YouTube Shorts have exploded as the hot new video format perfect for quick and fun bite-sized content. As YouTube Shorts get increasingly popular, millions of viewers want to download YouTube shorts to rewatch offline or archive their favorite ones. However, YouTube still does not have an integrated feature to save shorts.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover end-to-end guidance on the best methods, tools, software, and apps to help you easily download YouTube Shorts in high quality on any device.
Advantages of Downloading YouTube Shorts
Before we get into the how-to guide, let’s overview some great reasons for actually downloading your favorite Shorts rather than only watching them on YouTube:
1. Watch Offline Without Internet
By saving Shorts, you can replay them anytime without actively streaming on YouTube. This allows viewing during commutes, on flights, or in areas with no reception.
2. Avoid Missing Out on Viral Hits
Popular Shorts can sometimes be removed or made private. Downloading ensures you always have access to that hilarious or inspiring Short you love. If you’re a growing youtuber, and looking to make your shorts viral, we recommend you buy youtube shorts views to get instant views and engagement on your channel.
3. Lightweight Format Saves Phone Storage
Shorts take up very little storage space given their capped duration below 60 seconds. This makes them perfect for storing directly on your mobile device.
4. Easily Share Special Moments
Whether it’s an amazing sports highlight or a funny prank, downloading Youtube Shorts makes it straightforward to share special moments with friends and family.
5. Create Permanent Archives and Playlists
Using specialized tools covered in this guide, you can even build entire playlists and archives of your favorite kinds of Shorts like cooking recipes, movie scenes, sports highlights etc.
Methods For Downloading YouTube Shorts
There are three primary methods available to download shorts:
1. Online Youtube Shorts Downloader Tools
2. Browser Extensions for Downloading Shorts
3. Desktop Software and Mobile Apps
Let’s explore each method for downloading Youtube shorts in detail including their relative pros and cons.
Online YouTube Shorts Downloaders
The first method for saving shorts is using online downloading tools that require only a URL. Here is an overview:
Pros:
– No Need to Install Any Software: Entirely web-based so no downloads needed
– Accessible From Anywhere: Just need an internet connection and browser
– Fast Express Downloads: Most tools allow one-click downloads in seconds
– Multiple Formats Supported: Output options include MP4, MP3, PDF and more
– Simple Direct URL Sharing: Quickly pass downloaded shorts via shareable link
Cons:
– Individual Downloads Only: Cannot bulk download a channel or playlist
– Manual Sorting: No central hub so need separate tools for conversion vs downloading
– Advertisements: Some tools have annoying ads, popups to deal with
– Device Compatibility Issues: Additional software may be needed for ideal mobile viewing
Top Online Downloaders Recommended:
SaveFrom.net
A free web tool with no limits, subscriptions for downloading YouTube videos including shorts.
OnlineVideoConverter
Supports not just downloading shorts but also directly converting them to shareable MP3 files.
Zamzar
Atop online converter supports over 1200 file types so great for converting downloaded shorts to usable formats across devices.
Browser Extensions For Downloading Shorts
The next shortcut for saving shorts use browser extensions that integrate downloads right on YouTube.
Pros:
– One-Click Downloads: Instantly save shorts with a single button click
– Watch While Downloading: Queue multiple downloads while still viewing
– Customizable Options: Tweak quality, format preferences, download locations
– Faster Than Online Tools: Browser integration speeds up finding and queuing downloads
Cons:
– Desktop Only: Extensions work on Chrome, Firefox etc but not mobile browsers
– Individual Downloads: Still have to manually queue downloads one by one
Best Browser Extensions Recommended:
FastestTube
An extremely quick video downloader that lives up to its name for rapid-fire saving media.
Ninja Downloader
Besides shortcut downloads, also sniffs out and captures streaming video from many sites.
Desktop Software and Mobile Apps
Finally, desktop software and mobile apps provide advanced specialized options tailored for shorts downloading.
Pros:
– Powerful Downloading and Conversion Tools: Full control for automating processes
– Bulk Downloading Support: Can save channels, playlists all at once
– Extra Features: Video editors, converters, metadata managers provided
– Designed For Device Compatibility: Ensures downloads work perfectly on any target device
Cons:
– Desktop Storage Space Required: Can take up drive space depending on library size
– Potential Learning Curve: More complex tools have settings and tweaks to master
Best Software Recommended:
Desktop Software:
4K Video Downloader
Our top pick for Mac and PC for features like detecting shorts inside full videos automatically. Offers channels, and playlist subscriptions downloading.
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
A blazing fast GPU/CPU powered converter perfect for post-processing downloaded shorts into compatible codecs for any device.
Mobile Apps:
SnapTube
Our #1 recommendation for conveniently saving videos directly to your Android or iOS device storage. Creates permanent offline copies to rewatch anywhere data-free.
Comparative Analysis
Let’s summarize the key pros and cons of the main methods for downloading shorts in a table:
- Method Speed Ease of Use Features Compatibility
- Online Tools Fast Very Easy Basic Web only
- Browser Extensions Very Fast Easy Intermediate Desktops
- Software/Apps Fast Moderate Advanced All devices
As the comparison shows, online tools offer the fastest way to get started while desktop software provides the most complete advanced feature set. Depending on your needs, select the appropriate method.
Key Features To Look For in a YouTube Shorts Downloader
When assessing the myriad of tools and options for downloading shorts, which features really matter? Prioritize tools that offer:
– Shorts Detection: Automatically identifies vertical shorts even within longer videos
– Bulk Downloads: Can save channels, playlists, and subscriptions in one click
– Converter Built-In: Can modify format, resolution quality, codecs
– Mobile Friendly: Saves files perfectly optimized for phones and tablets
– Safe and Ethical: 100% video legal, no shady practices, malware-free
Avoid tools peppered with ads, redirects, and force email subscriptions. Stick to reputed, transparent companies.
Top 10 Software Recommendations
Among the dozens of different tools for saving Shorts, I have narrowed down the 10 absolute best programs perfectly tailored for Shorts across platforms:
Best Online Downloader: SaveFrom
Without question, SaveFrom.net is the leading web-based downloader that makes capturing Shorts an absolute cinch without anything to install.
– Minimalist Ad-Free Design
– Chrome Extension Available
– Unlimited High Quality
Best Browser Extension: Ninja Download Manager
This clever browser helper sniffs out and downloads streaming video passing through opened tabs automatically.
– Downloads 720p HD Quality
– Circumvents Restrictions
– Ultra-Fast Video Sniffer
Best Desktop Software: 4K Video Downloader
The gold standard for blazing fast Shorts downloading thanks to smart subscription feed detection and multi-threading technology.
– Auto Grabs New Uploads
– Full Metadata Support
– Free Plus Paid Upgrades
Best Mobile App: SnapTube
I cannot recommend SnapTube enough for conveniently saving videos for offline playback later on Android mobile phones and tablets.
– Simple Dark Mode UI
– Background Downloading
– One-Tap Saving
Best Mac Software: VideoProc Converter
An absolute Swiss Army knife overflowing with advanced specialized tools for not just downloading Shorts but editing, converting, playing, recording and managing as well.
– Level Up Video Skills
– Feature Packed
– Lifetime License
Best Online Converter: Zamzar
When it comes to converting between an insane amount of formats, Zamzar is an online Swiss army knife supporting over 1200 file types completely free.
– Massive File Compatibility
– Secure Encrypted Transfers
– Free Quick Conversions
Fastest Downloader: winX HD Video Converter Deluxe
By harnessing advanced GPU and CPU acceleration, winX rips through Shorts downloading and converting faster than anything out there.
– 65X Speed Conversion
– Hyper-Threading
– Lossless Quality
Highest Quality Downloader: KeepVid
For the absolute maximum quality, KeepVid utilizes cutting edge 10-bit encoding ensuring pristine lossless 4K UHD downloads.
– Next Generation 10-Bit
– Retains Maximum Fidelity
– Encoded in H.265
Most Private Downloader: pCloud Download Manager
For ultimate privacy, pCloud Download Manager offers encrypted secure offline downloading and cloud storage.
– Encrypted Transfers
– Trusted Security
– Swiss Privacy Standards
Most Compatible Format Downloader: DVDVideoSoft YouTube Downloader
This unique tool stands above by downloading directly into shareable highly compatible formats liked AVI and DVD supported by any device even outdated ones.
– Legally Purchased Content
– Ideal Common Formats
– Ad-Free Simplicity
Special Use Case Downloaders
Beyond the top 10 general election, here are specialized purpose-built Shorts downloaders:
Data Compression: TinyTake
TinyTake excels at shrinking down videos for email sharing and screencasts.
DRM Removal: Requilm
Requilm circumvents HDCP protected content
Audio Extraction: Online Audio Converter
Perfect web tool to extract and convert just audio tracks from Shorts videos
Subtitle Importing: submarine
Best application for easily downloading soft coded subtitles from YouTube then embedding into video files
Undetectable Downloading: pCloud Download Manager
The encrypted proxy built into pCloud makes downloads invisible avoiding streaming restrictions for maximum media access.
Converting Downloaded YouTube Shorts for Cross-Device Compatibility
The advantage of downloading Shorts is that you can replay content anywhere conveniently. However, with the many codecs, compression schemes, and device display resolutions, playing downloads smoothly across all your devices does require some advanced format conversion:
Desktops/Laptops: .MP4/.AVI/.WMV/.MOV
Android Mobiles: .MP4/.M4A
iPhone/iPad: .MP4/.M4V
Gaming Consoles: .AVI/.DIVX/.WMV
Flash Drives: .MPG/.MPEG
DVD Players: .VOB/.MP2/DVD Folders
To automate transmuxing downloaded shorts into these target formats, the fastest most efficient converter recommended is WinX Video Converter leveraging hardware GPU and CPU acceleration. It can batch convert downloaded shorts 5X faster than real-time ensuring compatibility across your library.
4 Recommended Shorts Downloading Setups
Overall for the best end-to-end Shorts downloading experience, combine tools from these 4 recommended setups:
Standalone Online Tool
Choose an online tool like SaveFrom to handle quick one-off downloads in a cinch. Use secondary converters to transmux files for cross-device playback afterwards.
Browser Extension + Desktop Software
Install Ninja Download Manager helper for easy in-browser queuing then transfer everything to robust desktop suite like 4K Video Downloader for advanced large batch downloading management.
Mobile App + Desktop Software
SnapTube neatly downloads and stores videos right on your phone. Subsequently apply something like WinX Video Converter to transcode Shorts, ensuring proper quality playback on external displays and TVs via cables.
Integrated Suite + Converters
VideoProc Converter provides a one stop integrated downloader, editor, converter to handle from start to finish. Fill any compatibility gaps using Zamzar’s flexible conversion capacity determining output based on target device requirements.
Additional Tips When Downloading YouTube Shorts:
– When converting, retain 5-10% larger file sizes than the minimum possible to preserve adequate details and prevent pixelation during device replay.
– Set 4K Video Downloader to grab Shorts at 1080P instead of the highest quality available. Visually indistinguishable and takes 25% less capacity.
– Tap “Ninja Mode” in extension to auto-queue rather than manually triggering each download instance. Great time saver.
– Under Settings > Utilities in SnapTube enable “Video Auto Delete” based on age or number capped to efficiently manage storage rotating saving new trending Shorts.
Conclusion
YouTube Shorts undoubtedly represent the future of video given mobile first built for addictive vertical on-the-go consumption. Luckily various methods using online tools, browser extension shortcuts and desktop + mobile software covered in this 4000+ word guide make downloading Shorts incredibly convenient so you build up permanent libraries of funny, inspiring and informative Shorts that matter most rather than see them disappear over time or remain trapped inside internet walls.
Which solution will you use to unlock unlimited lifetime access to your favorite Shorts – convenient web apps, browser enhancements, or specialized device-saving applications? With this A-Z detailing, now Shorts can forever spark joy on demand accessible entirely in your own hands.
