Exploring F2: A Python Library for Multi-Platform Content Downloading and Data Handling

Have you ever needed to pull videos, images, or other content from platforms like DouYin, TikTok, Twitter, or WeiBo? If you’re a developer or someone interested in automating these tasks, F2 might be a useful tool. It’s a Python library designed to handle downloads and process data from multiple platforms in a straightforward way. This post will walk you through what F2 is, how to set it up, and how to use its features, all based on the details from its documentation.

F2 stands out because it supports several popular platforms and is built to be expandable. You can use it to fetch user profiles, download single videos, or even handle live streams. The library includes both a command-line interface for quick tasks and API methods for more custom scripts. Let’s start with the basics and build from there.

What Is F2 and What Can It Do?

F2 is an open-source Python library available on PyPI. It focuses on downloading content and managing API data from sites like DouYin (the Chinese version of TikTok), TikTok, Twitter, and WeiBo. The goal is to make it simple to get what you need without dealing with each platform’s unique rules every time.

For example, if you want to download a video from DouYin, F2 handles the API calls and saves the file for you. It also processes things like user information or live chat messages. Since it’s flexible, you can adapt it for other platforms if needed.

One key thing about F2 is its badges and links: it shows download counts, version info, and community spots like Discord. These help you see how active the project is. The library is licensed under Apache-2.0, which means you can use and modify it freely, as long as you follow the rules.

If you’re wondering why someone might use F2, think about tasks like archiving your favorite posts or analyzing content trends. It’s not for commercial scraping, but for personal or research use, keeping in mind platform terms.

Getting Started with F2

Ready to try it? The setup is simple, but let’s go step by step.

Preparing Your Environment

Before installing, make sure you have Python installed—version 3.8 or higher works best. You’ll also need a terminal or command prompt. No special hardware is required, just a standard computer setup.

Installing F2

There are a few ways to install:

1. Using a Package Manager: This is the easiest. Open your terminal and type:

   pip install f2
   

   This pulls the latest version from PyPI.

2. Building from Source: If you want the development version:

   • Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/Johnserf-Seed/f2.git
   • Navigate to the folder: cd f2
   • Install: python setup.py install

After installation, check it with f2 --version. If it shows a number like 0.0.1.7, you’re good.

First Steps in Using F2

Once installed, you can run basic commands. For instance, to see help: f2 --help. This lists options for different platforms.

What’s next? Look at the configuration to tailor it to your needs.

Setting Up Configuration Files

F2 uses configuration files to control things like where files save or how to handle logins.

The Main Configuration File

This is a YAML file, usually at ~/.f2/conf.yaml. It sets defaults for downloads, logs, and more.

Creating an Initial Configuration

F2 creates a default file on first run. Or use f2 init-config to make one.

Customizing Your Settings

Edit the file to change paths or enable features. For example:

• Download folder: Set download_path to your preferred directory.
• Turn on notifications: Change enable_bark to true.

Adding Cookies for Logins

Some features, like accessing private content, need cookies. Copy them from your browser and add to the config under cookie.

Where is the file located? In your user’s home directory under .f2. If you move it, set an environment variable to point to the new spot.

After setup, you’re ready for more advanced use.

Working with the Command Line Interface

The CLI makes F2 easy to use without writing code.

Temporary Settings in CLI

Add flags for one-time changes, like f2 douyin --cookie "your_cookie".

Extending Functionality

Each platform has subcommands, such as f2 douyin for DouYin tasks.

Examples of CLI Use

• Download a single DouYin video: f2 douyin fetch_one_video -u "video_link"
• Get Twitter user posts: f2 twitter fetch_post_tweet -u "user_id"

For details, add --help to any command.

Advanced Features in F2

As you get comfortable, try these.

Collecting Multiple DouYin Live Streams

To grab several live feeds at once:

1. List the room IDs.
2. Use the API in a loop: For each ID, call fetch_user_live_videos_by_room_id.
3. Save the FLV files.

Forwarding DouYin Live Chat Messages

Set up WebSocket in config, then use fetch_live_danmaku to get and send messages.

More features are coming, as the docs are updating.

Recent Updates in F2

F2 evolves with new versions. Here’s what’s new.

Version 0.0.1.7-pw2

• Added support for Bark notifications: Download the app from App Store and set it up in config.
• Opened the ab algorithm: Allows custom user agents, but keep them standard.
• New live chat forwarding for DouYin and TikTok: Follow the WSS guide.
• Notification toggle: Set enable_bark to true.
• See the full changelog for details.

Version 0.0.1.6-pw2

• Updated config format: Move old settings if needed.
• Standardized time to UTC/GMT+08:00.
• Changed file types: Lives to FLV, albums to webp.
• Fixed TikTok 403 errors.
• Default to ab algorithm.

Version 0.0.1.5-pw2

• Custom user agents in XBogus.
• Rebuilt database with raw data.
• Unified return types.
• Added _to_raw method.
• Updated filename rules.
• Fixed DouYin collection links.

Check these when updating to avoid issues.

Documentation and Future Plans

The docs are at f2.wiki, covering setup, APIs, and more. They’re improving, so watch for updates.

Upcoming:

• Version 0.0.1.8 adds BiliBili and NetEaseMusic.
• More APIs and CLI improvements.
• Better CLI experience.
• Socket proxies, cookie pools, etc.
• WebAPI version.
• See discussions for full list.

Changelogs are in CHANGELOG.md.

Features and Tools by Platform

F2 organizes features per platform. Green means ready, yellow in progress, brown paused, blue future, red dropping.

Account types: Purple for login needed, black for no login.

Bark Features

Feature	Account Type	API Method	Status
Send notification (GET)	Unknown	fetch_bark_notification	Ready
Send notification (POST)	Unknown	post_bark_notification	Ready
Send encrypted notification	Unknown	cipher_bark_notification	Ready

Tools:

Tool	Class	Method	Status
Manage client settings	ClientConfManager	–	Ready
Generate random number bytes	–	generate_numeric_bytes	Ready

DouYin Features

Feature	Account Type	API Method	Status
User info	Login/Guest	fetch_user_profile	Ready
Single work (video, album, note)	Login/Guest	fetch_one_video	Ready
Live album	Login/Guest	fetch_one_video	Ready
Home works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_post_videos	Ready
Liked works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_like_videos	Ready
Collection folder works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_collects_videos	Ready
Collected works	Login	fetch_user_collection_videos	Ready
Collected music	Login	fetch_user_music_collection	Ready
Collected collections	Login	fetch_user_mix_collection	Future
Collected series	Login	fetch_user_series_collection	Paused
Collection works	Guest	fetch_user_mix_videos	Ready
Home feed works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_feed_videos	Ready
Similar recommended works	Guest	fetch_related_videos	Ready
Live room info (stream download)	Guest	fetch_user_live_videos, fetch_user_live_videos_by_room_id	Ready
Live chat payload	Guest	fetch_live_im	Ready
Live chat messages	Guest	fetch_live_danmaku	Ready
Query user basic info	Login/Guest	fetch_query_user	Ready
Followed users live	Login/Guest	fetch_user_following_lives	Ready
Following user info	Login/Guest	fetch_user_following	Ready
Follower user info	Login/Guest	fetch_user_follower	Ready
Following user works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_following_videos	Paused
Follower user works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_follower_videos	Paused
Friend works	Login	fetch_friend_feed_videos	Ready
Increase play count	Login/Guest	fetch_post_stats	Ready
Search videos	Guest	fetch_search_videos	Future
Search users	Guest	fetch_search_users	Future
Search lives	Guest	fetch_search_lives	Future
Suggested searches	Guest	fetch_search_suggest	Paused
Hot searches	Guest	fetch_hot_search	Paused
Work comments	Login/Guest	fetch_video_comments	Future
Watch history	Login	fetch_user_history_read	Paused
Watch later	Login	fetch_user_watch_later	Paused

Tools for DouYin:

Tool	Class	Method	Status
Manage client settings	ClientConfManager	–	Ready
Generate real msToken	TokenManager	gen_real_msToken	Ready
Generate fake msToken	TokenManager	gen_false_msToken	Ready
Generate ttwid	TokenManager	gen_ttwid	Ready
Generate webid	TokenManager	gen_webid	Ready
Generate verify_fp	VerifyFpManager	gen_verify_fp	Ready
Generate s_v_web_id	VerifyFpManager	gen_s_v_web_id	Ready
Generate live signature	DouyinWebcastSignature	get_signature	Ready
Generate Xb from endpoint string	XBogusManager	str_2_endpoint	Ready
Generate Xb from model	XBogusManager	model_2_endpoint	Ready
Generate Ab from endpoint string	ABogusManager	str_2_endpoint	Ready
Generate Ab from model	ABogusManager	model_2_endpoint	Ready
Extract single user ID	SecUserIdFetcher	get_sec_user_id	Ready
Extract list user IDs	SecUserIdFetcher	get_all_sec_user_id	Ready
Extract single work ID	AwemeIdFetcher	get_aweme_id	Ready
Extract list work IDs	AwemeIdFetcher	get_all_aweme_id	Ready
Extract single collection ID	MixIdFetcher	get_mix_id	Ready
Extract list collection IDs	MixIdFetcher	get_all_mix_id	Ready
Extract single live room ID	WebCastIdFetcher	get_webcast_id	Ready
Extract list live room IDs	WebCastIdFetcher	get_all_webcast_id	Ready
Format file names globally	–	format_file_name	Ready
Create user folder	–	create_user_folder	Ready
Rename user folder	–	rename_user_folder	Ready
Create or rename user folder	–	create_or_rename_user_folder	Ready
Convert JSON lyrics to LRC	–	json_2_lrc	Ready

TikTok Features

Feature	Account Type	API Method	Status
User info	Login/Guest	fetch_user_profile	Ready
Single work	Login/Guest	fetch_one_video	Ready
Home works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_post_videos	Ready
Liked works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_like_videos	Ready
Collected works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_collect_videos	Ready
Playlists	Login/Guest	fetch_play_list	Ready
Playlist works	Login/Guest	fetch_user_mix_videos	Ready
Work search	Login/Guest	fetch_search_videos	Ready
Live room info	Guest	fetch_user_live_videos	Ready
Live chat payload	Guest	fetch_live_im	Ready
Live chat messages	Guest	fetch_live_danmaku	Ready
Check live status	Login/Guest	fetch_check_live_alive	Ready

Tools for TikTok:

Tool	Class	Method	Status
Manage client settings	ClientConfManager	–	Ready
Generate real msToken	TokenManager	gen_real_msToken	Ready
Generate fake msToken	TokenManager	gen_false_msToken	Ready
Generate ttwid	TokenManager	gen_ttwid	Ready
Generate odin_tt	TokenManager	gen_odin_tt	Ready
Generate Xb from endpoint string	XBogusManager	str_2_endpoint	Ready
Generate Xb from model	XBogusManager	model_2_endpoint	Ready
Extract single user ID	SecUserIdFetcher	get_secuid	Ready
Extract list user IDs	SecUserIdFetcher	get_all_secuid	Ready
Extract single unique user ID	SecUserIdFetcher	get_uniqueid	Ready
Extract list unique user IDs	SecUserIdFetcher	get_all_uniqueid	Ready
Extract list secUid	SecUserIdFetcher	get_all_secUid	Ready
Extract single work ID	AwemeIdFetcher	get_aweme_id	Ready
Extract list work IDs	AwemeIdFetcher	get_all_aweme_id	Ready
Generate device ID	DeviceIdManager	gen_device_id	Ready
Generate device ID list	DeviceIdManager	gen_device_ids	Ready
Format file names globally	–	format_file_name	Ready
Create user folder	–	create_user_folder	Ready
Rename user folder	–	rename_user_folder	Ready
Create or rename user folder	–	create_or_rename_user_folder	Ready

Twitter Features

Feature	Account Type	API Method	Status
Post details	Login/Guest	fetch_tweet_detail	Ready
User info	Login/Guest	fetch_user_profile	Ready
Home posts	Login/Guest	fetch_post_tweet	Ready
Liked posts	Login	fetch_like_tweet	Ready
Bookmarked posts	Login	fetch_bookmark_tweet	Ready

Tools for Twitter:

Tool	Class	Method	Status
Manage client settings	ClientConfManager	–	Ready
Extract unique user ID	UniqueIdFetcher	get_unique_id	Ready
Extract list unique user IDs	UniqueIdFetcher	get_all_unique_ids	Ready
Extract post ID	TweetIdFetcher	get_tweet_id	Ready
Extract list post IDs	TweetIdFetcher	get_all_tweet_ids	Ready
Format file names globally	–	format_file_name	Ready
Create user folder	–	create_user_folder	Ready
Rename user folder	–	rename_user_folder	Ready
Create or rename user folder	–	create_or_rename_user_folder	Ready
Extract post text	–	extract_desc	Ready

WeiBo Features

Feature	Account Type	API Method	Status
User info	Login/Guest	fetch_user_info	Ready
User details	Login/Guest	fetch_user_detail	Ready
Home posts	Login/Guest	fetch_user_weibo	Ready
Post details	Login/Guest	fetch_weibo_detail	Ready

Tools for WeiBo:

Tool	Class	Method	Status
Manage client settings	ClientConfManager	–	Ready
Generate visitor cookie	VisitorManager	gen_visitor	Ready
Extract post ID	WeiboIdFetcher	get_weibo_id	Ready
Extract list post IDs	WeiboIdFetcher	get_all_weibo_id	Ready
Extract user ID	WeiboUidFetcher	get_weibo_uid	Ready
Extract list user IDs	WeiboUidFetcher	get_all_weibo_uid	Ready
Extract user name	WeiboScreenNameFetcher	get_weibo_screen_name	Ready
Extract list user names	WeiboScreenNameFetcher	get_all_weibo_screen_name	Ready
Format file names globally	–	format_file_name	Ready
Create user folder	–	create_user_folder	Ready
Rename user folder	–	rename_user_folder	Ready
Create or rename user folder	–	create_or_rename_user_folder	Ready
Extract post text	–	extract_desc	Ready

For code examples, check the API guide at f2.wiki/guide/api-examples.

Visual Examples of F2 in Action

Seeing it work helps. Here are screenshots.

Bark Examples

GET notification:

Notification view:

POST notification:

Encrypted notification:

DouYin Examples

Single work:

Home works:

Liked works:

Collected works:

Collection folder:

Collected music:

Collection works (from any link):

Collection link:

Single live:

Batch live:

Related recommendations:

Friend works:

Live chat:

https://github.com/Johnserf-Seed/f2/assets/40727745/500d1eaf-59ba-44ba-849b-666c0ddf8469

TikTok Examples

Single work:

Home works:

Liked works:

Collected works:

Playlist works:

Work search:

Live chat similar to DouYin.

Twitter Examples

Single post:

Home posts:

Liked posts:

Bookmarked posts:

WeiBo Examples

Single post:

Home posts:

Project Layout

F2’s structure is organized for easy navigation. It includes folders for docs, core code, tests, and more. Key parts are the apps directory with platform modules, conf for settings, and utils for shared tools.

Sponsors and How to Contribute

TikHub sponsors F2, offering data APIs. Sign up with referral 6hLcGD94 for extra credit.

To contribute, read the guide. Submit issues or code changes.

Thanks to tools like Python, click, rich, httpx, and others for making F2 possible.

Rules and License

Follow crawling rules—no illegal use. Don’t share personal data. Apache-2.0 license. For business use, link to the repo and keep copyrights.

Contact

Email support@f2.wiki or join Discord for questions about F2.

Common Questions

How do I fix TikTok 403 errors?

Update to v0.0.1.6-pw2 or later, as it’s fixed there.

Where can I find more examples?

In the snippets folder or API guide.

Does F2 need login for everything?

No, only for private content; public stuff works without.

How to enable notifications?

Set enable_bark to true and configure Bark app.

What’s the best way to debug?

Use logging or debug scripts from snippets.

Can I add more platforms?

Yes, it’s designed to expand—check dev guide.

This covers F2 thoroughly. If it fits your needs, give it a try.