How to edit a video
from Claude with MCP
What is MCP
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It is an open standard for plugging an app into an AI. Without it, an AI can only talk. With it, the AI can use the app's actions and read its files, once you allow it.
Think of it as a cable. On one end, the AI you already use. On the other, an app like Montage. The cable carries two things: what the app can do, and what it holds.
Why connect a video editor to your AI
Most of the work around a video happens in a chat now. You draft the script there, the description, the post. Then you switch to the editor, find the file, make the cut, export, and come back.
With MCP, the editor comes to the chat. You ask for the edit where you are already working. The cut is made in Montage, and the video is there when you open it. You only open Montage when you want to watch it yourself.
How to connect Claude to a video editor
Connecting takes a minute, and you do it once.
- In Montage, open your workspace page and press « Make a key ». The key is shown once: copy it.
- Add Montage's MCP address to your AI, with your key.
- Ask for a video.
A key is yours alone. Make a new one, and the old one stops working at once.
What your AI can do in Montage
Once connected, your AI works in the same workspace you see in Montage.
- Read your workspace. It sees your videos, your footage and your Library.
- Edit. It can cut silences, add captions, place B-roll, and change the video, with the same tools Montage itself uses.
- Look. It can see the picture at any moment, while the video is open in your window.
Everything it does shows up in Montage. Every change can be undone, and anything can be changed by asking or with a comment.
Is it safe to give an AI access to my videos
Your AI sees only your workspace, through the key you gave it.
You stay in control after that too. Make a new key on your workspace page, and the old one stops working at once.
What your AI asks Montage to do uses credits from your plan, the same as when you ask in Montage.
Which plan includes MCP
MCP comes with the Pro, Max and Ultra plans. Pro adds it to everything in Plus, with more room for footage. Max and Ultra add the team: invite people to the workspace and get feedback from anyone with a link.
Tips for editing from your AI
- Name your files clearly. Your AI finds "interview take 2" faster than "IMG_4031".
- Ask in steps. Cut first, then captions, then the export. You can watch the video between each.
- Give the context once. Tell your AI who the video is for and where it will be posted. It keeps that in mind for the rest of the chat.
- Open Montage to finish. The fine touches are often faster with a comment on the moment. Both work on the same edit.