Blog

How to edit video with Claude through MCP

Updated 2026-10-19

How do I install FluidCut in Claude?

In claude.ai or Claude Desktop, open Customize, then Connectors, and add a custom connector named FluidCut with the URL https://fluidcut.app/mcp. Connect and complete the FluidCut sign-in flow. Team and Enterprise workspaces may need an owner to allow custom connectors first. This route does not require you to paste an API key into chat.

Claude Code uses a local MCP registration and an API key held in an environment variable. The exact command and supported setup options are in the official FluidCut install guide. Do not expose the key in a conversation, terminal transcript shared with others or a checked-in configuration file. The FluidCut skill guide explains tool use and rates.

Which MCP tools are needed for a directed edit?

The directed workflow uses edit_video, job_status, get_source, render_plan and get_results. Start by preparing the video with directed mode, then wait until the edit needs input. get_source returns transcript words, sentences and camera shots when shot detection was requested. Claude can use this material to build a plan that selects exact ranges and scene instructions.

render_plan sends that plan to FluidCut for validation and rendering. Poll job_status until the job is ready, then call get_results for the newest output. Use request_change for another plain-language version after a render. The other available tools include create_clips, upload_video, start_edit, list_looks and credit_balance. The complete list is on the integration guide.

What should the edit prompt include?

Name the format, the point of the video, the source range and any content that must remain. “Keep the complete two-sentence answer about the launch date from 04:10 to 04:35, use vertical format, and add a short scene title” is more actionable than “make a viral clip.” Do not ask Claude to invent speech or evidence that is absent from the recording.

For directed edits, ask Claude to read the source before drafting the plan. Then review the selected text and shots before render. The source provides timestamps and transcript wording, but the model can still misread the intended point. If a request has an important factual number, verify it against the original audio rather than relying only on a generated title.

How do MCP uploads and clipping differ?

The create_clips tool accepts one YouTube video URL. It does not accept a local file, playlist or arbitrary website link. For a local video, upload_video supports MP4, MOV, M4V, WebM and MKV up to 2 GB; after upload, use edit_video with its upload ID.

A file upload can return a one-time browser link or a command to send a local file to storage. Preparation is free, but rendering an edit spends credits. This separation means that a local file can be edited through MCP, while automatic clip selection from a file is not part of the create_clips tool. If you need file clipping, use the web clip form.

How can Claude check costs before rendering?

Ask Claude to call credit_balance and list_looks before a job. These tools expose the current balance and rates for clipping and editing. Standard clipping costs 1 credit per source minute. Other clip looks may cost more. Editing costs 3 credits per source minute per format plus 1 credit per minute for planning; changes cost 3 credits per source minute per format.

Tell Claude to report the estimate before calling a spending tool. The free plan gives 60 credits each month. Paid monthly plans start at $10 for 400 credits, and the paid plans include a 7-day trial. Review the pricing page for current plan details and confirm the estimate returned by the tools, since selected formats and looks can change the total.

What should you verify before sharing the result?

Listen to the whole render and compare its cuts with the source. Check that the spoken point remains complete, captions are accurate, the frame follows the subject and the title does not overstate the argument. A directed plan can choose exact ranges, but the final output still needs human review for context and visual fit.

Download links from get_results are temporary, so save the file while the link is valid. The integration guide notes a six-hour result link period. If you need another version, use request_change and review the latest render before sharing. For setup steps and complete tool behavior, use the Claude and MCP guide.

What are common questions about edit video with claude through mcp?

Use the workflow that fits your source video, then review the result before publishing.