How to download YouTube Shorts
Copy the link from a YouTube Short and save it as a vertical MP4, or keep just the sound.
Shorts are YouTube's vertical clips, up to a few minutes long. Saving one works the same way as a normal video. The only trick is finding the link inside the app.
Copy the Shorts link
- In the YouTube app: tap the Share arrow on the right of the Short, then Copy link.
- On a computer: copy the address bar. It will look like youtube.com/shorts/ followed by a code.
Download it
- Open the YouTube Shorts downloader.
- Paste the link. No need to change it to a normal watch link.
- Keep Video and MP4, or pick Audio if you only want the sound.
- Press Download.
The file keeps the vertical 9:16 shape, in the best quality the Short was uploaded in, up to 1080p.
Reposting to Reels or TikTok
If the Short is yours, downloading it is the quickest way to post the same clip elsewhere. We don't add a watermark, so the file is clean to upload. If you've lost the original edit, this gets you a copy back.
If it's someone else's Short, ask before reposting and credit them. Reposting other people's clips without permission can get your account flagged, and it's unfair on the creator. See is downloading videos legal?
Saving it to your phone's gallery
On Android the MP4 lands in Downloads and shows up in Google Photos or your gallery app. On iPhone it goes to Files, and you'll need one more step to get it into Photos. Our guide on saving videos to iPhone Photos walks you through it.
Getting the sound from a Short
Lots of Shorts are built around a song or a voice clip. Switch to Audio and choose MP3 to save it on its own. For more on audio formats, see YouTube to MP3.
If it fails
Shorts from private or members-only channels can't be downloaded, and neither can live streams. A failed attempt doesn't use a credit.
Quick answers
Can I download a Short on my computer?
Yes. Open it at youtube.com, copy the address bar, and paste it in. It saves to your Downloads folder as a vertical MP4.
How long can a Short be?
YouTube allows Shorts of up to a few minutes. Whatever the length, the whole thing downloads.
Can I get a transcript of a Short?
Yes. Switch to Transcript and pick TXT, SRT or VTT.