Setting Up API Keys

Watt acts as a local proxy between your AI tool and YouTube. To do that, it needs an API key for your chosen AI provider. Keys are stored securely in macOS Keychain and never leave your Mac.

Supported providers

  • Anthropic (Claude)
  • OpenAI (ChatGPT, GPT-4o)
  • Google (Gemini)
  • Other providers via compatible API endpoints
1

Open Settings

Click the Settings tab in the Watt sidebar.

2

Select your provider

Choose your AI provider from the dropdown. If you use multiple tools (e.g. Claude for writing, Gemini for research), you can switch providers any time in Settings.

3

Paste your API key

Paste your API key into the field provided. The key is stored immediately in macOS Keychain and won’t be visible again after you save.

4

Choose a model

Select your preferred model from the dropdown. For content creation work, the latest flagship model for your provider will give the best results.

5

Save & test

Click Save & Apply. The status indicator turns green when the gateway is online and ready. If it stays red, double-check your API key is correct and has sufficient quota.

Where to get API keys

ProviderWhere to create a key
Anthropic (Claude)platform.claude.com
OpenAIplatform.openai.com/api-keys
Google (Gemini)aistudio.google.com/api-keys

Security note

Your API key is encrypted and stored in macOS Keychain, the same system Apple uses for your passwords. Extensions running inside Watt never receive your real API key. Instead, they receive a short-lived virtual token that Watt exchanges on their behalf.

Next step

If you plan to use YouTube features, set up Google authentication. Otherwise, skip ahead to installing extensions.