diff --git a/youtube_dl/__init__.py b/youtube_dl/__init__.py
index 4905674ad..4a0c9c179 100644
--- a/youtube_dl/__init__.py
+++ b/youtube_dl/__init__.py
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ def _real_main(argv=None):
             'key': 'EmbedThumbnail',
             'already_have_thumbnail': already_have_thumbnail
         })
-        if not already_have_thumbnail:
+        if not already_have_thumbnail and not opts.skip_download:
             opts.writethumbnail = True
     # Please keep ExecAfterDownload towards the bottom as it allows the user to modify the final file in any way.
     # So if the user is able to remove the file before your postprocessor runs it might cause a few problems.