How to Save YouTube Shorts in Gallery: The Definitive Guide

Saving those bite-sized, captivating YouTube Shorts directly to your gallery isn’t as straightforward as downloading a regular YouTube video. The platform intentionally limits this to encourage engagement within the app. However, fear not! There are several effective (and perfectly legal) methods to download YouTube Shorts for offline viewing and keep them safely tucked away in your gallery. This guide will explore each technique, providing step-by-step instructions and addressing common concerns.

The short answer: You can’t directly download YouTube Shorts from the app to your gallery in most cases. However, you can record your screen while playing the Short, use third-party apps or websites, or, if you’re the creator, download the original video directly from YouTube Studio.

Unveiling the Methods to Download YouTube Shorts

Let’s dive into the most reliable and accessible methods to preserve those captivating Shorts.

Method 1: Screen Recording – The Universal Solution

This method is universally applicable, working across all devices and operating systems. It leverages the built-in screen recording capabilities of your smartphone or tablet.

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Device: Ensure you have sufficient storage space on your device and that screen recording is enabled. On iPhones, it’s often found in the Control Center. On Android, it may vary depending on the manufacturer; look for “Screen Recorder” in your quick settings or app drawer.
2. Open the YouTube Short: Navigate to the Short you wish to save within the YouTube app.
3. Initiate Screen Recording: Start the screen recording function before you play the Short. This prevents any unwanted UI elements from being captured at the beginning.
4. Play the Short: Play the Short in full-screen mode for optimal visual quality.
5. Stop Screen Recording: Once the Short finishes, immediately stop the screen recording.
6. Trim the Recording: Use your device’s built-in video editor (or a third-party app) to trim the beginning and end of the recording, removing any unnecessary UI elements.
7. Save to Gallery: Save the trimmed video to your gallery.

Pros:

• Universal compatibility.
• No external apps or websites required.
• Relatively simple and quick.

Cons:

• May result in slightly lower video quality compared to a direct download.
• Requires manual trimming.

Method 2: Utilizing Third-Party Apps and Websites

A plethora of third-party apps and websites claim to download YouTube Shorts. While convenient, exercise caution. Many of these services are riddled with ads, malware, or violate YouTube’s terms of service.

Important Disclaimer: Using third-party apps to download copyrighted content without permission is illegal. Only download Shorts that you own or have explicit permission to download.

General Steps (Vary Based on the App/Website):

1. Find a Reputable Tool: Research and select a seemingly safe and reliable YouTube Short downloader. Look for reviews and user feedback.
2. Copy the Short’s Link: On YouTube, tap the “Share” button on the Short and copy the link.
3. Paste the Link: Paste the copied link into the downloader app or website.
4. Select Download Quality: Choose your desired video quality (if available).
5. Download: Initiate the download process.
6. Save to Gallery: The Short should be saved to your device’s download folder, which you can then move to your gallery.

Pros:

• Often offers higher download quality than screen recording.
• May provide options for different video formats.

Cons:

• Risk of downloading malware or viruses.
• Potential violation of YouTube’s terms of service and copyright laws.
• Often laden with intrusive ads.
• Reliability can vary greatly.

Recommendation: We strongly advise against using these methods unless you are absolutely certain of the source’s safety and legality.

Method 3: Downloading Your Own Shorts from YouTube Studio

If you created the YouTube Short, downloading it is straightforward.

Steps:

1. Open YouTube Studio: Access YouTube Studio through a web browser on your computer.
2. Navigate to Content: Click on “Content” in the left-hand menu.
3. Locate Your Short: Find the Short you want to download.
4. Click Options: Click on the three vertical dots (options menu) next to the Short.
5. Download: Select “Download.”
6. Save to Gallery: Transfer the downloaded file from your computer to your phone or tablet, and save it to your gallery.

Pros:

• Direct download from the source.
• Highest possible quality.
• Completely legal.

Cons:

• Only applicable to your own Shorts.
• Requires access to YouTube Studio on a computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions about downloading YouTube Shorts:

1. Is it legal to download YouTube Shorts?

Generally, downloading copyrighted content without permission is illegal. Downloading your own Shorts or Shorts for which you have explicit permission is perfectly legal. Always respect copyright laws.

2. Does YouTube have a built-in download feature for Shorts?

No, YouTube doesn’t typically offer a direct download button for Shorts like it does for some regular videos (with YouTube Premium). This is intentional to encourage users to stay within the platform.

3. Can I download YouTube Shorts with YouTube Premium?

While YouTube Premium allows downloading regular videos for offline viewing, it doesn’t extend this feature directly to YouTube Shorts in the same way.

4. What video quality can I expect when screen recording?

The video quality from screen recording depends on your device’s screen resolution and recording capabilities. Newer devices generally produce higher-quality recordings. Ensure you play the Short in full-screen mode for the best results.

5. Are third-party YouTube Short downloaders safe to use?

Using third-party downloaders carries a significant risk. Many contain malware, viruses, or lead to unwanted ads. Only use reputable sources, and even then, proceed with caution.

6. What are the best alternatives to downloading YouTube Shorts?

Consider creating a playlist of your favorite Shorts to easily access them within the YouTube app. This is a legal and safe way to curate content.

7. Can I download YouTube Shorts on my iPhone?

Yes, you can use screen recording on your iPhone to save YouTube Shorts. Ensure screen recording is enabled in your Control Center. Third-party apps are also an option, but exercise caution.

8. Can I download YouTube Shorts on my Android device?

Yes, Android devices also have built-in screen recording capabilities. The location of the screen recorder may vary depending on the manufacturer. As with iPhones, third-party apps are also available, but be mindful of potential risks.

9. How do I trim the screen recording of a YouTube Short?

Both iOS and Android have built-in video editing tools that allow you to trim videos. Alternatively, you can download a free video editing app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

10. Will YouTube notify the creator if I screen record their Short?

No, YouTube does not notify creators when someone screen records their content.

11. Is there a limit to how many YouTube Shorts I can download?

If you’re screen recording, the limit is primarily determined by your device’s storage capacity. Third-party downloaders may have their own limitations.

12. What should I do if a third-party downloader asks for my YouTube account information?

Never provide your YouTube account information to a third-party downloader. This is a clear indication of a phishing scam. Close the website or app immediately.

Conclusion

While YouTube doesn’t make downloading Shorts directly a breeze, several methods exist. Screen recording offers a universally accessible and relatively safe solution. If you choose to explore third-party downloaders, prioritize your online safety and be mindful of copyright laws. Remember, the most secure and ethical approach is to download your own content directly from YouTube Studio. Happy viewing!