Getting started: make your first video

1. Sign up and verify your email

Sign up with your email on the sign-up page and open the link in the verification email.

2. Connect a model key

Montagist is free and runs AI on your own API keys. Create a key with a model provider (how to get one), paste it under Settings › Connections › Models and click Test connection. Keys are stored encrypted, and only the last four characters are shown. Add web search and voice keys when you need them.

3. Set up your channel

Tell Montagist about your channel: Chinese or English, who it's for, what you promise viewers and which topics not to repeat. Every episode follows this brief.

4. Create an episode and finish pre-production in the browser

1. Topic and facts: approve a topic card and check the fact ledger.
2. Capture plan: review the visuals AI proposes and edit the list until it's right.
3. Script and storyboard: read the script, ask for changes, and check the footage in every shot.

5. Install the Mac app

Install it from the download page with one command or the installer. On first launch, sign in with a device code; the app then checks for and downloads the production tools it needs.

6. Capture, render and publish on your Mac

1. Capture footage from the plan and review each item.
2. Render the sample cut and approve the visuals.
3. Record the full voice-over (it's paid, so it asks first) and approve it after listening.
4. Render the final video and give final approval after watching the opening, middle and ending.
5. Build the publishing kit, post the video yourself, and record the link.

If you get stuck

Every error comes with three buttons: view the logs, collect a diagnostic bundle, or ask the assistant. You can also contact us.