This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ between countries; if you're unsure about a specific use, ask a qualified lawyer.
The short answer
It depends on whose video it is and whether you have permission. Downloading your own videos, or videos the creator has licensed for reuse, is generally fine. Downloading other people's videos without permission goes against YouTube's Terms of Service and may infringe copyright.
What YouTube's Terms of Service say
YouTube's Terms of Service say you may not download content unless YouTube expressly allows it through the service, such as a download button, or you have prior written permission from YouTube and, where applicable, the rights holders.
YouTube Premium's offline downloads are an example of a permitted download, but they stay inside the YouTube app rather than giving you a file.
Copyright is a separate question
Every video is owned by someone. Copying it without the owner's permission can be copyright infringement, regardless of YouTube's own rules. Some countries have exceptions, such as fair use in the US or fair dealing in the UK, Canada and India, that can cover limited uses like criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching or research. These exceptions are narrow and judged case by case, so don't rely on them for routine downloading.
When downloading is clearly fine
- Your own uploads. You own them. YouTube Studio also lets you download your own videos.
- Creative Commons videos. Videos marked Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) may be reused, including downloading, as long as you credit the creator.
- Public domain works. Content whose copyright has expired or that was dedicated to the public domain.
- With permission. When the creator has told you, ideally in writing, that you may download and use their video.
How to find Creative Commons videos
- Search on YouTube as usual.
- Open Filters and, under Features, choose Creative Commons.
- On a video's page, check the description: licensed videos show Creative Commons Attribution licence (reuse allowed).
Blender's open movie Big Buck Bunny, used by the Try an example button on our downloader, is one such video.
What Shorts Downloader does and doesn't do
- It only downloads videos YouTube makes publicly available. It doesn't bypass DRM, paywalls, age verification, or private and members-only restrictions.
- It doesn't add or remove watermarks or alter the video.
- It isn't affiliated with YouTube or Google.
- You're responsible for making sure you have the right to download and use what you save. See our Terms of Service.