How to Legally Save YouTube Shorts to Your Device

How to Legally Save YouTube Shorts to Your Device

YouTube Shorts have exploded in popularity as quick, catchy videos – perfect for a laugh, a fast tutorial, or a clever tip. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or just a fan, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a Short you’d love to keep. Maybe to watch offline, maybe for a presentation, or maybe just because it’s that good.

But here’s the million-view question: How can you legally save YouTube Shorts to your device without stepping on YouTube’s rules or someone else’s copyright?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through safe, legal methods to save YouTube Shorts on Android, iPhone (iOS), and desktop. We’ll talk YouTube Premium, watch time rules, and even vetted third-party tools. And if you’re a creator looking to boost your own content, don’t miss our custom solution to increase your YouTube views. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to do it right—and stay in YouTube’s good graces while you’re at it.

Is It Legal to Download YouTube Shorts?

Understanding YouTube’s Terms of Service

Let’s clear this up first: YouTube does NOT allow downloading videos, Shorts included, unless:

• The video includes a Download button.
• You’re using YouTube Premium’s official offline feature.

Anything else—like using a third-party tool—is against YouTube’s Terms of Service. That doesn’t always mean it’s illegal, but it is breaking their rules.

What About Copyright?

This is the biggie. Saving someone else’s video just for personal use? Generally okay. But reuse, repost, or share it publicly? That’s likely copyright infringement.

If you want to include a Short in a classroom slideshow or remix it under fair use, proceed with caution and always give credit. Never repost someone’s Short as-is or monetize it without permission.

When You’re in the Clear

• Your own Shorts: Always legal to download.
• Creative Commons Shorts: Check the license in the video’s description. You can download and reuse these—but still credit the creator.

How to Save YouTube Shorts on Android

Method 1: Use the YouTube App (Offline Viewing)

If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, you can download Shorts right inside the app:

1. Open the YouTube app and find the Short.
2. Watch it to the end so it appears in your Watch History.
3. Go to Library > History.
4. Tap the three-dot menu next to the video.
5. Hit Download and choose the quality.

🔒 You’ll only be able to view the video inside the app. No file will be saved to your gallery.

Method 2: Download Your Own Shorts

If you uploaded the Short:

1. Go to Your Channel > Shorts.
2. Find the Short and tap the menu.
3. Tap Save to device.

This gives you an MP4 file in your gallery, usually with a watermark (channel name).

Method 3: Trusted Third-Party Apps & Sites

🚨 Reminder: These break YouTube’s TOS but are commonly used for fair personal use.

• Copy the Shorts link.
• Visit a site like yt.savetube.me or publer.com.
• Paste the link, choose quality, and download.

Or use apps like TubeMate or Snaptube (downloadable from their official sites).

You’ll get the video file stored locally, accessible by any media player or editor.

Last Resort: Screen Recording

Use Android’s built-in screen recorder to capture the video. Less ideal, but it works when other methods fail.

How to Save YouTube Shorts on iPhone (iOS)

Method 1: YouTube App (Premium Only)

Just like Android:

1. Watch the Short in full.
2. Go to Library > History.
3. Tap the three-dot menu next to the Short.
4. Choose Download video.

Downloads are stored inside the YouTube app.

Method 2: Save Your Own Shorts

If it’s your video:

1. Go to Your Channel > Shorts.
2. Tap the menu and select Save to device.

The video will appear in your Photos app.

Method 3: Use Safari + Downloader Website

• Copy the link from the YouTube app.
• Visit yt.savetube.me or publer.com in Safari.
• Paste, download, and save to Camera Roll.

You can also use Documents by Readdle for easier file management.

Advanced Option: iOS Shortcuts

Tech-savvy? Use the Shortcuts app to run custom scripts like “Media Downloader”. Just make sure to get your shortcut from a safe source (e.g. RoutineHub).

Backup: Screen Recording

Use iOS’s screen recorder (in Control Center) to capture the Short. Simple, and doesn’t require any extra apps.

How to Save YouTube Shorts on PC or Mac

Method 1: YouTube Premium (Web Browser)

1. Log into YouTube Premium in Chrome or Firefox.
2. Navigate to the Short (change the URL to watch?v=… for more controls).
3. Click the Download button.
4. Find it under the Downloads tab.

Note: File is saved for browser-only playback—not on your hard drive.

Method 2: Download Your Own Shorts via YouTube Studio

1. Visit studio.youtube.com.
2. Click on Content.
3. Find the Short, click the menu icon, then Download.

You’ll get the original MP4 file, watermark-free.

Method 3: Third-Party Software

Use desktop apps like 4K Video Downloader:

• Install from the official site.
• Paste the Short’s link.
• Choose quality (up to 1080p).
• Download the file to your computer.

Method 4: Browser Extensions or Web Downloaders

Extensions like Video DownloadHelper (Firefox) can grab Shorts.

Or stick with websites like:

• SaveTube
• Y2Mate
• Publer’s Shorts downloader

Just paste the URL, pick a resolution, and download.

⚠️ Avoid shady sites asking you to download plugins or pay. Reputable tools are free.

Best Practices and Tips

✔️ Download for personal use only. Don’t redistribute or re-upload.

✔️ Always credit the original creator if you include a clip in commentary or education.

✔️ Look for Creative Commons licenses—some Shorts are okay to reuse!

✔️ Be aware of quality: Official downloads may cap at 360p for free users.

✔️ Watch your storage: Even 60-second videos can add up.

✔️ Want to support creators? Watch online too—offline views don’t boost their watch time. If you’re trying to grow your own channel, consider boosting initial visibility by increasing YouTube Shorts views.

✔️ Stay current. Features and download tools change frequently.

FAQ: Common Questions About Downloading YouTube Shorts

Is it illegal to download Shorts?

No—but it’s against YouTube’s rules unless you use their official methods. Legal problems arise if you re-upload or monetize downloaded content.

Do I need Premium?

Not necessarily. You can download your own Shorts for free. In some regions, even free users can use the in-app download.

What’s the safest method?

Use YouTube’s official features: Premium downloads or YouTube Studio for your own content. If you need the video file, choose a trusted tool.

Can I re-upload someone else’s Short?

No. That’s a violation of copyright unless they gave permission or it’s under Creative Commons.

Will the creator know I downloaded it?

No. Downloads—official or otherwise—are invisible to the creator. But don’t risk your account by distributing content you don’t own. If you’re looking to build a more active audience, encouraging engagement with authentic YouTube comments can help signal community value.

Conclusion

YouTube Shorts are meant to be quick and accessible, but now, you can access them even when you’re offline. Whether you’re backing up your Shorts, prepping for class, or just saving a laugh for later, you’ve got legal options at your fingertips.

Stick to official tools when you can. Be smart and safe with third-party ones. Respect creators, credit where it’s due, and never republish what’s not yours.