How to Get YouTube Video ID from Shorts, Mobile & Desktop URLs
YouTube videos can be accessed through many different types of URLs. Depending on whether you are using a desktop browser, a mobile device, or watching YouTube Shorts, the link format may look completely different.
Despite these differences, every YouTube video still has one thing in common: a unique YouTube Video ID. Knowing how to extract this ID from any URL format is essential for embedding videos, using YouTube APIs, tracking analytics, and managing content efficiently.
If you are new to this topic, it helps to first understand what a YouTube Video ID is and how it works across different platforms.
In this complete guide, you will learn how to get a YouTube Video ID from desktop URLs, mobile URLs, and YouTube Shorts links—with clear examples and best practices.
👉 For the fastest and easiest method, you can use this free tool: YouTube Video ID Extractor .
What Is a YouTube Video ID?
A YouTube Video ID is a unique 11-character identifier assigned to every video uploaded to YouTube. This ID is used internally by YouTube and externally by websites, apps, and APIs to reference a specific video.
Example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
The Video ID is:
dQw4w9WgXcQ
No matter which device or URL format you use, the Video ID always stays the same.
Why YouTube URLs Look Different
YouTube serves content across multiple platforms, including:
- Desktop browsers
- Mobile browsers
- Official mobile apps
- YouTube Shorts
- Embedded players
Each platform uses a slightly different URL structure to optimize user experience, but all formats still point to the same underlying Video ID.
To avoid confusion between different identifiers, you may also want to read YouTube Video ID vs Channel ID , especially if you work with APIs.
How to Get YouTube Video ID from Desktop URLs
Desktop URLs are the most common and easiest to understand.
Standard Desktop URL Format
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEOID
Example
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
To get the Video ID:
- Copy the full URL
- Find the value after
v= - Ignore any extra parameters
The correct Video ID is dQw4w9WgXcQ.
How to Get YouTube Video ID from Mobile URLs
Mobile YouTube URLs usually include an m. subdomain.
Mobile URL Format
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEOID
Example
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
The extraction process is the same as desktop URLs. Look for the value after v=.
However, mobile URLs often include tracking parameters, which makes manual extraction slightly more error-prone.
How to Get YouTube Video ID from YouTube Shorts URLs
YouTube Shorts use a unique URL format that often confuses users.
YouTube Shorts URL Format
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VIDEOID
Example
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dQw4w9WgXcQ
The Video ID appears directly after /shorts/.
For a deeper breakdown of Shorts-specific behavior, see this guide: How to Get YouTube Video ID from Shorts .
Common Problems When Extracting Video IDs
Manually extracting Video IDs can lead to mistakes, especially when URLs include extra data.
- Including playlist parameters
- Copying timestamps (
&t=) - Confusing Shorts URLs with playlist links
- Accidentally copying the wrong ID
These issues are explained in more detail in common YouTube Video ID errors .
Best Way to Get YouTube Video ID from Any URL
The most reliable method is to use an automated extraction tool.
- Supports desktop, mobile, Shorts, and embed URLs
- Automatically removes extra parameters
- No login or API key required
- Instant and accurate results
Conclusion
YouTube Video IDs remain consistent across desktop, mobile, and Shorts URLs—even though the link formats look different. Understanding where to find the Video ID in each format helps you avoid errors and work more efficiently.
This tutorial is part of our complete YouTube Video ID learning series , designed for creators, developers, and marketers.