Browser FFmpeg recipe
Create Video Thumbnail Online with FFmpeg
Save one high-quality JPG thumbnail from the one second mark.
Command
Run this FFmpeg command
ffmpeg -ss 00:00:01 -i input.mp4 -frames:v 1 -q:v 2 thumbnail.jpgWhen to use it
- video covers
- preview images
- quick stills
How it works
- Upload the video.
- Change the -ss time to pick a different frame.
- Run FFmpeg and download the thumbnail.
Option reference
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
-ss 00:00:01 | Seeks to one second before selecting a frame. |
-frames:v 1 | Writes one video frame. |
-q:v 2 | Uses high JPG quality. |
Practical notes
- Choose a later timestamp if the first second is black.
- Use PNG output if you need lossless image quality.
FAQ
Can I choose the thumbnail time?
Yes. Change the -ss value to the timestamp you want.
Can I create many thumbnails?
Use the extract frames recipe for multiple images.