How to Download YouTube Shorts in 2026
YouTube Shorts are everywhere — those quick vertical videos that keep you scrolling for hours. But what if you want to save one? Maybe it is a recipe you want to try later, a tutorial you need offline, or a funny clip you want to send to someone.
The problem is YouTube does not give you a download button for Shorts (unless you have Premium, and even then the file stays locked in the YouTube app). Here is how to actually download them as real files you can keep.
The Simple Method: Browser-Based Downloader
- Get the Shorts URL — Open the Short, tap Share, and copy the link. It will look like
youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID - Open a video downloader — Use a tool like KlipTools Video Downloader
- Paste and download — Paste the URL, click Download. The tool handles the rest.
What About the Audio Only?
Want just the audio from a Short? Maybe it has a song or sound effect you like. Use our Video to MP3 tool — download the Short first, then extract the audio in any format you want (MP3, AAC, WAV).
Can I Download Shorts on My Phone?
Yes. Browser-based tools work on mobile browsers. Open the tool in Safari or Chrome on your phone, paste the URL, and download. No app installation needed.
Tips for Better Downloads
- Shorts are vertical (9:16 ratio) — they will look best on phones
- Quality is usually 1080x1920 or 720x1280
- The download is typically MP4 format, which plays on everything
- If you need a thumbnail, YouTube Shorts thumbnails follow the same
img.youtube.compattern as regular videos