# How to integrate Shotstack MCP with Claude Code

```json
{
  "title": "How to integrate Shotstack MCP with Claude Code",
  "toolkit": "Shotstack",
  "toolkit_slug": "shotstack",
  "framework": "Claude Code",
  "framework_slug": "claude-code",
  "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/claude-code",
  "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/claude-code.md",
  "updated_at": "2026-05-12T10:26:06.027Z"
}
```

## Introduction

Manage your Shotstack directly from Claude Code with zero worries about OAuth hassles, API-breaking issues, or reliability and security concerns.
You can do this in two different ways:
- Via [Composio Connect](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_connect&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code) - Direct and easiest approach
- Via [Composio SDK](https://docs.composio.dev/docs?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_sdk) - Programmatic approach with more control

## Also integrate Shotstack with

- [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/codex)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/crew-ai)

## TL;DR

- Only one MCP URL to connect multiple apps with Claude Code with zero auth hassles.
- Programmatic tool calling allows LLMs to write its code in a remote workbench to handle complex tool chaining. Reduces to-and-fro with LLMs for frequent tool calling.
- Handling Large tool responses out of LLM context to minimize context rot.
- Dynamic just-in-time access to 20,000 tools across 1000+ other Apps for cross-app workflows. It loads the tools you need, so LLMs aren't overwhelmed by tools you don't need.

## Connect Shotstack to Claude Code

### Connecting Shotstack to Claude Code using Composio
1. Add the Composio MCP to Claude

```bash
claude mcp add --scope user --transport http composio https://connect.composio.dev/mcp
```

## What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is Anthropic's command line developer tool that lets you use Claude directly inside your terminal. Instead of switching between your editor, browser, and chat, you can stay in your project folder and ask Claude to help you build, debug, refactor, and understand code right where you're working.
Key features include:
- Terminal-Native Experience: Work with Claude directly in your command line without switching contexts
- MCP Support: Built-in support for Model Context Protocol servers to extend Claude's capabilities
- Project Context: Claude understands your project structure and can read, write, and modify files
- Interactive Development: Ask questions, debug code, and get help in real-time while coding
- Multi-Platform: Works on macOS, Linux, WSL, and Windows

## What is the Shotstack MCP server, and what's possible with it?

The Shotstack MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Shotstack account. It provides structured and secure access to powerful video, image, and audio automation features—so your agent can create dynamic media content, edit assets, manage rendering jobs, and retrieve results at scale on your behalf.
- Automated video and image generation: Let your agent assemble and render videos or images programmatically using templates, custom assets, and dynamic data.
- Media editing and composition: Enable your agent to cut, trim, overlay, and combine media clips—adding text, transitions, or audio tracks as needed.
- Batch rendering and job management: Have your agent submit, track, and manage multiple rendering jobs, so you can scale creative automation for campaigns or client deliverables.
- Asset and template organization: Allow your agent to upload, list, and organize reusable templates and media assets, keeping your creative workflow streamlined.
- Result retrieval and download: Automatically fetch completed renders and download media files, making finished content instantly available for distribution or review.

## Supported Tools

| Tool slug | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `SHOTSTACK_CREATE_TEMPLATE` | Create Template | Tool to create a new template for video editing. Use when you want to save a reusable timeline configuration as a template. Template changes do not retroactively affect past renders. |
| `SHOTSTACK_CREATE_TEMPLATE2` | Create Template (v2) | Tool to save an Edit as a re-usable template. Templates can be retrieved and modified before rendering. Use when you want to create a template with merge fields for dynamic content. |
| `SHOTSTACK_DELETE_INGESTED_MEDIA` | Delete Ingested Media | Tool to delete an ingested media asset. Use when you've confirmed the ingest ID and need to remove the file from Shotstack storage. |
| `SHOTSTACK_DELETE_TEMPLATE2` | Delete Template | Tool to delete a specific Shotstack template by its ID. Use when you need to remove a template permanently. |
| `SHOTSTACK_DELETE_WORKFLOW` | Delete Shotstack Workflow | Tool to delete a specific Shotstack workflow. Use when you need to permanently remove a workflow after confirming its ID. |
| `SHOTSTACK_FETCH_SOURCE` | Fetch Source | Tool to fetch a remote media file and store it as a source asset. Operation is asynchronous — poll SHOTSTACK_GET_INGEST_STATUS or SHOTSTACK_INSPECT_MEDIA until the asset is ready before passing it to SHOTSTACK_RENDER_VIDEO or other downstream tools. Use when you need to ingest a file before rendering. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_ASSETS` | Get Asset | Tool to fetch details of a hosted asset by its unique identifier. Use when you need to retrieve information about videos, images, audio files, thumbnails, or poster images hosted on Shotstack's CDN. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_ASSETS_RENDER` | Get Assets by Render ID | Tool to retrieve hosted assets by render ID. Use when you need to fetch one or more files (video, thumbnail, poster image) generated by a specific render job. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_RENDER_CALLBACK` | Get Render Callback | Tool to retrieve the webhook/callback URL configuration for a specific render job. Returns only callback settings (URL, method, headers), not render status or output URLs — use a separate render-status check to obtain final results. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_RENDER_STATUS` | Get Render Status | Tool to retrieve the current status and details of a Shotstack render job by render ID. Use when polling a render until done or failed, typically after creating a render with SHOTSTACK_RENDER_VIDEO. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_SOURCE` | Get Source Details | Tool to fetch the details of a specific source asset. Use when you need to inspect a source after uploading, check its status, or diagnose ingest/render failures—such as unsupported codecs, corrupt files, or bad URLs—before retrying. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_TEMPLATE` | Get Template | Tool to retrieve details of a specific template. Use when you have the ID of an existing template and need its metadata. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_TEMPLATE_BY_VERSION` | Get Template By Version | Tool to retrieve a template by template id and API version. Use when you need to fetch template details from a specific Edit API version. |
| `SHOTSTACK_GET_UPLOAD_URL` | Get Upload URL | Tool to request a signed URL for direct file upload to Shotstack. Use when you need to upload a file to Shotstack storage. The response returns a signed URL that you use to upload the file using a PUT request with the binary file. |
| `SHOTSTACK_INSPECT_MEDIA` | Inspect Media | Tool to inspect media metadata. Use before rendering to retrieve duration, resolution, frame rate, and format of an online media file — clip timecodes, trim points, and audio sync calculations depend on these values. Mixing assets without prior inspection can cause letterboxing, jitter, or audio sync issues in the final output. |
| `SHOTSTACK_LIST_SOURCES` | List Sources | Tool to list all source assets. Use when you need to retrieve source entries with optional pagination. |
| `SHOTSTACK_LIST_SOURCES2` | List Sources (with Environment) | Tool to list all ingested source files with environment selection. Use when you need to retrieve sources from stage (sandbox) or v1 (production) environment with optional pagination. |
| `SHOTSTACK_LIST_TEMPLATES` | List Templates | Tool to list all Shotstack templates for the account. Use after creating or updating templates to view your available templates. |
| `SHOTSTACK_LIST_TEMPLATES2` | List Templates with Environment | Tool to list all Shotstack templates for the specified environment. Use when you need to retrieve templates from a specific environment (stage or production). |
| `SHOTSTACK_POST_UPLOAD` | Request Upload URL | Tool to request a signed URL for direct file upload. Use when you need to upload a file to Shotstack storage. The response returns a signed URL that expires in one hour. |
| `SHOTSTACK_RENDER_VIDEO` | Render Video | Tool to initiate a new video render job. Use when you have defined a timeline and output settings and want to start rendering. |
| `SHOTSTACK_TRANSFER_ASSET` | Transfer Asset | Tool to transfer a file from any publicly available URL to one or more Serve API destinations. Use when you need to copy a file from an external source to Shotstack's hosting service or other configured destinations. |
| `SHOTSTACK_UPDATE_TEMPLATE` | Update Template | Tool to update an existing template by its ID. Use when you need to modify a template's name or edit configuration. Both name and complete template definition must be provided. |

## Supported Triggers

None listed.

## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK

The Shotstack MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects Claude Code (and other AI assistants like Claude and Cursor) directly to your Shotstack account. It provides structured and secure access so Claude can perform Shotstack operations on your behalf.
With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster.

## Step-by-step Guide

### 1. Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:
- Claude Pro, Max, or API billing enabled Anthropic account
- Composio API Key
- A Shotstack account
- Basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript

### 1. Install Claude Code

To install Claude Code, use one of the following methods based on your operating system:
```bash
# macOS, Linux, WSL
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

# Windows PowerShell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

# Windows CMD
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
```

### 2. Set up Claude Code

Open a terminal, go to your project folder, and start Claude Code:
- Claude Code will open in your terminal
- Follow the prompts to sign in with your Anthropic account
- Complete the authentication flow
- Once authenticated, you can start using Claude Code
```bash
cd your-project-folder
claude
```

### 3. Set up environment variables

Create a .env file in your project root with the following variables:
- COMPOSIO_API_KEY authenticates with Composio (get it from [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=api_key&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code))
- USER_ID identifies the user for session management (use any unique identifier)
```bash
COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_composio_api_key_here
USER_ID=your_user_id_here
```

### 4. Install Composio library

No description provided.
```python
pip install composio-core python-dotenv
```

```typescript
npm install @composio/core dotenv
```

### 5. Generate Composio MCP URL

No description provided.
```python
import os
from composio import Composio
from dotenv import load_dotenv

load_dotenv()

COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID")

composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY)

composio_session = composio_client.create(
    user_id=USER_ID,
    toolkits=["shotstack"],
)

COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url

print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}")
print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:")
print(f'claude mcp add --transport http shotstack-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"')
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';

const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env;

if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env');
}

const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY });

const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, {
  toolkits: ['shotstack'],
});

const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url;

console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`);
console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`);
console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http shotstack-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`);
```

### 6. Run the script and copy the MCP URL

No description provided.
```python
python generate_mcp_url.py
```

```typescript
node --loader ts-node/esm generate_mcp_url.ts
# or if using tsx
tsx generate_mcp_url.ts
```

### 7. Add Shotstack MCP to Claude Code

In your terminal, add the MCP server using the command from the previous step. The command format is:
- claude mcp add registers a new MCP server with Claude Code
- --transport http specifies that this is an HTTP-based MCP server
- The server name (shotstack-composio) is how you'll reference it
- The URL points to your Composio Tool Router session
- --headers includes your Composio API key for authentication
After running the command, close the current Claude Code session and start a new one for the changes to take effect.
```bash
claude mcp add --transport http shotstack-composio "YOUR_MCP_URL_HERE" --headers "X-API-Key:YOUR_COMPOSIO_API_KEY"

# Then restart Claude Code
exit
claude
```

### 8. Verify the installation

Check that your Shotstack MCP server is properly configured.
- This command lists all MCP servers registered with Claude Code
- You should see your shotstack-composio entry in the list
- This confirms that Claude Code can now access Shotstack tools
If everything is wired up, you should see your shotstack-composio entry listed:
```bash
claude mcp list
```

### 9. Authenticate Shotstack

The first time you try to use Shotstack tools, you'll be prompted to authenticate.
- Claude Code will detect that you need to authenticate with Shotstack
- It will show you an authentication link
- Open the link in your browser (or copy/paste it)
- Complete the Shotstack authorization flow
- Return to the terminal and start using Shotstack through Claude Code
Once authenticated, you can ask Claude Code to perform Shotstack operations in natural language. For example:
- "Create a video slideshow from uploaded images"
- "Generate a branded video intro with logo"
- "Combine multiple video clips into one file"

## Complete Code

```python
import os
from composio import Composio
from dotenv import load_dotenv

load_dotenv()

COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID")

composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY)

composio_session = composio_client.create(
    user_id=USER_ID,
    toolkits=["shotstack"],
)

COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url

print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}")
print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:")
print(f'claude mcp add --transport http shotstack-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"')
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';

const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env;

if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env');
}

const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY });

const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, {
  toolkits: ['shotstack'],
});

const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url;

console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`);
console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`);
console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http shotstack-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`);
```

## Conclusion

You've successfully integrated Shotstack with Claude Code using Composio's MCP server. Now you can interact with Shotstack directly from your terminal using natural language commands.
Key features of this setup:
- Terminal-native experience without switching contexts
- Natural language commands for Shotstack operations
- Secure authentication through Composio's managed MCP
- Tool Router for dynamic tool discovery and execution
Next steps:
- Try asking Claude Code to perform various Shotstack operations
- Add more toolkits to your Tool Router session for multi-app workflows
- Integrate this setup into your development workflow for increased productivity
You can extend this by adding more toolkits, implementing custom workflows, or building automation scripts that leverage Claude Code's capabilities.

## How to build Shotstack MCP Agent with another framework

- [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/codex)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack/framework/crew-ai)

## Related Toolkits

- [Youtube](https://composio.dev/toolkits/youtube) - YouTube is a leading video-sharing platform for uploading, streaming, and discovering content. It empowers creators and businesses to reach global audiences and monetize their work.
- [Amara](https://composio.dev/toolkits/amara) - Amara is a collaborative platform for creating and managing subtitles and captions for videos. It helps make content accessible and multilingual for global audiences.
- [Cats](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats) - Cats is an API with a huge library of cat images, breed data, and cat facts. It makes finding adorable cat photos and trivia effortless for your apps and users.
- [Chatfai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/chatfai) - Chatfai is an AI platform that lets users talk to AI versions of fictional characters from books, movies, and games. It offers an engaging, interactive experience for fans to chat, roleplay, and explore creative dialogues.
- [Cincopa](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cincopa) - Cincopa is a multimedia platform for uploading, managing, and customizing videos, images, and audio. It helps you deliver engaging media experiences with robust APIs and flexible integrations.
- [Dungeon fighter online](https://composio.dev/toolkits/dungeon_fighter_online) - Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) is an arcade-style, side-scrolling action RPG packed with dynamic combat and progression. Play solo or with friends to battle monsters, complete quests, and upgrade your characters.
- [Elevenlabs](https://composio.dev/toolkits/elevenlabs) - Elevenlabs is an advanced AI voice generation platform for lifelike, multilingual speech synthesis. Perfect for creating natural voices for videos, apps, and business content in seconds.
- [Elevenreader](https://composio.dev/toolkits/elevenreader) - Elevenreader is an AI-powered text-to-speech service by ElevenLabs that converts written content into lifelike audio. It enables fast, natural audio generation from any text.
- [Epic games](https://composio.dev/toolkits/epic_games) - Epic Games is a leading video game publisher and digital storefront, known for Fortnite and Unreal Engine. It lets gamers access, manage, and purchase games all in one place.
- [Fal.ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/fal_ai) - Fal.ai is a generative media platform offering 600+ AI models for images, video, voice, and audio. Developers use Fal.ai for fast, scalable access to cutting-edge generative AI tools.
- [Giphy](https://composio.dev/toolkits/giphy) - Giphy is the largest online library for searching and sharing GIFs and stickers. Instantly add vibrant animated content to your apps, chats, and workflows.
- [Headout](https://composio.dev/toolkits/headout) - Headout is a global platform for booking travel experiences, tours, and entertainment. It helps users discover and secure activities at top destinations, all in one place.
- [Imagekit io](https://composio.dev/toolkits/imagekit_io) - ImageKit.io is a cloud-based media management platform for image and video delivery. Instantly optimize, transform, and deliver visuals globally via a lightning-fast CDN.
- [Listennotes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/listennotes) - Listennotes is a powerful podcast search engine with a massive global database. Discover, search, and curate podcasts from around the world in seconds.
- [News api](https://composio.dev/toolkits/news_api) - News api is a REST API for searching and retrieving live news articles from across the web. Instantly access headlines, coverage, and breaking stories from thousands of sources.
- [RAWG Video Games Database](https://composio.dev/toolkits/rawg_video_games_database) - RAWG Video Games Database is the largest video game discovery and info service. Instantly access comprehensive details, ratings, and release dates for thousands of games.
- [Seat geek](https://composio.dev/toolkits/seat_geek) - SeatGeek is a live event platform offering APIs for concerts, sports, and theater data. Instantly access events, venues, and performers info for smarter ticketing and discovery.
- [Spotify](https://composio.dev/toolkits/spotify) - Spotify is a streaming service for music and podcasts with millions of tracks from artists worldwide. Enjoy personalized playlists, recommendations, and seamless listening across all your devices.
- [Ticketmaster](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ticketmaster) - Ticketmaster is a global platform for event discovery, ticket sales, and live entertainment management. Get real-time access to events and streamline ticketing for fans and organizers.
- [Gmail](https://composio.dev/toolkits/gmail) - Gmail is Google's email service with powerful spam protection, search, and G Suite integration. It keeps your inbox organized and makes communication fast and reliable.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Shotstack MCP?

With a standalone Shotstack MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Shotstack tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Shotstack and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint.

### Can I use Tool Router MCP with Claude Code?

Yes, you can. Claude Code fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Shotstack tools.

### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Shotstack while using Tool Router?

Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Shotstack scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do.

### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router?

All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Shotstack data and credentials are handled as safely as possible.

---
[See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)
