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How to Install the Tap MCP Server

Connect Tap with Claude Desktop via MCP for AI-powered media planning.

Overview#

The Tap MCP (Model Context Protocol) server lets you connect Tap directly to Claude Desktop (or any MCP-compatible client). Once configured, you can ask Claude to search inventory, build media plans, and pull pricing — all through natural conversation, with Tap as the data source.

What is MCP?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI assistants like Claude connect to external tools and data sources. The Tap MCP server is hosted at mcp.tap.co — Claude connects over HTTP/SSE, no install required.

Prerequisites#

  • A Tap account
  • Claude Desktop installed
  • A Tap API key (get one from Profile → API Keys in the dashboard)

Installation#

Get your Tap API key

In the Tap dashboard, click your avatar and open Profile → API Keys. Click Create API Key, name it (e.g. "Claude Desktop"), and copy the generated key.

The key is shown only once. Store it somewhere safe and never commit it to source control.

Open Claude Desktop's config file

In Claude Desktop, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json.

Add the Tap MCP server

Add this entry under mcpServers:

json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "tap": {
      "url": "https://mcp.tap.co",
      "transport": "sse",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_TAP_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace YOUR_TAP_API_KEY with the key from Step 1.

Restart Claude Desktop

Quit and reopen Claude Desktop. The Tap tools should appear in the tools menu.

Verifying the connection#

Try asking Claude:

"Search for TV stations in the New York market on Tap"

Claude should call into the Tap MCP server and return live results.

Available tools#

The Tap MCP server exposes:

  • ADCP tools — the Prebid.org Ad Context Protocol set (catalog discovery, inventory listing, pricing, plan creation)
  • Tap-native tools — discovery (search platforms), knowledge (FAQ + playbooks), and business context (your brand profile)

Troubleshooting#

Connection fails#

  • Confirm the URL is https://mcp.tap.co (not http://, no trailing slash)
  • Confirm your Authorization header starts with Bearer
  • Check Claude Desktop logs: Help → Show Logs

Unauthorized errors#

Your API key may have been revoked or doesn't have the right scope. Generate a new one from Profile → API Keys.

Rate limited#

The MCP endpoint allows 60 requests per minute per API key. If you're hitting the limit, slow down or contact support about higher limits.

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