Youtube Download Open PiP or download videos, shorts, music, live, audio, thumbnails, subtitles up to 8K + HDR

If you’re tired of juggling different tools just to download a YouTube video, watch it in Picture-in-Picture (PiP), grab subtitles, or save a thumbnail—this one’s for you. Let me introduce you to the YouTube Download iOS Shortcut. It’s powerful, flexible, and designed for users who love control without the clutter.

Let’s break it all down and show you how to make the most out of it.

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What Is the YouTube Download iOS Shortcut?

YouTube Download is an advanced iOS Shortcut that allows you to:

• Watch videos in PiP mode
• Download YouTube videos, Shorts, audio, music, subtitles, and even thumbnails
• Choose from various resolutions and formats
• Keep everything organized right on your iPhone or iPad

It’s compatible with iOS 15 and above, and you’ll need Scriptable and a-Shell mini (or full a-Shell) to get started.

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Key Features at a Glance

This isn’t your average shortcut. Here’s what it brings to the table:

Video & Shorts Downloads (144p to 8K HDR)

You can download videos from 144p all the way to 8K (4320p), including HDR where available. The formats include MP4 (AVC or AV1) and WEBM—perfect for any playback setup.

Music & Audio Support

Whether it’s your favorite song or podcast, you can save audio in:

• M4A
• MP3
• WEBM

Perfect for offline listening on any player.

Subtitles & Thumbnails

You can grab:

• Subtitles embedded directly into the video
• Or as separate SRT files
• High-quality thumbnails, saved straight to your Photos app

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How to Install YouTube Download on iOS

Let’s walk through setting it up.

Step 1: Requirements (iOS 15+, Scriptable, a-Shell mini)

Make sure you have the following:

• iPhone or iPad with iOS 15 or higher
• Scriptable app (free on App Store)
• a-Shell mini (or full a-Shell for advanced users)

Pro Tip: Don’t skip a-Shell—it’s the backbone for media processing.

Step 2: Shortcut Setup Guide

1. Add the YouTube Download shortcut to your Shortcuts library.
2. Give it necessary permissions (network access, file system).
3. Open Scriptable and a-Shell mini once to initialize them.
4. You’re good to go!

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How to Use YouTube Download Shortcut

Method 1: Share Button Integration

When you’re in YouTube or Safari:

1. Tap the Share icon
2. Scroll down and select YouTube Download
3. Choose your format, quality, and what to save

Boom—done!

Method 2: Copy & Run from Shortcuts App

Prefer to run it manually?

1. Copy the YouTube video link
2. Open the Shortcuts app
3. Run YouTube Download
4. Paste the link and proceed

This method gives you more control if Share Sheet doesn’t show the shortcut.

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Video Format and Resolution Support

You can choose from:

• MP4 (AVC or AV1) – Ideal for Photos and Files app
• WEBM – Better quality in smaller sizes
• HDR support – If the original video supports it

Note: HDR and AV1 decoding may not work on older devices. A17 chip (iPhone 15 Pro+) recommended.

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Audio & Music Format Options

You’ve got options depending on where you want to play the audio:

• M4A – Great for Apple Music ecosystem
• MP3 – Universally compatible
• WEBM – Lightweight with good quality

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Subtitles Support: Embedded or SRT File

Subtitles can be either:

• Embedded into the video
• Saved separately as an SRT file

Subtitle Playback and Visibility Tips

In the Photos app, subtitles only show if one language is embedded. Otherwise:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning
2. Toggle Closed Captions + SDH

This makes sure iOS reads and displays them.

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Thumbnail Download and Saving

Each video or Shorts you process can also save:

• High-resolution thumbnails
• Stored directly in the Photos app

Useful if you’re building a YouTube archive or designing covers!

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Customizing User Settings

Want to tweak download formats or resolution preferences?

Accessing and Modifying Preferences

Just run the shortcut manually from the Shortcuts app. It will walk you through user settings like:

• Preferred format (MP4 vs WEBM)
• Subtitle mode
• Audio vs video priority

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Supported Media Player Compatibility

Want to know where your downloaded videos will work? Here’s a quick rundown:

Player	MP4 AVC	MP4 AV1	WEBM	HDR	Embedded Subs	SRT
Photos	✅	❌	❌	✅	✅¹	❌
Files	✅	✅²	✅	✅	✅¹	✅
nPlayer	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Infuse	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅ (Trial)
VLC	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
MX Video Player	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

¹ Subtitles visible in Photos/Files if only one language is embedded
² AV1 decoding requires A17 chip or M3 chip—battery-heavy!

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Power Tips for Managing Downloads

Downloaded too many files? Try this:

Organizing Files in the Files App

1. Open the Files app
2. Tap the top-right menu
3. Choose:
   • Sort by Date
   • Show All Extensions

Now, you’ll easily find the latest MP4, MP3, SRT, and images.

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Known Limitations and Battery Usage Notes

Using AV1 decoding or HDR playback on lower-end devices might:

• Drain battery quickly
• Cause lag or playback errors

Stick to MP4 AVC for best balance between quality and performance.

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Recent Updates: Version 3.3.2 Changelog

📅 2025-05-08

• Fixed ‘ab11fe69’ error, a known bug causing crashes during subtitle fetch.

Always keep your shortcut updated for best results!

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Final Thoughts

The YouTube Download iOS Shortcut is a powerhouse for media lovers. Whether you’re building a collection of HD videos, pulling thumbnails for content creation, or saving songs offline, it has you covered. And with just a few taps, your favorite content is ready to go—your way, your rules.

You can also use: Log Water Shortcut – Easily Track Water Intake

Frequently Asked Questions