YouTube Shorts has revolutionised the way we consume short-form video content—offering a fast, entertaining scroll through 60-second bursts of creativity. But what if you want to save videos from YouTube shorts? That’s where things get tricky. Unlike standard YouTube videos, Shorts doesn’t include a built-in download button, leaving many users searching for solutions.
In this guide, you’ll discover five reliable methods to save videos from YouTube Shorts—whether you’re on desktop or mobile. From browser extensions to third-party apps, we’ll break down the tools that work, highlight best practices for organising your downloads, and address the legal considerations you need to know before hitting save.
Whether you’re collecting educational clips, preserving inspiration, or curating content for later, this walkthrough is designed to help you do it the right way—with confidence and clarity.
Top 3 Methods to Save Videos from YouTube Shorts
Method 1: Using Browser Extensions (Best for Desktop Users)
One of the easiest ways to save YouTube Shorts videos is by using browser extensions. These tools allow you to download videos directly from your browser without the need to copy and paste URLs.
For Chrome Users
If you’re using Google Chrome, start by installing a reliable extension. Once installed, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the YouTube Shorts video you’d like to download.
Step 2: A download button will appear below or near the video player—click it.
Step 3: Choose your preferred video quality (options typically include 720p, 480p, or 360p).
Step 4: Select a download location on your computer and save the video.
For Firefox Users
Firefox users can opt for the YouTube Video and Audio Downloader extension. After installing it, here’s what to do:
Step 1: Open the YouTube Shorts video you want to save.
Step 2: Click the downloader icon in your browser’s toolbar.
Step 3: Choose the desired video format and resolution.
Step 4: Download the file to your selected folder.
Pros of Using Browser Extensions
- Quick and Convenient: Download videos with just a few clicks.
- No URL Copying Needed: Everything works within the browser interface.
- Time-Saving: Ideal for frequent users or bulk downloads.
Cons to Keep in Mind
- May Break with YouTube Updates: Extensions can stop working after platform changes.
- Desktop Only: These tools are typically not available on mobile browsers.
- Adware Risk: Some extensions may display ads or contain unwanted software—always download from trusted sources.
Method 2: Using Online Download Services
Online download services are a convenient way to save YouTube Shorts directly to your device without the need to install any software. These web-based tools are compatible with all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
How to Download YouTube Shorts Using Online Tools
Step 1 Copy the Video Link: First, open the YouTube Shorts video you want to download. Tap the “Share” button and select “Copy link” to copy the video URL.
Step 2 Visit a Reputable Downloader Site: Open your browser and go to a trusted video downloader website such as Eazy-dl.
Step 3 Paste the URL: On the downloader site, paste the copied URL into the designated field.
Step 4 Start the Download Process: Click the “Download” or “Convert” button. The tool will process the video and offer format options.
Step 5 Choose Format and Save: Select your preferred video format—MP4 is typically the best choice for compatibility and quality—and save the file to your device.
Prod of Using Online Downloaders
- Accessible on any internet-enabled device
- No software installation is necessary
- Most services are completely free
Cons to Consider
- Requires a stable internet connection
- May include pop-up ads or promotional content
- Some tools offer limited video quality options
Method 3: Using Desktop Software Solutions
For users seeking a more robust and reliable way to download YouTube Shorts, desktop software provides the most feature-rich experience. These tools offer greater control over quality, format, and download preferences, making them ideal for frequent or advanced users.
How to Use:
Step 1: Download and install the software from the official website.
Step 2: Copy the URL of the YouTube Shorts video you want to download.
Step 3: Open the downloader software and click on the “Paste Link” button.
Step 4: Choose your preferred video format and quality.
Step 5: Select a download location and click “Download” to begin.
Pros of Desktop Software
- Higher Quality Downloads: Supports HD and even 4K resolution where available.
- Batch Downloading: Download multiple videos at once for greater efficiency.
- More Format Options: Convert to MP4, MKV, MP3, and more.
- Reliable and Consistent: Desktop tools are typically more stable than web-based alternatives.
Cons to Keep in Mind
- Requires Installation: Must be downloaded and installed on your device.
- May Incur Costs: Some advanced features may require a paid version.
- Uses Storage Space: Takes up disk space on your computer.
Best Practices for Saving and Organizing YouTube Shorts
If you’re downloading YouTube Shorts regularly, organizing them properly is essential. Without a system, your video library can quickly become cluttered and difficult to manage. Here are some best practices to help you save, sort, and access your YouTube Shorts collection with ease.
Create a Structured Folder System
One of the most effective ways to manage your saved videos is by creating a well-organized folder structure on your device. Grouping videos by category helps you find what you’re looking for quickly and keeps your collection tidy.
Suggested Folder Hierarchy:
- Saved YouTube Shorts
- Education
- Science
- History
- Language Learning
- Entertainment
- Comedy
- Music
- Dance
- Tutorials
- Cooking
- DIY
- Tech Tips
- Inspiration
- Motivational
- Success Stories
- Education
Feel free to customize the folder names based on your personal interests or content preferences.
Use Consistent and Descriptive File Naming Conventions
Using a consistent file naming format helps you instantly identify what a video is about without needing to open it. This is especially useful when you have dozens or even hundreds of saved Shorts.
Recommended Format:
[Date]_[Category]_[Brief Description]_[Creator Name]
Examples:
- 2024-01-15_Cooking_5MinutePasta_ChefMike.mp4
- 2024-01-16_Comedy_OfficeLife_FunnyVideos123.mp4
- 2024-01-17_Education_PhotographyTips_ProPhotoGuy.mp4
Descriptive naming not only improves organization but also supports SEO if you’re indexing or sharing files online.
Track Metadata for Better Management
Maintaining basic metadata for each video can make your collection even more useful. Whether you create a spreadsheet or use media management software, logging this information will save time and add context.
Key Metadata to Record:
- Original YouTube URL (for easy reference)
- Creator’s name and channel
- Date downloaded
- Short video summary or key points
- Tags or keywords for searchability
This level of organization is especially useful if you plan to share, cite, or archive the content.
Use Media Players and Digital Tools to Organize Playlists
Instead of just storing individual files, consider creating digital playlists using tools like VLC Media Player. This allows you to group videos by mood, category, or purpose—ideal for quick access or curated viewing.
Tips for Playlist Organization:
- Create themed playlists (e.g., “Motivation Monday” or “Quick Cooking Tips”)
- Add personal notes or comments for future reference
- Use playlist features to mark your favourites or high-priority content
You can also use tools like Notion, Trello, or Google Sheets to organize video links, notes, and download details in one place.
Back-Up Your YouTube Shorts Collection
To protect your curated video library, it’s important to keep backups. This ensures your content remains safe even if your device fails or files are accidentally deleted.
Recommended Backup Options
- Save a copy on an external hard drive or USB flash drive
- Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive
- Set a schedule for regular backups to avoid data loss
Backing up your videos adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Summing Up
Saving videos from YouTube Shorts doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with browser extensions if you primarily watch on a desktop, or try online downloaders for cross-device flexibility. Remember to organize your saved content from day one—future you will thank the present for the foresight.
The most important thing is to respect creators’ rights and use downloaded content responsibly. Consider supporting your favourite creators through official channels, and always give credit where it’s due.
Ready to start building your offline YouTube Shorts collection? Pick the method that best fits your needs and give it a try with your next must-save video.
F.A.Qs
Is it legal to save YouTube Shorts videos?
Downloading YouTube videos for personal use falls into a legal grey area. YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit downloading content, but many countries allow personal backups under fair use provisions. For educational or research purposes, downloading is generally more acceptable. However, redistributing downloaded content or using it commercially without permission is likely to violate copyright laws.
Can I share saved Shorts with colleagues?
Sharing downloaded YouTube Shorts depends on your intended use and local copyright laws. For educational purposes in a classroom or professional training setting, sharing may be acceptable under fair use. However, it’s always better to share the original YouTube link instead of the downloaded file. This ensures creators get proper attribution and view counts.
Can I save YouTube Shorts on my iPhone?
Yes, but it’s more challenging due to App Store restrictions. The most reliable method is using.
