OpusClip turns long videos into short, ready-to-post clips, and its new MCP server means you can now do it right inside your AI assistant. This guide shows exactly how to use OpusClip, from the classic web app to the two-minute setup that lets you clip, caption, and reframe video by simply asking ChatGPT or Claude. Best of all, there is no editing timeline and no separate dashboard to learn.
What You Need Before You Start
You do not need any editing skills to get started. First, make sure you have the following ready:
- An OpusClip account — free to start; you only pay for what you make.
- A long video — a YouTube link, an upload, or a recorded podcast, webinar, or call.
- An MCP-compatible AI client (optional) — ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, or VS Code, if you want the in-chat method.
- About two minutes — that is the whole setup for the AI-assistant workflow.
How to Use OpusClip in ChatGPT and Claude
It connects through the open Model Context Protocol, so the same steps work in ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and VS Code. Here is the whole setup, step by step.
Open Connectors in your AI client
In ChatGPT or Claude, go to Settings → Connectors. This is where your assistant plugs into outside tools like OpusClip, so it can act on your video for you.
Add OpusClip
Find OpusClip in the list and click Add. Building your own agent instead? Point it at the OpusClip MCP server URL:
https://api.opus.pro/api/mcpSign in once with OAuth
A secure sign-in window opens. Authorize it with your OpusClip account and the connection goes live. There is no API key to copy or manage.
Ask for clips in plain language
Now describe what you want and let the agent do the editing. It works on podcasts, webinars, and livestreams too. For example:
Turn this YouTube video into 10 viral clips.The Six Tools You Can Call
Once connected, it gives your assistant six tools you can trigger just by describing the result. In other words, you say what you want and the agent runs the right one:
- Clip — find the highlights and cut short clips from a long video.
- Find Viral Moments — score a video and return its highest-engagement segments.
- Caption — burn in animated, styled subtitles.
- Reframe — convert to 9:16, 1:1, or 16:9 with subject tracking.
- Repurpose — re-edit a clip for TikTok, Reels, Shorts, or LinkedIn.
- Schedule — queue finished clips to your connected social accounts.
Tips for Better, More Shareable Clips
In practice, a few habits get you sharper, more shareable clips:
- Start with clear talking content. Podcasts, webinars, and interviews clip best because the AI has distinct moments to find.
- Be specific in your prompt. Ask for a number and a format — “10 clips, 9:16, captioned” — to guide the output.
- Scout first. Run Find Viral Moments to see what the AI rates highest, then clip those.
- Match the aspect ratio to the platform. Reframe to 9:16 for Reels, TikTok, and Shorts; keep 16:9 for YouTube.
- Try it free first. Finally, new users who connect through this link get 90 free trial credits to test the tools before spending anything.
Want More Than How to Use OpusClip?
Now that you know how to use OpusClip, dig a little deeper. See whether it earns its hype in our hands-on OpusClip review, learn how the new MCP server brings clipping into ChatGPT and Claude, or line it up against the best free AI video generators before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use OpusClip?
Upload a video or paste a link, and its AI finds the best moments and cuts them into short, captioned clips. With the new MCP server you can also do it inside ChatGPT or Claude: connect once, then ask for clips in plain language.
How do I use OpusClip in ChatGPT or Claude?
Open Settings → Connectors, find OpusClip, click Add, and sign in once through the OAuth window. Then type a request like “turn this video into 10 clips.” Setup takes about two minutes and needs no API key.
Is OpusClip free to use?
Yes. You can start for free and only pay for what you make, so there is no flat subscription to begin. New users who open OpusClip through our launch link also get 90 free trial credits to test the tools first.
What can OpusClip do?
In short, it clips long videos into shorts, scores viral moments, burns in captions, reframes to 9:16, 1:1, or 16:9, repurposes clips for each platform, and then schedules them to your connected social accounts.
Do I need an API key to use OpusClip?
No. It connects with a one-time OAuth sign-in, so there are no keys to copy or manage. Instead, your video data stays tied to your own account.
Which videos clip best?
Long-form talking content works best: podcasts, webinars, interviews, livestreams, and sales calls. Give it clear speech and it surfaces the highest-engagement moments automatically.