skills/vidiq-get-started/SKILL.md

---
name: vidiq-get-started
description: Connect vidIQ MCP, check channels and credits, troubleshoot errors, recover jobs, and choose a workflow. Use for setup, connection or capability checks, and account or job problems.
---

# vidIQ Get Started

Read [Live surface notes](references/live-surface-notes.md) first, even when using only supplied evidence.

Help the creator connect, diagnose a problem, or choose a workflow. Run only the relevant branch:

- Connection, channel, or balance checks: use the relevant steps below.
- Errors or charge questions: read [Troubleshooting](references/troubleshooting.md).
- Existing or interrupted jobs: read [Job recovery](references/job-recovery.md). To list active
  jobs, use `vidiq_jobs_list` with `status: "inprogress"`.
- Capabilities: summarize the outcomes supported by the exposed tools.

## Connect and verify

1. Inspect whether vidIQ tools are visible. Visibility confirms that the client loaded the
   server; successful account-state calls establish authorization.
2. If tools are missing, check installation, enablement, and client reload requirements.
   Use the client's native MCP authentication action when available; otherwise follow its
   connection flow and the [official setup guide](https://support.vidiq.com/en/articles/15082430-vidiq-mcp).
   Wait for browser authorization, then re-check. Never request credentials in chat.
3. Call `vidiq_user_channels` once and report the returned authorized IDs.
   Account labels are optional and useful only for diagnosis.
   An empty or unexpected list can indicate the wrong account; suggest reconnecting with the
   intended account without claiming token expiry.
4. Resolve the intended channel only before channel-specific work. If several IDs are returned,
   use the user's explicit selection; do not pick the first or largest. Enrich titles with
   `vidiq_get_channels_by_ids` only when needed. A channel outside the authorized
   set can receive public research, but not private analytics.
5. Use `vidiq_balance` to explain returned renewable and
   add-on credits, preserving `unlimited` and `null`.

## Choose the next step

After setup, use the creator's stated decision. If it is unclear, ask one compact question and offer:

- **Package an existing idea or video:** `vidiq-packaging-studio`.
- **Discover an idea:** `vidiq-video-ideas`; feed its concept cards into packaging for an
  end-to-end request.
- **Review performance:** `vidiq-channel-audit`, or `vidiq-new-upload-review` for a recent upload.

Honor a more specific request with its matching skill. Supplied-context analysis or text drafting
may need no MCP calls. Do not run research merely to demonstrate the connection.
Onboarding alone does not authorize later generation or state changes.

## Report

Report the requested check's result, any issue, and the next action. For setup, include connection
and authorization state, relevant channels and credits, and one recommended workflow. For job
recovery, report the actual job state and result or pending ID.