# IShort MCP: Instagram research in Claude and ChatGPT

> IShort MCP is a free remote MCP server at https://ishort.pro/mcp that lets Claude (and ChatGPT, in beta) use 12 tools over your own IShort Instagram research: reel transcripts, your script library, competitor reports, link-in-bio edits and analytics. It's included on every IShort plan, runs on IShort's servers and never needs your Instagram password.

Source: https://ishort.pro/instagram-mcp.html · Updated 25 Oct 2026 · Claude and ChatGPT setup steps checked on Anthropic's and OpenAI's help pages on 25 Oct 2026.

Video (2 min 12 s): https://ishort.pro/assets/mcp/ishort-mcp-claude-journey.mp4 (research in the extension, transcribe, saved scripts, connect Claude, ask Claude).

## Key facts
- **Server URL:** `https://ishort.pro/mcp` (streamable HTTP).
- **Auth:** claude.ai and Claude Desktop sign in with Google (OAuth, no API key). Claude Code, Cursor and scripts use an API key (`Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY`).
- **API keys:** sign in at https://ishort.pro/dashboard (free Google sign-in) → Settings → API Keys → Create key. Keys look like `ishort_sk_…`, are shown once; up to 5 keys, each revocable. Connect page: https://ishort.pro/dashboard/connect
- **Price:** included on every IShort plan, including Free.
- **Quotas:** new transcriptions use your AI transcript allowance: Free 10 (one-time), Hobby 250 a month, Creator 1,000 a month. Reels anyone already transcribed come back instantly and free (global cache).
- **Rate limits (per hour):** transcribe 10 calls; link-in-bio writes 20; everything else 60.
- **Runs server-side:** your browser, the IShort extension and Instagram don't need to be open. Public reel lookups work server-side (our check on 24 Oct 2026: 3 of 3 public reels resolved).
- **Instagram login:** never shared. IShort never asks for your Instagram password or session cookie, and Claude never sees them; Claude signs in to your IShort account with Google (OAuth). Server-side reel lookups use the reel's public page, not your account.
- **Safety:** no Instagram password, ever. IShort never posts, likes, follows or messages on Instagram. The only write tool is `update_bio_page` (your own IShort link-in-bio page). Tool output never pushes upgrades.
- **What the assistant can read:** your IShort scripts (transcripts you made), your competitor reports, your bio page and its analytics, your usage, and public reel details for URLs you paste.
- **Claude plans (Anthropic, checked 25 Oct 2026):** custom connectors work on Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise; Free allows one custom connector; on Team/Enterprise an Owner adds it for the organization. Source: https://claude.com/docs/connectors/custom/add-unlisted
- **ChatGPT (beta, OpenAI, checked 25 Oct 2026):** custom MCP servers are listed for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise and Edu on ChatGPT web; on Business only admins and owners can add one. IShort's ChatGPT sign-in path is still being tested end to end. Source: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt
- **Platform stat:** 370,000+ reels analyzed on IShort (Oct 2026).

## Connect, step by step

### claude.ai (recommended, about 60 seconds, no API key)
1. In claude.ai, go to Customize → Connectors and click “Add custom connector”.
2. Name it IShort, paste the server URL and click Add. Server URL: `https://ishort.pro/mcp`.
3. Click Connect, sign in with the Google account you use for IShort, and press Allow.
4. In any chat, turn IShort on from the + menu under Connectors, then just ask.

Connectors page: https://claude.ai/customize/connectors

### Claude Desktop
Connectors carry over from claude.ai, so there's nothing to install.
1. Add IShort on claude.ai (steps above).
2. Open Claude Desktop signed in with the same account.
3. Turn IShort on from the + menu under Connectors in any chat.

### Claude Code
```bash
claude mcp add --transport http ishort https://ishort.pro/mcp --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY"
```
Replace `YOUR_KEY` with your IShort API key.

### Cursor and any JSON-config client
Add to `~/.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ishort": {
      "type": "streamable-http",
      "url": "https://ishort.pro/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### ChatGPT (Beta)
OpenAI lists custom MCP servers for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise and Edu on the web.
1. In ChatGPT on the web, open Plugins, click the plus button and choose "Add custom MCP server".
2. Name it IShort and enter `https://ishort.pro/mcp` under Connection.
3. Set up sign-in, tick "I understand and want to continue", then click "Create as a plugin".
4. In a chat, select IShort for your message and ask.

## The 12 tools

| Tool | What it does | Sign-in needed |
|---|---|---|
| `transcribe_reel` | Transcribe any reel: Paste an Instagram URL, get the full script. Cached reels come back instantly and free. | Yes |
| `get_reel_details` | Pull a reel’s numbers: Views, likes, comments, duration and caption for any public reel. | Yes |
| `list_my_scripts` | Browse your script library: Everything you’ve transcribed, with views and engagement. Filter by account. | Yes |
| `search_my_scripts` | Search your scripts: Find every saved script that mentions a topic, hook or phrase. | Yes |
| `list_my_competitor_reports` | List your breakdowns: Your saved competitor reports, newest first. | Yes |
| `get_competitor_report` | Open a breakdown: The full report for a handle: posting pace, averages and outliers. | Yes |
| `get_my_bio_page` | Read your bio page: Your current links, socials and copy at ishort.pro/yourname. | Yes |
| `update_bio_page` | Update your bio page: Let Claude add a link or rewrite your bio copy. | Yes |
| `get_bio_analytics` | Check bio analytics: Views, clicks and CTR for your public page. | Yes |
| `get_my_usage` | Check your quota: Plan, transcriptions left and lifetime research counts. | Yes |
| `get_product_overview` | Explain IShort: What IShort does (no sign-in needed). | No |
| `find_guide` | Find a guide: Search IShort’s how-to guides (no sign-in needed). | No |

## Example prompts
- **Break down your saved hooks:** "Find the scripts I saved in IShort about storytelling. Break down each hook and why it worked, with the views."
- **Write your next hooks:** "Now write 3 hooks for my next reel, based on what worked in these scripts."
- **Compare with a competitor:** "What is @yourcompetitor doing in their top reels that I'm not? Use my IShort competitor report and my own scripts to compare us."
- **Update your link in bio:** "Add my new video to my link in bio and tell me which link got the most clicks this week."

## FAQ
### Do I have to share my Instagram password or login?
No. IShort never asks for your Instagram password or session cookie, and Claude never sees them. Claude signs in to your IShort account with Google. Some Instagram MCP servers ask for your password or a session cookie; IShort needs neither, because it works from your own IShort research and public reel links.

### What is an MCP server?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets an AI assistant use other apps for you. IShort’s MCP server lives at https://ishort.pro/mcp and gives Claude or ChatGPT 12 tools over your own IShort research.

### Is IShort MCP free?
Yes, on every IShort plan, including Free. New transcriptions use your AI transcript allowance (Free 10 one-time, Hobby 250 a month, Creator 1,000 a month); reels someone already transcribed are free. Custom connectors work on every Claude plan, and Claude Free allows one.

### Do I need an API key?
Not for claude.ai or Claude Desktop: you sign in with Google. Claude Code, Cursor and scripts need a key from Settings → API Keys in your IShort dashboard.

### Does it work with ChatGPT?
In beta. OpenAI lists custom MCP servers for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise and Edu on the web. IShort has a ChatGPT sign-in path, but we’re still testing the full flow, so claude.ai is recommended today.

### Does my browser need to stay open?
No. IShort MCP runs on IShort’s servers, so your browser, the extension and Instagram can all be closed. Reel lookups happen server-side too: in our 24 Oct 2026 check, 3 of 3 public reels resolved.

### Can it post to Instagram or use my account?
No. IShort MCP never logs in to Instagram as you, so it can’t post, like, follow or message, and nothing runs on your account. Reel lookups use the reel’s public page from IShort’s servers. The only thing it can change is your own IShort link-in-bio page.

### What can Claude read?
Only your IShort data: the scripts you transcribed, your competitor reports, your bio page and its analytics, your usage, and public details for reel URLs you paste.

### How do I disconnect?
Remove IShort under Customize → Connectors in Claude. For Claude Code or Cursor, revoke the key in Settings → API Keys in your IShort dashboard.

### Does it work with Cursor or Claude Code?
Yes. Claude Code adds IShort with one command, and Cursor uses a short JSON config in ~/.cursor/mcp.json. Both need an IShort API key.

## Links
- Connect page (dashboard): https://ishort.pro/dashboard/connect
- REST API and developer docs: https://ishort.pro/developers
- Claude for Instagram: https://ishort.pro/claude-for-instagram.html
- Transcribe Instagram reels: https://ishort.pro/transcribe-instagram-reels.html
- Free link in bio: https://ishort.pro/link-in-bio/
- Pricing: https://ishort.pro/pricing.html
- IShort extension (Chrome and Edge): https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/ljjhbiolkeopnaglmnepmlboldpohohl
- Support: support@ishort.pro

Claude is a trademark of Anthropic, PBC. ChatGPT is a trademark of OpenAI. IShort is not affiliated with either company.