SkillHub

instagram-reel-downloader-whatsapp

v1.0.1

Download an Instagram Reel via sssinstagram.com and return it as a WhatsApp-ready video file. Use when a reel URL is provided and yt-dlp is blocked or not preferred.

Sourced from ClawHub, Authored by Saif

Installation

Please help me install the skill `instagram-reel-downloader-whatsapp` from SkillHub official store. npx skills add beSaif/instagram-reel-downloader-whatsapp

Instagram Reel via sssinstagram

Requirements

  • Node.js 18+.
  • playwright-core installed in the runtime.
  • Chromium-compatible browser binary available via:
  • BROWSER_EXECUTABLE_PATH (preferred), or
  • default /usr/bin/brave-browser.

Environment variables

  • OPENCLAW_WORKSPACE (optional): workspace root used for output path.
  • REEL_DOWNLOAD_DIR (optional): explicit download directory override.

  • BROWSER_EXECUTABLE_PATH (optional): browser binary path override.

  • Validate input URL.

  • Accept only https://www.instagram.com/reel/... (or /reels/...) links.

  • Run downloader automation script.

  • Execute:
    • node scripts/download_via_sss.mjs "<instagram-url>"

  • On success it prints:

    • MEDIA_PATH=<absolute path>

  • Send the file to user on WhatsApp.

  • Use message action=send with media set to MEDIA_PATH.

  • Add a small caption like Done 🐾.

  • If the site blocks automation.

  • Retry once after a short wait.
  • If it still fails, report failure cleanly and ask user for another link.

Notes

  • Uses BROWSER_EXECUTABLE_PATH if set, otherwise defaults to /usr/bin/brave-browser.
  • Saves videos to REEL_DOWNLOAD_DIR when set, else <workspace>/downloads (OPENCLAW_WORKSPACE or current working directory).
  • Uses Playwright (playwright-core) in headless mode.
  • Optional cleanup script: bash scripts/cleanup_reels.sh 30 (minutes to retain, default 30).
  • For user privacy, do not store links longer than needed for the download run.