1. use yt-dlp for highest quality
   install yt-dlp (a maintained fork of youtube-dl) on Windows, Mac or Linux. then run:
   

yt-dlp -f bestvideo+bestaudio "SHORT_URL" -o "ShortTitle.%(ext)s"

this downloads the highest resolution video and audio, merging them into a single file.

1. try 4K Video Downloader (GUI option)
   download and install 4K Video Downloader from https://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader
   paste your YouTube Short link, click Download, choose Highest Quality, then Extract Audio or Download Video.
   
   
2. use an online service (no install)
   go to https://ssyoutube.com/shorts-download, paste the Short URL, select MP4 HD, then click Download to save the file directly from your browser.
   
   
3. employ a browser extension
   install “Video Downloader Professional” from the Chrome Web Store. open the Short, click the extension icon, choose the HD stream, and download.
   
   
4. mobile method (Android)
   install NewPipe from https://newpipe.net/ or F‑Play Store alternative. open the Short within NewPipe, tap the download icon, select Video (1080p), and save.
   
   
5. verify file quality
   open the downloaded video in VLC or your preferred player. go to Tools → Media Information and check resolution, frame rate and bitrate to ensure HD output.
   
   
6. convert if necessary
   if your file is in WebM format, use HandBrake (https://handbrake.fr/) or VLC’s Convert/Save feature to transcode to MP4/H.264 for wider compatibility.
   
   
7. organize your downloads
   create a folder named “YouTube Shorts HD” and save each file with the format ShortTitle_YYYYMMDD.mp4 for easy reference.
   
   
8. respect creator rights
   only download Shorts you own or have explicit permission to use. for Creative Commons–licensed content, credit the original creator when republishing.
   
   
9. update your tools regularly
   keep yt-dlp, 4K Video Downloader and browser extensions up to date to handle YouTube’s evolving video formats and DRM protections.