Have you ever desired to grab a screenshot from a YouTube video but faced challenges like visible YouTube controls or poor resolution?
This guide will demonstrate how to generate high-quality screenshots from YouTube videos without any user interface elements in them.
- Ensure that the screenshot resolution matches that of the video.
- Avoid displaying any on-screen controls in the screenshots.
YouTube itself does not offer a direct method for taking screenshots. Utilizing browser or operating system tools could result in the aforementioned issues. Downloading videos is not the optimal solution unless the media player supports screenshot capture.
This leaves us with browser extensions and online services as viable options.
Update: There exists a built-in method, albeit not readily apparent.
Here’s what you can do:
- Press and hold the Shift key, then right-click on the video. (You may need to repeat this until the correct menu appears).
- Choose “save video frame as…” from the displayed menu.
- Save the screenshot on your local device.
Firefox users lack this functionality. While there is a “take snapshot” feature, it only captures a frame in low resolution.
End of update
Before proceeding with the steps, let’s explore some reasons why you may want to grab a screenshot:
- Design a new desktop background.
- Archive crucial information.
- Immortalize images of your interests like celebrities, cars, or pets.
Extensions for YouTube Screenshots
Browser extensions are essential for specifically capturing screenshots from YouTube.
Below are some choices for various web browsers:
YouTube Screenshot Button (Firefox)
This extension appends a “Screenshot” link to the YouTube player, allowing you to utilize the Shift-A keyboard shortcut for a prompt screenshot capture.
Screenshot YouTube Video (Chrome)
This extension functions on YouTube and a few other platforms. It requests overall site access but solely requires it for supported sites. It introduces a “take screenshot” button in the player, capturing the current frame in the video’s resolution.
YouTube Video Screenshot Tool (Firefox)
This extension provides a “Take Screenshot” option in the Settings menu. Users favoring a simpler interface may opt for this Firefox add-on over others.
Online Platforms for YouTube Video Screenshots
Online services offer a convenient method to capture YouTube video screenshots without requiring the installation of browser extensions. These services typically involve pasting the video URL into a form and clicking a capture button.
Drawbacks
- Many services do not permit capturing a specific frame.
- Some platforms are inundated with advertisements and are not recommended.
No single online tool streamlined the process of capturing YouTube video screenshots efficiently.
Image Source: Alexey Boldin / Shutterstock
