How to Download YouTube Shorts (No Watermark)
Download YouTube Shorts without watermark using our tested methods. Save Shorts in HD quality to your phone or computer. Works on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac with step-by-step instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Add "ss" before youtube.com URLs for instant Shorts downloads
- 4K Video Downloader saves Shorts in original quality without watermarks
- YouTube Premium downloads include watermarks (in-app only)
- Shorts are typically 1080×1920 (9:16 vertical format)
- Online downloaders work on all devices without installation
- Most Shorts are under 60 seconds, resulting in small file sizes
To download YouTube Shorts without watermark, use SSSYouTube (add "ss" before the URL) for quick online downloads, or 4K Video Downloader for the highest quality. I've tested multiple methods to find the fastest ways to save Shorts to your phone or computer without the YouTube watermark or TikTok-style logo.
Key Takeaways
- Add "ss" before youtube.com URLs for instant Shorts downloads
- 4K Video Downloader saves Shorts in original quality without watermarks
- YouTube Premium downloads include watermarks (in-app only)
- Shorts are typically 1080×1920 (9:16 vertical format)
- Online downloaders work on all devices without installation
- Most Shorts are under 60 seconds, resulting in small file sizes
Understanding YouTube Shorts Format
Technical Specifications
| Aspect | YouTube Shorts |
|---|---|
| Duration | Max 60 seconds |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 (vertical) |
| Resolution | Up to 1080×1920 |
| File format | MP4, WebM |
| Typical file size | 5-30 MB |
Why Download Shorts?
- Save favorite content for offline viewing
- Compile content for research/analysis
- Create compilations (with permission)
- Backup your own Shorts
- Share where YouTube isn't accessible
Method 1: SS Trick (Fastest Online Method)
The easiest way to download any YouTube Short is the "SS trick"—simply add "ss" before "youtube" in the URL.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Open the YouTube Short you want to download.
Step 2
Look at the URL in your browser:
https://youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_IDStep 3
Add "ss" before "youtube":
https://ssyoutube.com/shorts/VIDEO_IDStep 4
Press Enter—you'll be redirected to a download page.
Step 5
Select your preferred quality (720p or 1080p).
Step 6
Click "Download" and save the file.
Quality Options Available
| Quality | Resolution | File Size (30 sec) | Watermark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 1080×1920 | ~15-25 MB | ❌ No |
| 720p | 720×1280 | ~8-15 MB | ❌ No |
| 480p | 480×854 | ~5-8 MB | ❌ No |
| 360p | 360×640 | ~3-5 MB | ❌ No |
Method 2: Online YouTube Shorts Downloaders
Top Online Downloaders Compared
| Tool | URL | Quality | Watermark | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSSYouTube | ssyoutube.com | 1080p | None | Moderate |
| SaveFrom | savefrom.net | 1080p | None | Heavy |
| Y2Mate | y2mate.com | 1080p | None | Heavy |
| Shortsnoob | shortsnoob.com | 1080p | None | Light |
| SnapTik | snaptik.app | 1080p | None | Moderate |
Using Y2Mate for Shorts
Step 1
Copy the YouTube Shorts URL.
Step 2
Visit y2mate.com.
Step 3
Paste the URL and click "Start."
Step 4
Wait for analysis (Shorts are detected automatically).
Step 5
Select MP4 quality.
Step 6
Click "Download."
Pro Tip
Install an ad blocker before using online downloaders to avoid misleading ads and pop-ups.
Using SaveFrom.net
Step 1
Copy Shorts URL.
Step 2
Visit savefrom.net.
Step 3
Paste URL in the input field.
Step 4
Choose quality and download.
Alternative SS trick
Change "youtube.com/shorts/" to "ssyoutube.com/shorts/" for direct access.
Method 3: Desktop Applications
4K Video Downloader (Best Quality)
4K Video Downloader works perfectly for YouTube Shorts without any watermarks.
Step 1
Download from 4kdownload.com.
Step 2
Install and open the application.
Step 3
Copy the YouTube Shorts URL.
Step 4
Click "Paste Link" in the app.
Step 5
Select MP4 and your preferred quality.
Step 6
Click "Download."
Advantages:
- No watermarks ever
- Original quality preservation
- Batch downloading supported
- No ads or pop-ups
YT-DLP (Command Line)
For tech-savvy users, YT-DLP handles Shorts efficiently:
# Download a single Short
yt-dlp https://youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID
# Download in best quality
yt-dlp -f best https://youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID
# Download as MP4
yt-dlp --merge-output-format mp4 https://youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID
# Download multiple Shorts (from text file)
yt-dlp -a shorts_urls.txtMethod 4: Mobile Downloads
Download Shorts on iPhone
Method A: Documents by Readdle
Step 1
Download "Documents" from App Store.
Step 2
Open the in-app browser.
Step 3
Visit y2mate.com or similar.
Step 4
Paste your Shorts URL.
Step 5
Download and save within Documents.
Step 6
Move to Camera Roll if desired.
Method B: Shortcuts App
- 1.Find a YouTube Shorts download Shortcut
- 2.Add it to your Shortcuts library
- 3.Share any Short to the Shortcut
- 4.Select quality and download
Download Shorts on Android
TubeMate:
Step 1
Download TubeMate from tubemate.net (not Play Store).
Step 2
Open YouTube Shorts in TubeMate's browser.
Step 3
Tap the download button.
Step 4
Select quality and format.
Step 5
Download starts automatically.
Snaptube:
Step 1
Install Snaptube from official site.
Step 2
Paste Shorts URL or browse within app.
Step 3
Tap download button.
Step 4
Choose MP4 and quality.
Step 5
Save to your device.
YouTube Premium vs Third-Party Downloads
YouTube Premium Downloads
| Aspect | YouTube Premium | Third-Party Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Watermark | ✅ Yes (in video) | ❌ None |
| Quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
| Play outside app | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Transfer to PC | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Expiration | 30 days | Never |
| Legal status | ✅ Fully legal | ⚠️ Gray area |
When to Use Each
Use YouTube Premium when:
- You want fully legal offline viewing
- You only watch in the YouTube app
- You're okay with watermarks
- You value supporting creators
Use third-party tools when:
- You need watermark-free video
- You want to edit or compile content
- You need permanent downloads
- You want to transfer across devices
Downloading Your Own Shorts
If you uploaded the Short, you can download it directly:
Via YouTube Studio
Step 1
Go to studio.youtube.com.
Step 2
Click "Content" in the left sidebar.
Step 3
Find your Short in the list.
Step 4
Click the three-dot menu.
Step 5
Select "Download."
Step 6
The original file downloads to your device.
Via Mobile App
Step 1
Open YouTube Studio app.
Step 2
Go to "Content."
Step 3
Find your Short.
Step 4
Tap options menu.
Step 5
Select "Download original video."
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"This Short Is Not Available"
Causes:
- Geographic restrictions
- Private/unlisted Short
- Short was removed
Solutions:
- Try VPN for geographic restrictions
- Verify Short is still public
- Check if URL is correct
Poor Quality Download
Causes:
- Selected low quality option
- Original upload was low quality
- Tool limitations
Solutions:
- Select highest available quality (1080p)
- Check original Short quality
- Use desktop app for best results
Download Button Not Working
Causes:
- Ad blocker blocking functionality
- Site experiencing issues
- Outdated tool
Solutions:
- Temporarily disable ad blocker for download
- Try alternative tool
- Clear browser cache and retry
Downloaded File Has Watermark
Causes:
- Used YouTube Premium download
- Wrong tool/method
- Fake download button (downloaded different file)
Solutions:
- Use third-party tool for watermark-free
- Verify the downloaded file
- Use reputable tools only
Best Practices for Downloading Shorts
For Content Creators
- Download your own Shorts as backups
- Save before making changes to originals
- Keep organized folder structure
- Note original upload dates
For Viewers
- Only download for personal use
- Don't redistribute copyrighted content
- Credit creators if sharing (with permission)
- Use for educational purposes
Technical Tips
- Choose MP4 for best compatibility
- 1080p is usually sufficient quality
- Keep original aspect ratio (9:16)
- Name files descriptively
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How do I download YouTube Shorts without watermark?
Use online tools like SSSYouTube (add "ss" before the URL) or desktop apps like 4K Video Downloader. These third-party tools download the original video without adding watermarks. YouTube's official download feature in YouTube Premium adds a watermark.
Q2Can I download YouTube Shorts on my iPhone?
Yes, use the Documents by Readdle app with its built-in browser to access online downloaders like Y2Mate. Alternatively, use a Shortcuts automation. Direct download from Safari isn't possible due to iOS restrictions.
Q3Is it legal to download YouTube Shorts?
Downloading YouTube Shorts typically violates YouTube's Terms of Service unless you're downloading your own content, Creative Commons licensed Shorts, or have permission from the creator. Personal, private use may fall under fair use in some jurisdictions.
Q4What is the best quality for downloading YouTube Shorts?
1080×1920 (1080p) is the maximum quality for most YouTube Shorts and is recommended for the best viewing experience. File sizes are typically 15-30 MB for a 60-second Short at this quality, which is manageable for most devices.
Q5Why can't I download some YouTube Shorts?
Some Shorts may be restricted due to geographic limitations, copyright claims, age restrictions, or being set to private/unlisted. If a Short plays on YouTube but won't download, try a different tool or check if the Short has special restrictions.
Q6How do I download multiple YouTube Shorts at once?
Use desktop applications like 4K Video Downloader or YT-DLP for batch downloads. Copy multiple URLs and paste them sequentially, or use YT-DLP with a text file containing all URLs. Online tools typically only support one video at a time.
Q7Do downloaded YouTube Shorts expire?
Downloads from third-party tools never expire—the files are yours to keep. YouTube Premium downloads expire after 30 days without an internet connection check. Your own uploads downloaded from YouTube Studio also never expire.
Q8Can I download YouTube Shorts as MP3 (audio only)?
Yes, most tools support audio extraction. In 4K Video Downloader, select "Extract Audio" and choose MP3 format. In YT-DLP, use the
-x --audio-format mp3 flags. Online converters like Y2Mate also offer MP3 options.Conclusion
Downloading YouTube Shorts without watermarks is straightforward with the right tools. For quick downloads, use the SS trick (add "ss" to the URL). For the best quality and reliability, use 4K Video Downloader on desktop. Mobile users can rely on Documents by Readdle (iOS) or TubeMate (Android).
Remember that downloading copyrighted content may violate YouTube's Terms of Service. For fully legal downloads, use YouTube Premium (though it adds watermarks) or download only Creative Commons content and your own uploads.
Related Resources:
- Best YouTube Downloader in 2026
- YouTube to MP4: Best Free Converters
- How to Download YouTube Videos
Written By
NoteLM Team
The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.
AI/ML DevelopmentVideo ProcessingEducational Technology
Sources & References
Last verified: January 8, 2026
Tool availability and features may change. Always verify legal compliance before downloading content.
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