# Quickstart

> Connect NexLev MCP to Claude, ChatGPT, or any AI assistant in under 5 minutes and start analyzing YouTube channels with natural language prompts.

Section: NexLev MCP  
Canonical page: /docs/mcp/quickstart

---

Connect NexLev MCP to your preferred AI assistant and start analyzing YouTube channels in under 5 minutes. Choose the platform you use below.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

- **Active NexLev account** — Free for all users. [Upgrade to Pro](https://dashboard.nexlev.io/?required_nexlev_lite_pro_access=true) for higher quota limits. Already paid but the dashboard shows Free? See [Dashboard Shows Free After Paying](/docs/troubleshooting/account-access/dashboard-shows-free).

### Claude

#### Claude Web/Desktop

##### Via Claude's custom connector

**Step 1 — Active NexLev account**

Make sure your NexLev account is active before proceeding.

**Step 2 — Open Claude Connectors**

Go to **claude.ai → Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector**. You can also open the connectors page directly:

[Connect on Claude →](https://claude.ai/customize/connectors)

![Claude Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector](/images/documentation/mcp/claude-add-custom-connector.png)

**Step 3 — Enter the connector details**

Fill in the following information exactly as shown:

| Field          | Value                                            |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Name           | NexLev                                           |
| Server URL     | https\://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp |
| Authentication | OAuth                                            |

![Enter NexLev connector details in Claude](/images/documentation/mcp/claude-step-3-connector-details.png)

**Step 4 — Approve the connection**

After adding the connector, please click the **Connect** button and Claude will redirect you to sign in with your NexLev account.

> **Warning:** **Sign in with the right NexLev account.** If you have a paid NexLev plan
> (Lite, Pro, or Premium), make sure you log in with that account — your rate
> limits are tied to the account you connect. Signing in with a different
> account will apply Free plan limits instead. Already connected and seeing the
> Free plan? See [NexLev MCP Shows the Free
> Plan](/docs/troubleshooting/account-access/mcp-shows-free-plan).

**Step 5.A — Set tool permissions**

Go to **claude.ai → Settings → Connectors**, find NexLev, and click **Configure**. Then set **Tool permissions** to **Always allow** — this lets Claude use your NexLev tools automatically without asking you every time.

![Set NexLev tool permissions to Always allow in Claude](/images/documentation/mcp/claude-step-5-permissions.png)

**Step 5.B — Allow write/delete tools**

In the same permissions panel, scroll down through the tools list and make sure you also set **Always allow** for any write or delete tools (such as **Swipe File**). These are listed separately and require individual approval.

![Allow write and delete tool permissions for NexLev in Claude](/images/documentation/mcp/claude-swipe-file-allow.png)

> **Note:** **Free plan limitation.** Attempting to use Write and delete tools — on the
> Free plan, it will return a message prompting to upgrade NexLev subscription.
> On a paid plan and still seeing it? See [NexLev MCP Shows the Free
> Plan](/docs/troubleshooting/account-access/mcp-shows-free-plan).

**Step 6 — Verify NexLev is active in chat**

Before starting, confirm NexLev is enabled in your Claude chat window. Click the **+** button in the message bar, hover over **Connectors**, and check that the toggle next to **NexLev** is turned on.

![Verify NexLev connector is enabled in Claude chat](/images/documentation/mcp/claude-nexlev-permission.png)

> **Note:** **No API key needed.** Claude.ai uses OAuth to connect directly to your NexLev
> account. Works on web and mobile — your tools sync across all devices.

[Connect on Claude →](https://claude.ai/customize/connectors)

#### Claude Code CLI

##### Via Claude Code CLI

> **Warning:** Requires the **Claude Code CLI**. If you don't have it yet, install it first:
> `bash npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code ` Verify with `claude   --version`.

**Step 1 — Active NexLev account**

Make sure your NexLev account is active before proceeding.

**Step 2 — Add the NexLev MCP server**

Run this once from any terminal:

```bash
claude mcp add -s user --transport http nexlev https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp
```

| Field      | Value                                            |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Name       | nexlev                                           |
| Server URL | https\://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp |
| Transport  | HTTP                                             |
| Scope      | user — available in all projects on your machine |

The `-s user` flag registers the server globally so it's available in every project. Omit it (or use `-s local`) to restrict it to the current directory only.

**Step 3 — Authenticate**

1. Start Claude Code in any directory:
   ```bash
   claude
   ```
2. Run the `/mcp` slash command inside the Claude prompt:
   ```
   /mcp
   ```
3. Select **nexlev** from the list, then choose **Authenticate**.
4. Your browser opens to `dashboard.nexlev.io` — log in with your NexLev account and approve the connection.

> **Warning:** **Sign in with the right NexLev account.** If you have a paid NexLev plan
> (Lite, Pro, or Premium), make sure you log in with that account — your rate
> limits are tied to the account you connect. Signing in with a different
> account will apply Free plan limits instead.

5. Back in the terminal you'll see:
   ```
   Authentication successful. Connected to nexlev.
   ```

**Step 4 — Verify the connection**

```bash
claude mcp list
```

You should see:

```
nexlev: https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp (HTTP) - ✓ Connected
```

**Step 5 — Use it**

Just talk to Claude in natural language — it picks the right NexLev tool automatically:

```
Find 10 faceless YouTube channels in the personal finance niche earning over $5K/month
```

```
Pull the full analytics for @MrBeast — subscriber growth, RPM, and top videos
```

> **Note:** **Token stored locally.** Your OAuth token lives in `~/.claude.json` — treat
> it like a credential and don't commit it. It persists across sessions
> automatically. If it ever expires, re-run `/mcp` → select `nexlev` →
> **Authenticate** to refresh.

**Managing the server**

| Task                          | Command                                                          |
| ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| List all MCP servers          | `claude mcp list`                                                |
| Inspect NexLev's config       | `claude mcp get nexlev`                                          |
| Remove the NexLev server      | `claude mcp remove nexlev`                                       |
| Re-authenticate (token issue) | Inside `claude`, run `/mcp` → select `nexlev` → **Authenticate** |

If `claude mcp list` shows `✗ Failed to connect`, the server URL is unreachable. Remove and re-add it with the correct URL.

**Troubleshooting**

**`! Needs authentication` after running `/mcp`**
The browser flow didn't complete. Re-run `/mcp` and make sure you finish the login on `dashboard.nexlev.io` until the browser tab shows a success page.

**`✗ Failed to connect`**

- Confirm the URL is correct: `https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp`
- Check your network / VPN / firewall — the CLI must reach `*.nexlev.io` over HTTPS
- Run `curl -I https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp` to test reachability

**Tool call returns `access_denied` or `rate_limited`**

- `access_denied` — your NexLev plan doesn't include this tool. [Upgrade your plan](https://dashboard.nexlev.io/?required_nexlev_lite_pro_access=true) in the dashboard.
- `rate_limited` — you've hit your plan's daily quota. Wait and retry, or upgrade.

**Claude doesn't seem to use NexLev tools**
Run `/mcp` to confirm `nexlev` is **Connected**. If you added it with `local` scope, you must launch `claude` from that project directory. Re-add with `-s user` to make it global.

### ChatGPT

#### ChatGPT Web/Desktop

##### Via ChatGPT custom MCP app (OAuth)

**Step 1 — Active NexLev account**

Make sure your NexLev account is active before proceeding.

**Step 2 — Open Settings**

In ChatGPT, click your profile in the bottom-left corner and choose **Settings**.

[Open ChatGPT settings](https://chatgpt.com/settings/general-settings)

![ChatGPT profile menu with Settings highlighted](/images/documentation/mcp/chatgpt-open-settings.png)

**Step 3 — Open Plugins**

In the Settings sidebar, under **Integrations**, select **Plugins**.

[Open plugin settings](https://chatgpt.com/settings/plugins-settings)

![ChatGPT Settings with Plugins highlighted under Integrations in the sidebar](/images/documentation/mcp/chatgpt-settings-plugins.png)

**Step 4 — Browse the directory**

Click **Browse directory** in the top-right corner of the Plugins page.

[Go to the plugin directory](https://chatgpt.com/plugins)

![ChatGPT Plugins settings page with the Browse directory button highlighted](/images/documentation/mcp/chatgpt-browse-directory.png)

**Step 5 — Add a custom MCP server**

Click **Add** in the top-right corner, then choose **Add custom MCP server**.

![ChatGPT plugin directory with the Add menu open and Add custom MCP server highlighted](/images/documentation/mcp/chatgpt-add-custom-mcp-server.png)

**Step 6 — Enter the app details**

Fill in the following information exactly as shown:

| Field          | Value                                     |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Name           | NexLev                                    |
| MCP Server URL | https\://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/mcp |
| Authentication | OAuth                                     |

[Connect the Nexlev MCP](https://chatgpt.com/plugins#settings/Connectors?create-connector=true\&redirectAfter=%2Fplugins)

![The New Plugin dialog filled in with the NexLev server URL and OAuth authentication](/images/documentation/mcp/chatgpt-step-2-create-app.png)

**Step 7 — Confirm and create**

Tick **"I understand and want to continue"**, then click **Create**. ChatGPT will auto-discover the OAuth settings — no Client ID or secret needed.

**Step 8 — Connect Nexlev**

A **Connect Nexlev** window opens. Click **Connect Nexlev**.

![ChatGPT's Connect Nexlev window with the Connect Nexlev and Cancel buttons](/images/documentation/mcp/chatgpt-connect-nexlev.png)

What happens next depends on the Google accounts signed in to your browser profile:

- **One Google account:** NexLev connects to that account automatically.
- **Several Google accounts:** Google asks you to choose an account. Pick the one you bought NexLev with.

> **Warning:** **Sign in with the right NexLev account.** If you have a paid NexLev plan
> (Lite, Pro, or Premium), make sure you log in with that account — your rate
> limits are tied to the account you connect. Signing in with a different
> account will apply Free plan limits instead. Already connected and seeing the
> Free plan? See [NexLev MCP Shows the Free
> Plan](/docs/troubleshooting/account-access/mcp-shows-free-plan#chatgpt).

> **Note:** **No API key needed.** ChatGPT uses OAuth to connect directly to your NexLev
> account. You can use the same NexLev account across both ChatGPT and Claude —
> each gets its own connection.

#### Codex CLI

##### Via Codex CLI

> **Warning:** Requires the **Codex CLI**. If you don't have it yet, install it first:
> `bash npm install -g @openai/codex ` Verify with `codex --version`.

**Step 1 — Active NexLev account**

Make sure your NexLev account is active before proceeding.

**Step 2 — Add the NexLev MCP server**

Run this once from any terminal:

```bash
codex mcp add nexlev --url https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/codex-mcp
```

| Field      | Value                                           |
| ---------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| Name       | nexlev                                          |
| Server URL | https\://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/codex-mcp |
| Transport  | Streamable HTTP                                 |

This registers the server globally in `~/.codex/config.toml`, available across all projects.

**Step 3 — Authenticate**

1. Start Codex in any directory:
   ```bash
   codex
   ```
2. Run the `/mcp` slash command inside the Codex prompt:
   ```
   /mcp
   ```
3. Select **nexlev** from the list, then choose **Authenticate**.
4. Your browser opens — log in with your NexLev account and approve the connection.

> **Warning:** **Sign in with the right NexLev account.** If you have a paid NexLev plan
> (Lite, Pro, or Premium), make sure you log in with that account — your rate
> limits are tied to the account you connect. Signing in with a different
> account will apply Free plan limits instead.

**Step 4 — Verify the connection**

```bash
codex mcp list
```

You should see `nexlev` listed as connected.

**Step 5 — (Optional) Manual config edit**

Alternatively, you can directly edit `~/.codex/config.toml` and add:

```toml
[mcp_servers.nexlev]
url = "https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/codex-mcp"
```

> **Note:** **Config shared across CLI and IDE.** Once you set up the server in
> `~/.codex/config.toml`, it works across both the Codex CLI and IDE extension
> without redoing setup.

**Managing the server**

| Task                 | Command                                                         |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| List all MCP servers | `codex mcp list`                                                |
| Remove NexLev        | `codex mcp remove nexlev`                                       |
| Re-authenticate      | Inside `codex`, run `/mcp` → select `nexlev` → **Authenticate** |

### OpenClaw

#### Via OpenClaw

> **Note:** **How it works.** OpenClaw doesn't talk to NexLev directly — it routes tasks
> through **Claude Code CLI** or **Codex CLI** already installed on your machine
> via its ACP (Agent Client Protocol). The flow is: **You (messaging app) →
> OpenClaw Gateway → Claude Code / Codex CLI → NexLev MCP tools**

**Prerequisites — CLI installed & NexLev registered**

Before setting up OpenClaw, confirm at least one CLI is installed and NexLev MCP is already registered in it — OpenClaw calls the CLI, which in turn calls NexLev.

Register NexLev in **Claude Code CLI** (if using Claude):

```bash
claude mcp add -s user --transport http nexlev https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp
```

Register NexLev in **Codex CLI** (if using Codex):

```bash
codex mcp add nexlev --url https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/mcp
```

See the **Claude** or **ChatGPT** tabs above for full CLI setup instructions.

---

**Step 1 — Install OpenClaw**

```bash
npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
```

This installs the Gateway daemon and walks you through pairing with your messaging channel (Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.).

---

**Step 2 — Install the acpx plugin**

ACP sessions are powered by the `acpx` plugin. Install and enable it:

```bash
openclaw plugins install @openclaw/acpx
openclaw config set plugins.entries.acpx.enabled true
openclaw config set plugins.allow '["acpx"]'
```

Then enable ACP and set your default CLI:

```bash
openclaw config set acp.enabled true
openclaw config set acp.backend acpx
openclaw config set acp.allowedAgents '["claude", "codex"]'

# Pick your default (whichever CLI you have installed):
openclaw config set acp.defaultAgent claude
# or:
openclaw config set acp.defaultAgent codex
```

---

**Step 3 — Register NexLev inside OpenClaw**

The URL depends on which CLI OpenClaw will call:

```bash
# If your default CLI is Claude Code:
openclaw mcp set nexlev '{"url":"https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp","transport":"streamable-http"}'

# If your default CLI is Codex:
openclaw mcp set nexlev '{"url":"https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/mcp","transport":"streamable-http"}'
```

Verify it was saved:

```bash
openclaw mcp list
```

> **Note:** **Prefer manual config?** Edit `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json` directly and add
> your server entries under `mcp.servers`, then run `openclaw gateway restart`.

---

**Step 4 — Authenticate NexLev**

OpenClaw inherits auth from the CLI it calls. Authenticate inside that CLI:

```bash
claude    # or: codex
/mcp
# Select nexlev → Authenticate
# Browser opens → log in to dashboard.nexlev.io → approve
```

> **Warning:** **Sign in with the right NexLev account.** If you have a paid NexLev plan
> (Lite, Pro, or Premium), make sure you log in with that account — your rate
> limits are tied to the account you connect. Signing in with a different
> account will apply Free plan limits instead.

---

**Step 5 — Spawn a session & use NexLev**

From your connected messaging app (Telegram, Discord, etc.), spawn a session:

```
/acp spawn claude --bind here
```

The `--bind here` flag pins the conversation to the session so follow-up messages route to the same CLI instance. Then just ask in natural language:

```
Find 10 faceless YouTube channels in the finance niche earning over $5K/month
```

```
Pull full analytics for @MrBeast — subscriber growth, RPM, and top videos
```

---

**Managing the server**

| Task                         | Command                     |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| List MCP servers in OpenClaw | `openclaw mcp list`         |
| Remove NexLev from OpenClaw  | `openclaw mcp unset nexlev` |
| Check ACP health             | `/acp doctor` (in chat)     |
| Check active sessions        | `/acp status` (in chat)     |
| Close a session              | `/acp close` (in chat)      |
| Restart the gateway          | `openclaw gateway restart`  |

**Troubleshooting**

**NexLev tools not visible**
OpenClaw calls the CLI — the CLI is what talks to NexLev. Verify the CLI itself has NexLev registered: `claude mcp list` or `codex mcp list`.

**Wrong endpoint**
Using the Claude Code URL with Codex (or vice versa) will silently fail.

- Claude Code → `https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp`
- Codex → `https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/mcp`

**ACP spawn blocked**
ACP sessions run on the host runtime. If your session is sandboxed, use `runtime="subagent"` or disable sandboxing for the session.

### Hermes

#### Via Hermes Agent

> **Note:** **How it works.** Hermes is a self-hosted autonomous agent that connects
> natively to NexLev as an MCP server — no intermediary CLI required. The flow
> is: **You (messaging app) → Hermes Gateway → NexLev MCP tools**
>
> Unlike the OpenClaw path (which routes through Claude Code / Codex CLI),
> Hermes talks to MCP servers directly via its built-in MCP client.

**Prerequisites — Hermes installed**

**macOS / Windows (recommended):** Download the Hermes Desktop installer from [hermes-agent.nousresearch.com](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com) — it installs both the desktop app and the CLI in one step.

**Linux / macOS / WSL2 (CLI only):**

```bash
curl -fsSL https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.sh | bash
source ~/.bashrc   # or source ~/.zshrc
```

---

**Step 1 — Run first-time setup**

```bash
hermes setup
```

Walks you through choosing a model provider (Nous Portal, OpenRouter, Anthropic, etc.). If you already have `~/.openclaw`, the setup wizard detects it and offers to migrate your settings, memories, and API keys automatically.

---

**Step 2 — Register NexLev as an MCP server**

Add NexLev to `~/.hermes/config.yaml`:

```yaml
mcp_servers:
  nexlev:
    url: "https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp"
    auth: oauth
```

Verify it was saved:

```bash
hermes mcp list
```

Test the connection:

```bash
hermes mcp test nexlev
```

---

**Step 3 — Authenticate NexLev**

On first connection, run:

```bash
hermes mcp login nexlev
```

A browser opens → log in to `dashboard.nexlev.io` → approve. Tokens are cached at `~/.hermes/mcp-tokens/nexlev.json` and reused silently on subsequent runs.

> **Warning:** **Sign in with the right NexLev account.** If you have a paid NexLev plan
> (Lite, Pro, or Premium), make sure you log in with that account — your rate
> limits are tied to the account you connect. Signing in with a different
> account will apply Free plan limits instead.

> **Note:** **On a remote / headless host?** When Hermes runs on a VPS, the loopback OAuth
> callback can't reach your browser. Hermes will print an authorize URL and a
> paste-back prompt. Open the URL in your browser, approve, copy the full
> redirect URL (a connection error on that page is expected), and paste it at
> the prompt.

---

**Step 4 — Connect a messaging platform (e.g. Telegram)**

Interactive setup (recommended):

```bash
hermes gateway setup
```

Select **Telegram** when prompted. The wizard asks for your bot token and allowed user IDs and writes the config automatically.

Manual setup — add credentials to `~/.hermes/.env`:

```bash
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=123456789:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrSTUvwxYZ
TELEGRAM_ALLOWED_USERS=123456789    # comma-separated for multiple users
```

> **Note:** **Don't have a bot token?** Create one via **@BotFather** (`/newbot`). Get
> your numeric user ID via **@userinfobot**.

Then start the gateway in the foreground:

```bash
hermes gateway
```

Or, if you've installed it as a background service:

```bash
hermes gateway start
```

---

**Step 5 — Use NexLev from your messaging app**

Message your bot in natural language:

```
Find 10 faceless YouTube channels in the finance niche earning over $5K/month
```

```
Pull full analytics for @MrBeast — subscriber growth, RPM, and top videos
```

---

**Managing the server**

| Task                            | Command                       |
| ------------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| List MCP servers                | `hermes mcp list`             |
| Remove NexLev                   | `hermes mcp remove nexlev`    |
| Test NexLev connection          | `hermes mcp test nexlev`      |
| Re-authenticate NexLev          | `hermes mcp login nexlev`     |
| Re-select NexLev tools          | `hermes mcp configure nexlev` |
| Check gateway service status    | `hermes gateway status`       |
| Restart the gateway service     | `hermes gateway restart`      |
| Check platform status (in chat) | `/platforms`                  |
| Reload MCP config (in chat)     | `/reload-mcp`                 |

**Troubleshooting**

**NexLev tools not visible**
Run `hermes mcp list` to confirm the entry exists, then `hermes mcp test nexlev` to verify it's reachable. If the connection succeeded but tools are missing, run `hermes mcp configure nexlev` to check your tool selection checklist.

**Wrong endpoint**
Hermes uses the Claude-MCP endpoint. Make sure your config has:
`https://prod.dashboard.nexlev.io/api/claude-mcp`
Not the Codex/plain variant (`/api/mcp`).

**Auth expired**
Run `hermes mcp login nexlev` to refresh the OAuth token.

**Gateway not responding**
Check with `hermes gateway status`. Restart with `hermes gateway restart`.

> **Note:** **Coming from OpenClaw?** Run `hermes claw migrate` to import your settings,
> memories, skills, and API keys in one step. The setup wizard also auto-detects
> `~/.openclaw` if you run `hermes setup` fresh.

## What You Can Do Next

Once connected, start using NexLev tools directly inside your AI chat:

### Long Form Channel Search

```
Find 20 long-form channels related to the minecraft niche
```

### Short Form Channel Analysis

```
Show me 15 viral YouTube Shorts channels in the comedy niche
```

### Keyword Research

```
Find high-volume, low-competition keywords for cooking content
```

### Content Strategy

```
What content strategy should I use for a tech review channel with 10K
subscribers?
```

### Competitive Research

```
Compare successful channels in the fitness niche and identify common patterns
```

### Thumbnail Generation

```
Generate a thumbnail for my video "I Tried Waking Up at 4AM for 30 Days" —
match the style of the top productivity channels
```

### Off-Platform Earnings

```
What does @AliAbdaal sell outside of ads, and which brands sponsor the most
finance channels?
```

### Network Research

```
Which network is MrBeast signed to, and what other channels are under it?
```

## Understanding NexLev Responses

When you use NexLev through Claude, ChatGPT, or Claude Code CLI, you'll receive interactive widgets displaying:

- **Channel data** — Comprehensive metrics, performance indicators, and growth analytics
- **Sortable results** — Click column headers to sort by different metrics
- **Expandable details** — View in-depth information for each result
- **Filtering options** — Refine results by various criteria
- **Pagination** — Navigate through large result sets

> **Tip:** **Pro Tip:** Results are interactive! You can sort, filter, and expand
> channels directly within the chat interface for deeper analysis.

## Rate Limits

All limits are **per user, per tool, and reset every 24 hours**. Getting lower limits than your plan should have? See [Quota is lower than expected](/docs/troubleshooting/mcp#quota-is-lower-than-expected).

> **Note:** Lite and Premium share identical rate limits across all tools. If you're on
> the Premium plan, the numbers in the Lite column apply to you.

### Networks & CMS

> **Note:** CMS tools are available on **Lite, Pro, and Premium** plans only — Free plan
> users do not have access.

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                       | Free | Lite | Pro |
| ------------------------------------------ | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Content owner lookup (`get_content_owner`) | 0    | 5    | 15  |
| CMS network search (`search_cms_networks`) | 0    | 5    | 15  |

With **usage credits** enabled, calls past the daily limit cost $0.20 each for both tools, up to 100 calls per tool per day. See [CMS Networks](/docs/mcp/cms-networks).

### Channel Discovery

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                                    | Free | Lite | Pro |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Long-form channel search (`search_niche_finder_channels`)               | 5    | 150  | 300 |
| Short-form channel search (`search_shorts_niche_finder_channels`)       | 5    | 150  | 300 |
| Similar channels (`get_similar_channels`)                               | 1    | 20   | 30  |
| Latest discovered faceless niches (`latest_discovered_faceless_niches`) | 5    | 150  | 300 |
| Faceless channel check (`check_faceless_channel`)                       | 5    | 100  | 300 |
| Channel resolver (`channel_resolver`)                                   | 10   | 100  | 500 |
| Niche channel search (`search_niche_finder_channels`)                   | 5    | 100  | 200 |

### Video Intelligence

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                                 | Free | Lite | Pro |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Similar videos (`get_similar_videos`)                                | 5    | 20   | 30  |
| Video search (`search_videos`)                                       | 10   | 150  | 300 |
| YouTube search (`youtube_search`)                                    | 50   | 100  | 500 |
| Video details (`youtube_video_details`)                              | 10   | 100  | 300 |
| Video comments (`youtube_video_comments`)                            | 10   | 150  | 300 |
| Video transcript (`get_video_transcript`)                            | 5    | 150  | 300 |
| Bulk video transcripts (`get_bulk_video_transcripts`)                | 2    | 50   | 100 |
| Video subtitle (`get_video_subtitle`)                                | 5    | 150  | 300 |
| Bulk video subtitles (`get_bulk_video_subtitles`)                    | 2    | 50   | 100 |
| Channel outlier videos (`youtube_channel_outliers`)                  | 5    | 50   | 100 |
| YouTube suggested videos (`search_youtube_suggested_videos`)         | 5    | 150  | 300 |
| Viral videos — small channels (`search_viral_videos_small_channels`) | 5    | 150  | 300 |
| Faceless outlier videos (`faceless_outliers_videos`)                 | 5    | 150  | 300 |

### Visual Search

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                          | Free | Lite | Pro |
| --------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Similar thumbnails (`get_similar_thumbnails`) | 2    | 20   | 30  |

### Visual Video Analysis

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                            | Free | Lite | Pro |
| --------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Watch YouTube video and ask (`watch_youtube_video_and_ask`)     | 0    | 5    | 15  |
| Watch Instagram video and ask (`watch_instagram_video_and_ask`) | 0    | 5    | 15  |
| Watch TikTok video and ask (`watch_tiktok_video_and_ask`)       | 0    | 5    | 15  |

### Channel Analytics

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                   | Free | Lite | Pro |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Channel analytics (`get_channel_analytics`)            | 2    | 20   | 30  |
| Daily analytics (`get_daily_analytics`)                | 5    | 20   | 30  |
| Short vs long views (`get_short_vs_long_views`)        | 5    | 20   | 30  |
| Geography & revenue (`get_geography_revenue`)          | 2    | 20   | 30  |
| Batch channel metrics (`get_batch_channel_metrics_v2`) | 2    | 20   | 30  |
| Channel categories (`get_channel_categories`)          | 10   | 100  | 500 |
| Channel formats (`get_channel_formats`)                | 10   | 100  | 500 |
| Channel videos (`youtube_channel_videos`)              | 50   | 100  | 300 |
| Channel shorts (`youtube_channel_shorts`)              | 50   | 100  | 300 |
| Channel playlists (`youtube_channel_playlists`)        | 50   | 100  | 300 |
| Channel about (`youtube_channel_about`)                | 50   | 100  | 300 |

### Monetization

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                      | Free | Lite | Pro |
| --------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Channel monetization check (`check_channel_monetization`) | 5    | 100  | 300 |
| Video monetization check (`check_video_monetization`)     | 5    | 100  | 300 |
| Video RPM (`get_video_rpm`)                               | 5    | 150  | 300 |

### Niche Intelligence

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                             | Free | Lite | Pro |
| ------------------------------------------------ | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Niche overview (`get_niche_overview`)            | 1    | 20   | 30  |
| Niche categories (`get_niche_finder_categories`) | 10   | 100  | 500 |
| Niche formats (`get_niche_finder_formats`)       | 10   | 100  | 500 |
| Niche tags (`get_niche_finder_tags`)             | 5    | 100  | 500 |

### Swipefile

> **Note:** Swipefile is available on **Lite, Pro, and Premium** plans only — Free plan
> users do not have access.

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                  | Free | Lite | Pro |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | --- |
| List swipefile folders (`list_swipefile_folders`)     | 0    | 200  | 500 |
| List swipefile items (`list_swipefile_items`)         | 0    | 200  | 500 |
| Get folder insights (`get_swipefile_folder_insights`) | 0    | 100  | 300 |
| Save to swipefile (`save_to_swipefile`)               | 0    | 100  | 300 |
| Update swipefile item (`update_swipefile_item`)       | 0    | 50   | 200 |
| Move swipefile item (`move_swipefile_item`)           | 0    | 30   | 100 |
| Delete swipefile item (`delete_swipefile_item`)       | 0    | 30   | 100 |
| Create swipefile folder (`create_swipefile_folder`)   | 0    | 20   | 50  |

### Personal Channel Analytics

> **Note:** Personal Channel Analytics tools is available on **Lite, Pro, and Premium**
> plans only — Free plan users do not have access.

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                   | Free | Lite | Pro |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | ---- | ---- | --- |
| List my YouTube channels (`list_my_youtube_channels`)  | 0    | 100  | 200 |
| Channel overview (`get_my_channel_overview`)           | 0    | 20   | 50  |
| Channel analytics (`get_my_channel_analytics`)         | 0    | 20   | 50  |
| Revenue report (`get_my_revenue_report`)               | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Top videos (`get_my_top_videos`)                       | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Audience demographics (`get_my_audience_demographics`) | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Traffic sources (`get_my_traffic_sources`)             | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Device & OS report (`get_my_device_report`)            | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Geography report (`get_my_geography_report`)           | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Playback locations (`get_my_playback_locations`)       | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Content sharing (`get_my_content_sharing`)             | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Subscriber status (`get_my_subscriber_status`)         | 0    | 15   | 40  |
| Video analytics (`get_my_video_analytics`)             | 0    | 20   | 50  |
| Audience retention (`get_my_audience_retention`)       | 0    | 15   | 40  |

### Thumbnail Lab

> **Note:** Thumbnail Lab is available on **Lite, Pro, and Premium** plans only, and
> requires an **OAuth** connection — API-key connections cannot use it. Its
> allowance is a shared monthly and daily budget rather than a per-tool call
> limit, and it is shared with the Thumbnail Lab in your dashboard. See
> [Thumbnail Lab](/docs/mcp/thumbnail-lab) for the full breakdown.

| Plan | Generations          | AI edits             |
| ---- | -------------------- | -------------------- |
| Free | — (not available)    | — (not available)    |
| Lite | 3 / day · 10 / month | 3 / day · 15 / month |
| Pro  | 5 / day · 25 / month | 5 / day · 25 / month |

**Premium** is a legacy plan whose numbers are identical to Lite's.

Allowances reset in UTC — daily at 00:00 and monthly at 00:00 on the 1st. With **usage credits** enabled, extra actions past the included allowance are billed per model and resolution tier: generations run from $0.07 (the legacy GPT Image 2 Low at 1K) to $0.45 (GPT Image 2.5 Flare or Sunburst at 4K), and AI edits run from $0.07 (Lite Model) to $0.17 (GPT Image 2.5 Flare or Sunburst). Usage is capped at 30 generations and 30 edits per rolling hour, and failed work is never charged. Credits also unlock the models your plan doesn't include — see [Thumbnail Lab](/docs/mcp/thumbnail-lab#beyond-your-allowance-pay-as-you-go) for the full price tables.

### Promotions & Sponsorships

**Daily call limits by plan**

| Tool                                                         | Free | Lite | Pro |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | ---- | ---- | --- |
| Channel promotions (`get_channel_promotions`)                | 5    | 100  | 250 |
| Live promotions analysis (`get_channel_promotions_realtime`) | 2    | 10   | 20  |

With **usage credits** enabled, calls past the daily limit cost $0.02 each for `get_channel_promotions` and $0.05 each for `get_channel_promotions_realtime`. See [Channel Promotions](/docs/mcp/channel-promotions).

## Get Help

- **Dashboard** — [dashboard.nexlev.io](https://dashboard.nexlev.io)
- **Troubleshooting** — paid but still seeing the Free plan? See [Account & Access](/docs/troubleshooting/account-access)
- **Support** — <contact@nexlev.io>
- **Community** — [Discord server](https://discord.com/invite/youtubefaceless)