How to Download and Record WeChat Video Number Videos

WeChat Video Number (视频号) is a popular platform for sharing short videos, but it lacks a built-in download feature. This article outlines several methods to download or record videos from WeChat Video Number using free tools, focusing on computer-based solutions, including a detailed guide on using ShareX for screen recording. All methods comply with the need to respect platform rules and copyright laws.

Method 1: Using WeChat’s Official Features (For Your Own Videos)

If you’re trying to save videos you’ve posted yourself, WeChat provides a straightforward option.

Steps:

1. Open WeChat, navigate to “Video Number,” and locate your video.
2. Click the “...” button in the top-right corner of the video.
3. Select “Save to Phone” to download directly to your device or “Share” to send it to File Transfer Assistant for manual downloading.

Pros: Simple, no additional tools required.
Cons: Only works for videos you’ve uploaded.

Method 2: Online Video Download Tools

For videos you don’t own, online tools can help by parsing video links.

Steps:

1. In WeChat Video Number, click “...” on the target video and select “Copy Link” or “Share.”
2. Visit a trusted online downloader (e.g., vtool.pro).
3. Paste the video link into the website’s input field and click “Parse” or “Download.”
4. Choose the desired resolution and save the video to your device.

Pros: No software installation needed, user-friendly.
Cons: Success depends on the video link format; use trusted websites to avoid security risks.

Method 3: Third-Party Download Software

Dedicated software can capture video streams from WeChat’s desktop client.

WeChatVideoDownloader

• Description: An open-source tool designed for downloading WeChat Video Number videos and live replays.
• Steps:
  1. Download from GitHub by searching “WeChatVideoDownloader.”
  2. Install and initialize the software (may require a root certificate).
  3. Open WeChat for Windows, play the target video, and the software will detect the video stream.
  4. Click the download link provided by the software to save the video.
• Pros: Free, supports high-quality downloads.
• Cons: Requires setup and technical know-how.

4K Video Downloader+

• Description: A versatile tool that may work for WeChat Video Number links.
• Steps:
  1. Download from 4kdownload.com and install.
  2. Copy the video link from WeChat.
  3. Paste the link into the software, parse, and download.
• Pros: Easy to use, supports multiple platforms.
• Cons: May fail with encrypted WeChat links.

Method 4: Screen Recording with Free Software

If downloading isn’t feasible, screen recording is a reliable alternative. Below are free tools suitable for recording WeChat Video Number videos on a computer.

OBS Studio

• Description: A powerful, open-source tool for screen recording and streaming.
• Steps:
  1. Download from obsproject.com and install.
  2. Add a “Window Capture” source and select the WeChat window.
  3. Play the video in WeChat and click “Start Recording.”
  4. Save the video to your specified folder.
• Pros: High-quality recording, customizable.
• Cons: Steeper learning curve for beginners.

Xbox Game Bar (Windows)

• Description: A built-in Windows 10/11 tool for quick recordings.
• Steps:
  1. Open WeChat and play the video.
  2. Press Win + G to open Xbox Game Bar.
  3. Click “Record” or press Win + Alt + R.
  4. Save the video to “Videos > Captures.”
• Pros: No installation needed, beginner-friendly.
• Cons: Limited customization.

Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

• Description: A browser-based tool for recording without heavy software.
• Steps:
  1. Visit apowersoft.com/free-online-screen-recorder and install the launcher.
  2. Select the WeChat window as the recording area.
  3. Play the video and record, then save as MP4.
• Pros: Lightweight, no large installation.
• Cons: Requires internet and a launcher.

Method 5: Screen Recording with ShareX (Detailed Guide)

ShareX is a free, lightweight, open-source tool ideal for recording WeChat Video Number videos on Windows. Below is a step-by-step guide.

Prerequisites

• Download ShareX: Get it from getsharex.com or Microsoft Store.
• Install FFmpeg: ShareX requires FFmpeg for video encoding. In ShareX, go to “Task Settings” > “Screen Recorder” > “Download FFmpeg” (or manually download from ffmpeg.org).
• Set Up WeChat: Install WeChat for Windows (from wechat.com or Microsoft Store) and log in.

Recording Steps

1. Launch ShareX:
   • Open ShareX from your desktop or system tray.
2. Configure Recording Settings:
   • Go to “Task Settings” > “Screen Recorder.”
   • Set:
     • Video Encoder: FFmpeg.
     • Output Format: MP4.
     • Frame Rate: 30fps (sufficient for WeChat videos).
     • Audio Source: Optional; select “Virtual Audio Device” for system sound (requires tools like VB-CABLE).
3. Select Recording Area:
   • Press Shift + Print Screen or click “Capture” > “Screen Recording.”
   • Drag to select the WeChat window or video playback area.
4. Start Recording:
   • Play the target video in WeChat.
   • Click “Record” or press Ctrl + Print Screen.
5. Stop Recording:
   • Press Shift + Print Screen to stop.
   • The video saves to “Documents > ShareX > Screenshots > Year-Month.”
6. Access the Video:
   • Open ShareX’s “History” to locate the file or navigate to the save folder.

Tips for ShareX

• Optimize WeChat Window: Resize the WeChat window to focus on the video, reducing post-editing.
• System Sound: Install VB-CABLE (vb-audio.com) to capture video audio.
• File Size: Use 720p or 1080p to match WeChat video quality, keeping files manageable.
• Custom Shortcuts: Adjust shortcuts in “Hotkey Settings” if Shift + Print Screen conflicts with other apps.

Troubleshooting ShareX

• No Sound: Ensure the correct audio source is selected or install VB-CABLE.
• Recording Fails: Verify FFmpeg is installed; manually place ffmpeg.exe in ShareX’s directory if needed.
• Laggy Video: Lower the frame rate to 24fps or close other programs.

Important Notes

• Copyright Compliance: Only record or download videos for personal use. Unauthorized distribution or commercial use violates WeChat’s terms and copyright laws.
• Security: Download tools from official sources (e.g., getsharex.com, obsproject.com) to avoid malware.
• Storage: High-quality recordings create large files; ensure sufficient disk space (e.g., 1-minute 1080p video ≈ 50-100MB).
• Platform Limitations: WeChat Video Number links are often encrypted, so direct downloads may fail. Screen recording is more reliable.
• Updates: Tools like ShareX may need updates to handle WeChat’s changes. Check for the latest versions regularly.

Conclusion

Downloading or recording WeChat Video Number videos is achievable with free tools like WeChatVideoDownloader, 4K Video Downloader+, OBS Studio, Xbox Game Bar, or ShareX. For Windows users, ShareX offers a lightweight, powerful solution for screen recording, with easy setup and high-quality output. Always prioritize legal and ethical use, respecting content creators’ rights.