wx_channels_download is a downloader tool for WeChat Channels videos that runs on macOS and Windows systems.
The tool solves the problem of extracting videos from WeChat's Channels feature by intercepting video requests at the network level. It works by running a proxy service that the user starts with administrator privileges. On first launch, the tool automatically installs a certificate to enable HTTPS interception. Once the proxy service is running, the WeChat desktop client can be pointed through it to capture video streams. The tool integrates a download button directly into the WeChat interface, appearing either as a button in the video controls or as a floating button on the page, allowing users to download videos after they begin playback.
The tool is designed for simplicity and minimal resource consumption. Users should run it with administrator privileges and start the proxy service before opening WeChat. The download button appears automatically in the WeChat desktop client once the proxy is active. Videos can be downloaded in multiple quality levels through a dropdown menu, with the default quality matching what WeChat is currently playing. The tool displays completed downloads and appends quality information to filenames. This approach is suitable for users who need to archive or share WeChat Channels content and have access to a Windows or macOS machine.
The project shows active maintenance with regular updates to handle changes in WeChat's video delivery mechanisms. Development activity includes ongoing refinement of the decryption logic and proxy interception methods. The codebase incorporates decryption implementations from multiple upstream sources, indicating the maintainer actively integrates community solutions to keep pace with WeChat's protocol changes.
