> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.videogen.io/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.videogen.io/_mcp/server.

# Getting started

> Set up the VideoGen API: create an API key, install the TypeScript or Python SDK, and follow the linear path to generate, edit, and export a video.

This guide walks you through everything you need to generate a finished video with the API. Set up your key and SDK below, then follow the three steps in order.

## 1. Get an API key

Go to [app.videogen.io/api](https://app.videogen.io/api) and create an API key. The full key is only shown once, so copy and store it securely.

Every request authenticates with a bearer token:

```bash
Authorization: Bearer sk_videogen_live_...
```

See [Authentication](/authentication) for key safety and per-language setup.

## 2. Install the SDK

#### TypeScript

```bash
npm install @videogen/sdk
```

#### Python

```bash
pip install videogen
```

#### cURL

No installation needed.

## 3. Verify your key

Before building, confirm your key works with a call to `GET /v1/me`. It takes no parameters and returns the account and team behind the key.

#### TypeScript

```typescript
import { VideoGen } from "@videogen/sdk";

const client = new VideoGen({ apiKey: "sk_videogen_live_..." });

const me = await client.account.getMe();
console.log(me?.apiKeyId, me?.apiKeyNickname, me?.email, me?.displayName, me?.teamId);
```

#### Python

```python
from videogen import VideoGen

client = VideoGen(api_key="sk_videogen_live_...")

me = client.account.get_me()
print(me["apiKeyId"], me["apiKeyNickname"], me["email"], me["displayName"], me["teamId"])
```

#### cURL

```bash
curl https://api.videogen.io/v1/me \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_videogen_live_..."
```

A `200` response with your `email` and `teamId` means the key is valid. A `401` means the key is missing or wrong.

## 4. Follow the flow

Generating a video is a linear path of three steps. Work through them in order:

### Run a workflow

Start a workflow from a script, voiceover, or slideshow. VideoGen builds the visuals, narration, and captions and creates a project.

[Run a workflow](/run-a-workflow)

### Apply remix actions

Optionally layer on edits: background music, a logo overlay, caption changes, or open-ended natural-language edits.

[Apply remix actions](/apply-remix-actions)

### Export your video

Render the finished project to an MP4 and download it.

[Export your video](/export-your-video)

## What's next

* [Workflows reference](/workflows): Every workflow, its inputs, and options.
* [Handling async tasks](/handling-async-tasks): Polling and webhook patterns.
* [REST API reference](/rest-api-reference): Full endpoint documentation.