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How to Watch YouTube’s Vertical Short Videos Without the Mobile App

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube Shorts are vertical videos designed for mobile viewing, but you can watch them on desktop without the app
  • There are multiple methods to watch YouTube Shorts on desktop, including using the website, browser extensions, and third-party tools
  • Watching Shorts on desktop allows you to view them in full-screen mode, customize playback settings, and avoid mobile app limitations

As an experienced tech writer and YouTube enthusiast, I understand the growing popularity of YouTube Shorts and the desire to watch them on larger screens. While Shorts are optimized for mobile viewing, there are several ways to enjoy these vertical videos on your desktop or laptop without the need for the YouTube mobile app.

Method 1: Using the YouTube Website

One of the simplest methods to watch YouTube Shorts on your desktop is through the YouTube website. Here’s how:

  1. Open your web browser and go to www.youtube.com.
  2. In the search bar, type “YouTube Shorts” or any relevant keyword related to the type of Shorts you want to watch.
  3. In the search results, you’ll see a dedicated section for YouTube Shorts with a grid of vertical video thumbnails.
  4. Click on any Short to start playing it in the video player.

While the YouTube website will play Shorts in a horizontal player by default, you can click on the “Full Screen” button (or press the “F11” key on your keyboard) to watch the vertical video in full-screen mode. This method is convenient and doesn’t require any additional software or extensions.

Method 2: Using Browser Extensions

If you prefer a more seamless experience, you can install browser extensions specifically designed for watching YouTube Shorts on desktop. Here are two popular options:

1. Rotate that Video Player

This extension is available for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and other Chromium-based browsers. It allows you to rotate the video player to watch Shorts in their native vertical orientation. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Install the “Rotate that Video Player” extension from your browser’s extension store.
  2. Open a YouTube Short on the website.
  3. Click on the extension’s icon in your browser toolbar to open the rotation panel.
  4. Use the slider or buttons to rotate the video player 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.

2. Video Transformer

Another useful extension is “Video Transformer,” which offers more advanced video manipulation features beyond just rotation. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Install the “Video Transformer” extension from your browser’s extension store.
  2. Open a YouTube Short on the website.
  3. Click on the extension’s icon in your browser toolbar to open the transformation panel.
  4. Use the rotation buttons or hotkeys to rotate the video player to the desired orientation.
  5. Optionally, you can use other features like zooming, flipping, and panning to adjust the video display.

Both extensions provide a more immersive experience for watching YouTube Shorts on desktop, as they allow you to view the videos in their intended vertical orientation without any black bars or cropping.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Tools

If you prefer a standalone application or want more advanced features, you can consider using third-party tools specifically designed for watching and managing YouTube videos, including Shorts. Here are two popular options:

1. YouTube Popout Player

This browser extension allows you to open any YouTube video, including Shorts, in a separate pop-out window or tab. It also includes features like video rotation, looping, and customizable keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Install the “YouTube Popout Player” extension from your browser’s extension store.
  2. Open a YouTube Short on the website.
  3. Right-click on the video and select “Open in Popout Player” (or use the keyboard shortcut you’ve set).
  4. The Short will open in a separate window or tab, which you can then rotate or resize as needed.

2. 4K Video Downloader

While primarily designed for downloading videos, this desktop application also includes a built-in video player with rotation and other playback features. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download and install the “4K Video Downloader” application for your operating system.
  2. Open the application and paste the URL of the YouTube Short you want to watch.
  3. Click on the “Play” button to open the video in the built-in player.
  4. Use the rotation buttons or hotkeys to rotate the video player to the desired orientation.

These third-party tools offer more advanced features and customization options compared to browser extensions, but they may require additional setup or come with a learning curve.

Bonus Tips

Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience when watching YouTube Shorts on desktop:

  • Use a dedicated video player: If you prefer a more traditional video player experience, you can download the Short video and play it in a dedicated media player like VLC or PotPlayer, which support video rotation and other playback features.
  • Adjust video quality: When watching Shorts on desktop, you can adjust the video quality settings to improve the viewing experience, especially on larger screens.
  • Enable theater mode: Some browsers and video players offer a “theater mode” or “immersive mode” that can provide a more cinematic experience for watching videos, including Shorts.
  • Use keyboard shortcuts: Many browser extensions and video players support keyboard shortcuts for quickly rotating, zooming, or adjusting the video display, which can be more convenient than using the mouse or touchpad.

By following these methods and tips, you can enjoy watching YouTube Shorts on your desktop or laptop without the need for the mobile app, allowing you to take advantage of larger screens, customizable playback settings, and a more immersive viewing experience.

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