YouTube adds a Smart Downloads capability that downloads shorts on Android devices

Have you ever been trapped in a location without an internet connection, longing to watch YouTube Shorts but unable to do so? YouTube has launched a new experiment for you. They are introducing a feature that will download Shorts videos automatically on your device.

This smart inclusion is from the Smart Downloads feature on YouTube, where you can save suggested videos for watching without the internet. But there’s a slight twist to this—it’s available solely for YouTube Premium users on Android and will last until July 15th.

If you are a Premium user, joining in on this experiment is easy. Open the YouTube app, go to Your Premium benefits, and try experimental new features. After selecting it, YouTube will download recommended Shorts according to your watching patterns. You will see these downloads organized in the Smart Downloads area of your profile page.

Now, if you are pondering, “Haven’t I witnessed this earlier?” perhaps your memory is correct. Some sharp observers on Reddit had noticed a comparable characteristic in April. YouTube’s choice to make Shorts more widespread might have come after conducting a small trial.

This can significantly impact people like me who enjoy short-form content but frequently lack Wi-Fi or need to economize data.

But think about it: What comes after? YouTube’s choice to make this a short-term trial implies that they dipped their toes in the water. YouTube Smart Downloads for Shorts’ future might be based on how we, the users, react to it. After all, the company is considering users, with features such as Hype or Notes easing the way they can impact video creators on YouTube.

What are your thoughts? Do you think YouTube should keep this as a permanent feature? Your response might influence the fate of offline video binging. So, it’s time to have fun with those short and amusing videos whenever you want – no need for an internet connection.