MCP vs API access: what is the difference?
Updated 5 days ago
Purpose
Use the Metricool MCP when you want an AI client to read and act on your Metricool data using natural language. Use the Metricool API when you want to export data or automate tasks with external tools via code.
What the Metricool MCP is
The Metricool MCP is the official server that connects your Metricool account to clients that support the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It acts as a bridge that lets AI tools read and act on your Metricool data, such as your brands, analytics (including the analytics of your connected ad accounts), or scheduled posts, using natural language commands instead of code.
To connect, see How to connect Metricool's MCP, or the client guides for ChatGPT and Claude.
What the Metricool API is
The Metricool API lets you export your Metricool data to other tools and automate tasks programmatically. It is designed for integrations with external platforms and custom workflows that require structured data access and endpoint-based calls.
Plan requirements
Access method | Plan requirement |
|---|---|
Metricool MCP | Any plan, including Free |
Metricool API | Advanced or Custom only |
The Metricool API is available only on Advanced and Custom. MCP stays available on every plan, including Free. For MCP Free-plan examples and client-side requirements, see MCP limits and plan requirements. For this requirement next to billing, add-ons, and upgrades, see Plans, add-ons, and API access explained.
How you interact
Access method | How you interact |
|---|---|
Metricool MCP | Natural language in an AI client (ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, etc.) |
Metricool API | HTTP requests with endpoints and authentication headers in tools like n8n, Make, Zapier, or Postman |
Authentication
MCP: OAuth sign-in with your Metricool account, or Token and ID (
METRICOOL_USER_TOKENandMETRICOOL_USER_ID) in your client configuration.API: API access token copied from Account Settings > API, passed in the
X-Mc-Authheader along withuserIdandblogIdfor every call.
What you can do
MCP: view the configuration of your brands; see which metrics are available and query their data, including the analytics of your connected ad accounts; view your scheduled posts, check the best time to post, create and edit scheduled posts, and create posts for review. Managing Ads campaigns is not available through the MCP.
API: export data and automate tasks with external tools. See the official documentation at https://app.metricool.com/resources/apidocs/index.html for the full endpoint list.
When to use which
Choose the MCP if you want to chat with an AI assistant to check analytics, draft posts, or manage your calendar without writing code.
Choose the API if you are building a custom integration, pulling data into a BI tool, or automating workflows via HTTP requests.
Related articles