How to Download YouTube Shorts (Save as MP4 or MP3, 2026)

YouTube has no built-in download button for Shorts — at least not one that saves the video to your device permanently. YouTube Premium offers offline viewing inside the app, but the video isn't actually saved to your camera roll and disappears if you cancel your subscription.

Here's how to actually download YouTube Shorts for free in 2026 — as an MP4 video or an MP3 audio file.

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How to Download YouTube Shorts as MP4

ReelFetch lets you download any public YouTube Short as a clean MP4 file in seconds. No login, no app, completely free.

Step 1: Open YouTube and find the Short you want to download

Step 2: Tap the Share button → tap Copy Link

The link will look like: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ABC123

Step 3: Open ReelFetch in your browser

Step 4: The app automatically detects it's a YouTube Short — tap Download

Step 5: Tap Download MP4 to save the video to your device

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How to Extract Audio from a YouTube Video (MP3)

ReelFetch also supports full YouTube video audio extraction. If you paste a regular YouTube video URL (not a Short), ReelFetch automatically switches to audio-only mode and extracts the audio as an MP3 file.

This is perfect for:

• Saving podcast episodes
• Extracting music from music videos
• Keeping lecture or interview audio offline

Step 1: Copy the YouTube video URL — it looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABC123

Step 2: Open ReelFetch and paste the URL

Step 3: You'll see a note: "Full YouTube videos are extracted as audio only (MP3)"

Step 4: Tap Download → tap Download MP3

The audio file saves to your device in full quality.

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Does It Work on iPhone?

Yes — works on iPhone with Safari and Chrome on iOS 16, 17, and 18.

Downloaded files save to your Files app → Downloads folder. For MP4 videos, tap the file → Share → Save Video to move it to your Photos app.

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Does It Work on Android?

Yes — works on Android with Chrome, Firefox, and Samsung Internet.

Files download directly to your Downloads folder and appear in your Gallery automatically.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free?

Yes. ReelFetch is completely free. No subscription, no payment, no hidden fees.

Does it work for private YouTube videos?

No. ReelFetch only works with publicly accessible content. Private or unlisted videos cannot be downloaded.

Is YouTube Premium required?

No. ReelFetch works independently of YouTube Premium and is completely free.

Is it legal to download YouTube Shorts?

Downloading publicly available content for personal use is generally permitted. Always respect the original creator's rights and never re-upload or monetise content you don't own.

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Ready to save your first YouTube Short? Head to ReelFetch and paste your link — it takes under 30 seconds.