How to Download YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos under 60 seconds. This guide shows you how to download Shorts to any device for offline viewing.

Method 1: Using Standard YouTube Downloaders

Good news: YouTube Shorts can be downloaded using the same tools as regular videos. Despite the different format, downloaders treat Shorts like any other video.

Steps:

1. Open YouTube Shorts video
2. Tap the Share button → Copy Link
3. The URL will look like: youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID
4. Paste URL into your downloader (4K Video Downloader, yt-dlp, etc.)
5. Select quality and download

Mobile Download (iPhone/Android)

Android:

• TubeMate: Paste Shorts URL directly
• NewPipe: Full Shorts support
• Snaptube: One-click Shorts download

iPhone:

• Documents by Readdle: Use built-in browser with online downloader
• Shortcuts app: Create custom Shorts download shortcut
• Videos save to camera roll in vertical format

Desktop Download

Command Line (yt-dlp):

Browser Extensions:

Most YouTube download extensions work with Shorts URLs automatically.

Shorts-Specific Tips

• Vertical format preserved: Downloads maintain 9:16 aspect ratio
• Small file sizes: Usually 5-20MB per Short
• Quality options: 720p, 1080p, sometimes higher
• Audio included: Music and voiceover download with video

Batch Download Multiple Shorts

To download multiple Shorts from a channel or playlist:

1. Use yt-dlp with channel URL
2. Filter by Shorts: yt-dlp "CHANNEL_URL/shorts"
3. Or use JDownloader to queue multiple URLs

Converting Shorts Format

To convert vertical Shorts to horizontal:

• Use video editing software (iMovie, DaVinci Resolve)
• Or online converters that add side padding
• Not recommended - best to keep vertical format

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