Last updated: January 2026
Want to download YouTube Shorts to watch offline or save your favorites? YouTube Shorts have exploded in popularity, but the platform doesn't offer an official download option. In this guide, we'll show you the easiest way to save any YouTube Short in HD quality.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long — YouTube's answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels. They're perfect for:
- Quick tutorials and tips
- Entertainment and comedy
- Music clips and highlights
- News and updates
- Creative content
With billions of Shorts watched daily, it's no surprise people want to save their favorites.
Why Download YouTube Shorts?
Here's why you might want to save Shorts:
- Offline viewing — Watch without internet on planes, trains, or subway
- Save favorites — Keep videos before they get deleted
- Share on other platforms — Repurpose content (with permission)
- Slow connections — Download on WiFi, watch anywhere
- Create compilations — Video editors need source files
Best Method: Download YouTube Shorts with BlackHole
BlackHole is the fastest and easiest way to download YouTube Shorts. No apps to install — just create a free account and start downloading.
Why BlackHole?
- ✅ 100% free — No hidden costs for basic downloads
- ✅ HD quality — Download Shorts in original quality
- ✅ Instant — Videos ready in seconds
- ✅ No watermarks — Clean downloads without branding
- ✅ Works on all devices — Phone, tablet, or computer
- ✅ Quick setup — Free account sign-up in seconds with Google
Step-by-Step: Download Any YouTube Short
Step 1: Get the Shorts URL
On Mobile (YouTube App):
- Open the Short you want to download
- Tap the Share button (arrow icon)
- Tap Copy link
On Desktop (Browser):
- Navigate to the Short
- Copy the URL from your browser's address bar
The URL will look like: https://youtube.com/shorts/abc123xyz
Step 2: Go to BlackHole
Open blhole.com in any browser — works on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, anything.
Step 3: Paste and Download
- Paste the Shorts URL in the input box
- Select your preferred quality (480p free, up to 4K for Pro)
- Click Download
- Your Short will start downloading automatically
That's it! The whole process takes less than 30 seconds.
Download Shorts on iPhone
Downloading on iPhone requires an extra step since iOS doesn't download videos directly to your camera roll:
Method 1: Using Safari
- Open Safari (not Chrome)
- Go to blhole.com
- Paste the Shorts URL
- Tap Download
- When the video plays, tap the Share button
- Select Save Video
Method 2: Using the Files App
- Download the Short using BlackHole
- It will save to your Files app
- Open Files → Downloads
- Tap the video and select Save Video to add to Photos
Download Shorts on Android
Android makes downloading easy:
- Open Chrome or any browser
- Go to blhole.com
- Paste the Shorts URL
- Tap Download
- The video saves directly to your Downloads folder
- Find it in your Gallery app
Download Shorts to PC or Mac
Desktop downloading is straightforward:
- Copy the Shorts URL from YouTube
- Go to blhole.com
- Paste the URL
- Select quality (up to 4K with Pro)
- Click Download
- File saves to your Downloads folder
Quality Options
BlackHole offers multiple quality options for YouTube Shorts:
| Quality | Resolution | Best For | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360p | 640x360 | Saving data | Free |
| 480p | 854x480 | Mobile viewing | Free |
| 720p HD | 1280x720 | Most devices | Pro |
| 1080p Full HD | 1920x1080 | High-quality | Pro |
| 4K Ultra HD | 3840x2160 | Maximum quality | Pro |
Most Shorts are filmed on phones in 1080p or lower, so 720p is often sufficient for excellent quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Shorts from the YouTube app?
YouTube Premium subscribers can download videos within the app, but the files can't be transferred or shared. For actual video files you own, use BlackHole.
Is downloading YouTube Shorts legal?
Downloading for personal offline viewing is generally allowed. Redistributing copyrighted content without permission is not. Always respect creators' rights.
Why can't I download some Shorts?
Some Shorts may have restrictions set by the creator or may be region-locked. Most public Shorts download without issues.
Does BlackHole remove watermarks?
YouTube Shorts don't typically have watermarks (unlike TikTok). The video you download is exactly as it appears on YouTube.
Can I download Shorts in audio-only (MP3)?
Yes! BlackHole can extract audio from Shorts. Select "Audio" format instead of video to get an MP3 file.
How many Shorts can I download?
Free users get 1 download per day. Pro users ($26/year) get 50 downloads daily, and Premium users ($99/year) get 100.
Tips for Downloading YouTube Shorts
- Batch download — Pro users can queue multiple Shorts at once
- Check quality — Not all Shorts are filmed in HD; download in the quality that matches the source
- Use WiFi — Save mobile data by downloading on WiFi
- Organize downloads — Create folders for different creators or topics
Alternatives to BlackHole
While BlackHole is our recommended tool, here are other options:
- yt-dlp — Command-line tool for technical users
- Cobalt — Open-source, privacy-focused
- 4K Video Downloader — Desktop app (Windows/Mac)
For most users, BlackHole offers the best balance of ease and features.
Start Downloading YouTube Shorts
Ready to save your favorite Shorts? Try BlackHole free — sign up in seconds, no ads, just fast downloads.
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