# BuzzSumo setup for PopMCP

One BuzzSumo API key, generated in Settings on the API tab and pasted into PopMCP's API key field. The same key works for BuzzSumo's Search API and Account API.

- Auth: API credentials
- Setup time: 2 min
- API base URL: https://api.buzzsumo.com and https://account-api.buzzsumo.com
- Credentials screen: https://app.buzzsumo.com/settings/api
- Provider docs: https://developers.buzzsumo.com/reference

## Approval required before this works

BuzzSumo says API access comes with all of its paid plans. Nobody reviews anything for a paid account: you generate the key yourself in Settings.

- Typical wait: None on a paid plan. The key is generated straight away. A trial key for an account with no paid plan is approved case by case, and BuzzSumo gives no time for that.
- Cost: Prices are on BuzzSumo's pricing page. PopMCP does not add a charge for BuzzSumo's API, and higher limits are priced by BuzzSumo after you apply.
- Blocked until approved: Without a paid plan or an approved trial key there is no key to paste, so nothing connects.
- Works meanwhile: BuzzSumo's web app works on its own. Nothing in PopMCP works until you have a key.

## Before you begin

- A BuzzSumo account you can sign in to
- A paid BuzzSumo plan, since BuzzSumo says API access comes with paid plans. Without one, you can apply for a trial key through the form linked from BuzzSumo's API docs, and BuzzSumo approves those case by case

## Get your credentials

### 1. Open the API tab

Sign in to BuzzSumo, open Settings, and click the API tab. The link below takes you there, and asks you to sign in first if you have not.

Screen: https://app.buzzsumo.com/settings/api

### 2. Generate your key

Click Generate API key if there is no key yet, then copy the key. Every paid account can make one this way, with nothing to apply for.

Screen: https://app.buzzsumo.com/settings/api

### 3. Paste it into PopMCP

Paste the key into PopMCP's API key field and connect. PopMCP checks it on BuzzSumo's Account API, so connecting spends none of your searches.

## Fields PopMCP asks for

- API key (apiKey) [required]: In BuzzSumo, open Settings, then the API tab. Select Generate API key if you have none, and copy it. Stored encrypted and used only on our servers.

## Verify

PopMCP marks BuzzSumo as Connected, and asking it to list your BuzzSumo Projects returns them rather than an authentication error.

## Troubleshooting

### "Invalid API Key" or "You are not authorized!" (HTTP 401)

Cause: The key was cut short on copy, or it has been replaced by a newer key.

Fix: Open Settings, then the API tab, copy the whole key again and paste it into PopMCP.

### Searches fail after working earlier in the month

Cause: The Search API allowance has run out. BuzzSumo's docs give paid web plans 100 Search API calls a month.

Fix: Ask your AI for the quota on its last answer. Wait for the new month, or apply for more through the form linked from BuzzSumo's API docs. Alerts and Projects count against the Account API, so they can still work.

### HTTP 420 or 429

Cause: More than 10 calls in 10 seconds, or more than 3 in 10 seconds for backlinks.

Fix: Wait 10 seconds and send the same request once.

### The backlinks tool answers 403 or 404

Cause: BuzzSumo describes its Backlinks API as a private beta, so your account may not have it yet.

Fix: Ask BuzzSumo about access. Every other tool works without it.

---

Source: https://www.docs.popmcp.com/docs/integrations/buzzsumo/