost 0 credits. Credit packs never expire.
- Full pricing: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/pricing

## Explore with AI

Questions this API answers, phrased for an AI assistant:

- How to get YouTube video thumbnails at every size via API
- YouTube thumbnail image API without Data API quota