Purpose
InstantClips MCP is used to turn e-commerce products into short vertical video ads, suitable for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Stories. It runs a hosted MCP server that enables Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, the Claude app, ChatGPT, or any other MCP client to perform the functions of the web app: import products, draft concepts, and generate videos.
This tool is not a text-to-video generator. InstantClips reads the photos, price, and details from a product page and builds ads based on what actually exists. The concept is first written and shown to the user, and the video is then generated according to the concept.
Main capabilities
- Import a product from a product URL (import_product_from_url), or create a product from images (create_product_from_images).
- First draft an ad concept and return it as text for user review; it can be modified via update_video_direction, or a new angle can be requested via redraft_video_direction.
- Generate a video (generate_video), which requires passing expected_credit_cost, the cost reported to the user by get_product; if the cost does not match, it is rejected and no credits are deducted.
- Poll get_video to obtain the completed MP4 and public share link.
- Brand management: list_brands, create_brand, set_product_brand. Each video is drafted in the brand's voice; if the imported store does not match any existing brand, it stops and asks rather than guessing.
- Supports uploading local photos via an adapter: create_product_from_images accepts image_paths (up to 9 images, 8 MB each), and update_product accepts add_image_paths.
How to use
Paste the hosted endpoint address into the assistant. On the first call, the server will guide you to log in to InstantClips and authorize the assistant, with no need to copy a key. Authorized assistants will be listed in Authorized apps in settings and can be disconnected at any time.
- Claude Code: run /mcp and select instantclips login; --scope user can add it to all projects.
- Codex: add it to ~/.codex/config.toml, then run codex mcp login instantclips.
- Cursor and VS Code: the settings page provides one-click install buttons.
- ChatGPT: add a custom connector in Customize › Connectors, paste https://app.instantclips.ai/mcp and log in.
- Other MCP clients: point to this address via Streamable HTTP.
Scripts, CI jobs, and agents that cannot open the login page can use an access token, which is generated at app.instantclips.ai/settings#ai-access. The instantclips-mcp npm package is a lightweight stdio-to-HTTPS adapter; the token is accepted only through the INSTANTCLIPS_TOKEN environment variable, and Node.js 20 or higher is required.
Suitable scenarios
Suitable for Shopify sellers, dropshippers, brands, and agencies running multiple stores at the same time. It can be used with publishing tools (Postiz, Buffer) and attribution tools, and can also replace an editor when there is only a product page and no assets.
Limitations
Not suitable for cinematic hero videos, on-camera script reading by a real person, horizontal 4K videos, or products without a page and photos. Importing products, drafting, and editing concepts are free; generate_video is the only tool that consumes credits and requires the user's explicit consent. The free starting credits cover the first video, with no bank card required; afterward, one-time credit packs or an Agency membership can be purchased. Specific pricing is not yet provided.
