# Audio & Video Downloader | Shortcuts Library

> Only 4 clicks to download media from YouTube and many other sites, directly on iOS

## What this shortcut does

Audio & Video Downloader
Only 4 clicks to download media from YouTube and many other sites, directly on iOS. Powered by “
yt-dlp
” and “
a-Shell mini
”. Fully automated.
This shortcut enables seamless downloading of Audios & Videos from YouTube and thousands of other supported sites, directly on iOS. Leveraging the power of “
yt-dlp
”, a feature-rich audio/video downloader and “
a-Shell mini
”, a powerful terminal app for iOS, it automates fetching media, auto-generates filenames from video titles, and saves files locally for easy access.
Key Features:
Flexible Formats:
Choose between Audio (M4A) or Video (MP4) output.
Two Input Methods:
Download via Share Sheet (from apps/browsers) or Clipboard links.
Auto-Naming:
Uses the video’s title as the filename.
Track Progress:
colorful, easy to understand, real-time download progress.
Local Storage:
Downloaded files saved to “On My iPhone/a-Shell” directory in the “Files” App for offline use or sharing.
Downloads auto-reveal
in “Files” App post-completion.
“yt-dlp”:
Auto-Install & Auto-Update for continuous compatibility.
Requirements:
iOS 18, 17, 16
“a-Shell mini” (with “yt-dlp” installed)
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1. Get the “a-Shell mini” iOS App
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543537943
Download the “a-Shell mini” app from the iOS App Store.
STEP 2. Download your media with
“Audio & Video Downloader”
Method #1: via Share Sheet
Find a video you want to download either through the YouTube App or via Safari or any other Browser (
“yt-dlp” works on various websites besides YouTube, test to confirm compatibility
).
Click “Share” to open the “Share Sheet”.
Click “More” if applicable.
Select “Audio & Video Downloader”.
The YouTube/Video link will be pre-populated automatically. You can also delete the link and type a new one.
Click “Done” to proceed.
Choose which file format to download from the Shortcut Menu:
“
Audio - M4A
”
“
Video - MP4
”
“a-Shell mini” App will open automatically.
You’ll see the download begins and its progress (
keep “a-Shell mini” app open in the foreground
).
Once the download finishes, the “Files” app will open automatically at “On My iPhone/a-Shell” directory (on your device, not iCloud Drive).
You’ll see your downloaded Audio or Video file in this directory and then you can copy/move it to another location or App.
Method #2: via Clipboard
Find a video you want to download either through the YouTube App or via Safari or any other Browser (
“yt-dlp” works on various websites besides YouTube, test to confirm compatibility
).
Copy the link of the Video to the Clipboard.
Open the Shortcuts app and select the “Audio & Video Downloader” shortcut.
The YouTube/Video link will be pasted automatically from the clipboard. You can also delete the link and type a new one.
Click “Done” to proceed.
Choose which file format to download from the Shortcut Menu:
“
Audio - M4A
”
“
Video - MP4
”
“a-Shell mini” App will open automatically.
You’ll see the download begins and its progress (keep “a-Shell mini” app open in the foreground).
Once the download finishes, the “Files” app will open automatically at “On My iPhone/a-Shell” directory (on your device, not iCloud Drive).
You’ll see your downloaded Audio or Video file in this directory and then you can copy/move it to another location or App.
“Audio & Video Downloader” iOS Shortcut
@MarkTJSun - 2025.03 - v.0.0.2

## Compatibility

iPhone, iPad

## Required apps

a-Shell

[View this page](https://shortcutlibrary.app/shortcuts/audio-video-downloader)

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