How to Install the Tap MCP Server
Step-by-step guide to connecting Tap with Claude Desktop via MCP for AI-powered media planning.
Overview#
The Tap MCP (Model Context Protocol) server lets you connect Tap's media planning capabilities directly to Claude Desktop or any MCP-compatible AI client. Once configured, you can search inventory, build media plans, and manage campaigns — all through natural conversation.
What is MCP?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI assistants like Claude connect to external tools and data sources. Think of it as giving Claude the ability to use Tap on your behalf.
Prerequisites#
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A Tap account with an active subscription
- Claude Desktop installed on your computer
- A Tap API key (generated from your profile)
Installation#
Get your Tap API key
Open Tap and go to your Profile > API Keys tab. Click Create API Key and copy the generated key.
Keep your API key secure. Never share it publicly or commit it to version control.
Open Claude Desktop settings
Open Claude Desktop and navigate to Settings > Developer > MCP Servers. Click Edit Config to open the configuration file.
Add the Tap MCP server
Add the following to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"tap": {
"url": "https://mcp.tap.co",
"transport": "sse"
}
}
}The server will prompt you to authenticate with your Tap API key on first connection.
Restart Claude Desktop
Close and reopen Claude Desktop. You should see a tools icon indicating the Tap MCP server is connected.
Verifying the Connection#
After restarting Claude Desktop, try asking:
"Search for radio stations in the New York market"
If the MCP server is configured correctly, Claude will use Tap to search for available inventory and return results.
Available Tools#
Once connected, Claude can use these Tap capabilities:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Search Inventory | Find media platforms by market, type, and audience |
| Get Platform Details | View pricing, audience data, and availability |
| Create Media Plan | Build a campaign plan with AI recommendations |
| Manage Proposals | Create and send proposals to publishers |
Troubleshooting#
Server not connecting#
If the MCP server doesn't appear in Claude Desktop:
- Verify your API key is correct
- Check the Claude Desktop logs for error messages
- Ensure your network can reach
mcp.tap.co
Permission errors#
If you see "unauthorized" errors, verify that your API key hasn't expired and has the correct scopes enabled in your Tap profile.
You're all set!
With the MCP server configured, you can now use Claude as your AI media planning assistant. Try asking it to help you plan a campaign!