How to Download YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are vertical clips — usually under a minute — that you may want offline for a commute, a class, or an archive you own. This guide shows how to copy a Shorts URL, preview it in the browser, and download an MP4 without installing an app. Use it only for Shorts you created, licensed, or otherwise have permission to keep.
Free YouTube Download Tools
Ready to try Instant Download? Open any of these FrontendGeek tools — no desktop software required.
What you need
- A modern browser on phone or desktop (Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox)
- The Shorts link from YouTube — it usually looks like youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID
- A free FrontendGeek sign-in when the download step asks for it
- Enough storage for a short MP4 (often under 20 MB at high quality)
Step-by-step: download a YouTube Short as MP4
1. Open the YouTube Shorts Downloader
Go to YouTube Shorts Downloader on FrontendGeek. That tool is built for vertical /shorts/ links. If you have a regular watch URL instead, use YouTube Video Downloader or YouTube to MP4 Converter.
2. Paste the Shorts URL
On YouTube, tap Share and copy the link, or copy the address bar on desktop. Paste it into the Shorts Downloader. youtu.be links and watch URLs that resolve to the same clip also work, but a /shorts/ URL is the most reliable.
3. Load and preview the Short
Click Load Short (or Fetch) so the title, thumbnail, and in-page player appear. Play a second of the preview to confirm you have the right clip before you save.
4. Choose MP4 quality
Pick the MP4 quality that fits your phone storage and screen. 720p is usually enough for Shorts on a phone; use 1080p when you plan to edit or watch on a larger display.
5. Download Shorts as MP4
Click Download Shorts MP4. Sign in for free if prompted, then keep the tab open until the file lands in Downloads. On iPhone, open Files → Downloads; on Android, check the download notification; on desktop, use Finder or File Explorer.
Shorts vs regular YouTube videos
Shorts are 9:16 vertical clips. YouTube Shorts Downloader keeps that phone-style frame in the preview so you know what you are saving. Landscape watch-page videos belong on YouTube Video Downloader or YouTube to MP4 Converter — same Instant Download idea, better match for 16:9 uploads.
Want audio only from a Short?
If you only need the soundtrack, paste the same Shorts URL into YouTube to MP3 Converter. That extracts audio without keeping the vertical video. If a Short later plays with no sound, see the no-audio troubleshooting guide or re-download a quality that includes audio.
Tips for a clean Shorts download
- Use the official Share URL, not a third-party redirect
- Stay on the page until the browser finishes saving the file
- If Load Short fails, try YouTube Video Downloader with the same link
- Private, members-only, or region-blocked Shorts will not resolve in an online downloader
Legal & fair use reminder
Only download Shorts you own, have licensed, or are allowed to keep offline. Respect creator copyright and YouTube Terms of Service. FrontendGeek tools are for legitimate offline use — not for reposting someone else’s Short as your own.
Free YouTube Download Tools
Ready to try Instant Download? Open any of these FrontendGeek tools — no desktop software required.
More YouTube Download Guides
How to Download YouTube Videos as MP4
Step-by-step guide to download YouTube videos as MP4 online. Use FrontendGeek YouTube to MP4, Video Downloader, Shorts Downloader, or convert audio with YouTube to MP3.
How to Extract Audio from YouTube Video
Extract audio from a YouTube video as MP3 online. Paste a watch, Shorts, or youtu.be link into FrontendGeek YouTube to MP3 Converter — no desktop software required.
YouTube MP4 Download Not Working [Troubleshooting]
Fix YouTube MP4 download issues: stuck loading, missing qualities, failed Instant Download, or empty files. Try FrontendGeek YouTube to MP4, Video Downloader, Shorts, and MP3 tools.
Understand Video Format & Quality — Best Video Quality to Download
Learn MP4 quality options (1080p, 720p, 480p), bitrate, and when to choose each. Download smarter with YouTube to MP4, Video Downloader, Shorts Downloader, or YouTube to MP3.
MP4 vs WebM — Understand the Difference
Compare MP4 and WebM containers, codecs, and device support. Learn why FrontendGeek YouTube downloaders prefer MP4 — plus when WebM still makes sense.
MP4 vs MOV — Understand the Difference
MP4 vs MOV explained: containers, codecs, Apple Final Cut vs cross-platform use. See why YouTube Instant Download tools on FrontendGeek focus on MP4.
Why Sometimes YouTube Downloads Have No Audio [Troubleshooting]
Why a YouTube MP4 has no sound and how to fix it. Recover audio with YouTube to MP3, or re-download with YouTube to MP4, Video Downloader, or Shorts Downloader.
Or browse the full Tools Knowledge Base.
