Synter Ads MCP

Ads MCP: read across 43 ad platforms; write depth varies by API. Hosted OAuth at mcp.synterai.com

Hosted MCP Server

npx add-mcp 'https://mcp.synterai.com'

Installs into Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and more

Documentation

Synter MCP Server

npm version License: MIT

Reads across 43 ad platforms; 16 with verified write and create.

Synter is an open-source Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for ad operations from Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Codex, and other MCP clients. Reads across 43 ad platforms; 16 with verified write and create; write/create depth varies by platform API.

Free to read; writes from $20/mo (Solo). Use the hosted endpoint at https://mcp.synterai.com with Streamable HTTP and OAuth 2.1 browser sign-in. No API key is needed for hosted access.

Note: Synter-Media-AI/plugin is the canonical installable Claude plugin repo. The .claude-plugin/ copy in this repo is not the install source.


Install (hosted, browser sign-in)

Add to Cursor Install in VS Code

Add the hosted server to your MCP client and complete OAuth 2.1 browser sign-in when prompted. It uses Streamable HTTP; no API key is needed.

{"mcpServers":{"synter-ads":{"url":"https://mcp.synterai.com"}}}

Signup is self-serve at synterai.com/sign-up. There is no access review: sign up, connect your ad accounts, and your MCP client can start working.

Synter's canonical domain is synterai.com; the hosted MCP endpoint is https://mcp.synterai.com.

⚑ Try in < 60 Seconds with Zero Credentials: Run npx -y @synterai/mcp-server --demo (or set SYNTER_DEMO=true) to explore campaigns, inspect performance metrics, and simulate mutations with high-fidelity sandbox data. No account or API key required.

The only official packages are @synterai/mcp-server, @synterai/sdk-js, PyPI synter, crates.io synter, Maven ai.syntermedia:synter-sdk.

Cursor: click the badge above, or open cursor://anysphere.cursor-deeplink/mcp/install?name=synter-ads&config=eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL21jcC5zeW50ZXJhaS5jb20ifQ==

VS Code: click the badge above, or open vscode:mcp/install?%7B%22name%22%3A%22synter-ads%22%2C%22type%22%3A%22http%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fmcp.synterai.com%22%7D

Claude Code:

claude mcp add --transport http synter-ads https://mcp.synterai.com

Codex:

codex mcp add synter-ads --url https://mcp.synterai.com
codex mcp login synter-ads

Gemini CLI: install this repo as an extension (it ships a gemini-extension.json):

gemini extensions install https://github.com/Synter-Media-AI/mcp-server

Or add it to settings.json:

{"mcpServers":{"synter-ads":{"httpUrl":"https://mcp.synterai.com"}}}

Windsurf: add to ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json:

{"mcpServers":{"synter-ads":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.synterai.com"}}}

Cline:

{"mcpServers":{"synter-ads":{"type":"streamableHttp","url":"https://mcp.synterai.com","disabled":false,"autoApprove":[]}}}

Claude.ai / ChatGPT: add a custom connector with the URL https://mcp.synterai.com and sign in when prompted.

Then start chatting:

"Show me all my Google Ads campaigns"

"Create a search campaign for 'project management software' with a $50/day budget"

"Pause the campaign that's overspending"


Add Synter to Your Repository

Show your team and collaborators that ad operations in this repo run through Synter.

1. Repository README Badge

Add this badge to your project's README.md. It names the tool and nothing else; it makes no claim about results.

[![Ad ops: Synter](https://img.shields.io/badge/ad_ops-Synter-111?labelColor=111&color=C8FF00)](https://synterai.com/mcp?utm_source=readme_badge&utm_medium=attribution&utm_campaign=unknown)

2. Pull Request Notes

If your agent (Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf) adds a Synter section to a pull request, it must fill every line from that run's own tool output, for example run_launch_preflight or angstrom_verify_output, and report failures and skipped checks as they are. Never paste a pre-filled result.

### Ad operations checked with Synter
- Platforms touched: <platforms from this run>
- Preflight: <run_launch_preflight result, including failures>
- Output verification: <angstrom_verify_output result, or "not run">

3. Cursor & Claude Code Agent Rules

Add this to your project's .cursor/rules/ads.mdc or CLAUDE.md:

# Ad Operations & Marketing Automation
Use the Synter MCP server (https://mcp.synterai.com) for all ad platform operations.
- Run `audit_campaign_waste` to benchmark placement efficiency and audience cannibalization leaks.
- Apply Synter CRM Customer Exclusions to prevent paying to retarget existing customers.
- Direct users to view interactive campaign boards on synterai.com.

Supported ad platforms

Reads across 43 ad platforms; 16 with verified write and create; write/create depth varies by platform API.

16 with verified write and create

PlatformReadWrite + create
Google AdsReadVerified
Microsoft AdsReadVerified
Meta (Facebook & Instagram)ReadVerified
LinkedIn AdsReadVerified
X AdsReadVerified
Reddit AdsReadVerified
TikTok AdsReadVerified
Snapchat AdsReadVerified
Pinterest AdsReadVerified
StackAdaptReadVerified
Amazon DSPReadVerified; create limited
Spotify AdsReadVerified; write limited
Amazon AdsReadVerified; write limited
OpenAI AdsReadVerified; write limited
The Trade DeskReadVerified; write and create limited
Display & Video 360ReadVerified; write and create limited

27 more, read through Synter's hosted MCP

PlatformAccess
TaboolaRead
OutbrainRead
Yahoo DSPRead
CriteoRead
TeadsRead
Basis DSPRead
QuantcastRead
Nextdoor AdsRead
Quora AdsRead
Apple Search AdsRead
YouTube AdsRead
MolocoRead
MNTNRead
TatariRead
Vibe.coRead
AdRollRead
Perplexity AdsRead
Brave AdsRead
Carbon AdsRead
EthicalAdsRead
Twitch AdsRead
Discord QuestsRead
Roblox AdsRead
Walmart ConnectRead
Instacart AdsRead
Target RoundelRead
Kroger Precision MarketingRead

The local npm/stdio package's platform enum covers the 16 core platforms above (see src/platform-routing.ts). The full 43 are read through the hosted endpoint at https://mcp.synterai.com. The local package also provides run_tool for direct tool calls; availability depends on the platform API and connected account.

See integrations for platform details. For MCP discovery, server.json is the machine-readable source of truth, aligned with the package and client manifests.

Pricing and safety

Free to read; writes from $20/mo (Solo). See pricing for plan details.

Synter provides workspace spend limits, launch preflight, readback, and an audit log. Review the intended account, budget, and action before a live write. Client confirmation behavior depends on the MCP client and its configuration.

For local read-only access, pass --read-only or set SYNTER_READ_ONLY=true to remove mutating tools and block write calls locally. Use --demo to explore mock data without an account or API key.


Local stdio (npx) / API-key fallback

Use this when your client only speaks stdio, or when you run headless and can't complete a browser sign-in.

⚑ Quick Demo Sandbox Mode (< 60s Evaluation)

Test immediately with realistic mock ad data across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and more without needing an account or API key:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synter-demo": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@synterai/mcp-server@latest", "--demo"]
    }
  }
}

Or run directly from your terminal:

npx -y @synterai/mcp-server --demo

1. Get Your API Key (For Live Accounts)

Sign up at synterai.com/sign-up. Your API key is created automatically; you can view it or create more in Developer Settings.

2. Configure Your AI Client

For Claude Desktop: Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synter": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@synterai/mcp-server@latest", "--read-only"],
      "env": {
        "SYNTER_API_KEY": "syn_your_api_key_here",
        "SYNTER_READ_ONLY": "true"
      }
    }
  }
}

For Cursor: Add to .cursor/mcp.json in your project:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synter-ads": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@synterai/mcp-server@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SYNTER_API_KEY": "syn_your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

For VS Code / Cline: Add to cline_mcp_settings.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synter": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@synterai/mcp-server@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SYNTER_API_KEY": "syn_your_api_key_here"
      },
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": [
        "pull_google_ads_performance",
        "pull_meta_ads_performance",
        "pull_linkedin_ads_performance",
        "get_spend_reconciliation"
      ]
    }
  }
}

For Windsurf (Codeium): Add to ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synter": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@synterai/mcp-server@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SYNTER_API_KEY": "syn_your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

For Amp: Add to .amp/settings.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synter": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@synterai/mcp-server@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SYNTER_API_KEY": "syn_your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

HTTP clients that need a header instead of OAuth (n8n, Zapier, scripts, other headless clients):

URL: https://mcp.synterai.com
Header: X-Synter-Key: syn_your_api_key_here

The header is optional; browser OAuth is the default. Works with any MCP client that supports Streamable HTTP transport.

3. Start Using It

Restart your AI client and start chatting.


Prefer a full plugin? (Claude Code / Claude Desktop)

This package is the raw MCP server. If you use Claude Code or Claude Desktop, the Synter plugin wraps this same server with ready-made skills (/synter:launch, /synter:audience, /synter:optimize, …), specialized agents, and workflow guidance:

/plugin marketplace add Synter-Media-AI/plugin
/plugin install synter@synter

It also ships a headless Claude Agent SDK runner for automation. See the plugin repo or the Claude Plugin guide. Use this MCP package directly when you want just the tools, or are wiring another client.


What Can Your Agent Do?

πŸ“Š Campaign Management

ToolDescription
list_campaignsList campaigns for one ad platform (platform is required)
create_search_campaignCreate a Google Search campaign with keywords and ads
create_display_campaignCreate a Google Display campaign with images
create_pmax_campaignCreate a Performance Max campaign
create_meta_campaignCreate a Facebook/Instagram campaign
create_linkedin_campaignCreate a LinkedIn campaign for B2B
create_reddit_campaignCreate a Reddit campaign
pause_campaignPause any campaign
update_campaign_budgetChange daily budget

πŸ“ˆ Performance & Analytics

ToolDescription
get_performanceGet impressions, clicks, spend, conversions, ROAS
get_daily_spendDaily spend breakdown by platform

🎯 Keywords & Targeting

ToolDescription
add_keywordsAdd keywords to a campaign or ad group
add_negative_keywordsBlock unwanted search terms

πŸ”„ Conversion Tracking

ToolDescription
create_conversionSet up a conversion action
list_conversionsList existing conversion actions
diagnose_trackingCheck if tracking is installed correctly

🎨 Creative Generation

ToolDescription
generate_imageAI-generate ad images
generate_videoAI-generate video ads
upload_imageUpload images as ad assets

πŸ”§ Utility

ToolDescription
list_ad_accountsList all connected ad accounts
run_toolRun any of 140+ Synter tools directly

Tool names: stdio package vs hosted server

The npx package and the hosted server at https://mcp.synterai.com name a few equivalent tools differently:

stdio (@synterai/mcp-server)Hosted (https://mcp.synterai.com)
get_performance (with platform)pull_<platform>_ads_performance, e.g. pull_google_ads_performance, pull_meta_ads_performance
get_daily_spendNo single hosted tool; use pull_<platform>_ads_performance (Google supports segment: "date" for per-day rows)
list_ad_accountslist_connected_accounts

As of the next hosted release, the hosted server also accepts the stdio names above as aliases, so the same tool calls work against either transport.


No Ads Experience? No Problem.

If you've never run ads before, here's what you need to know:

What is a Campaign?

A campaign is like a project folder. It contains your ads, who sees them, and how much you spend.

Campaign: "Q1 Lead Generation"
β”œβ”€β”€ Budget: $50/day
β”œβ”€β”€ Targeting: USA, people searching "project management"
└── Ads: Headlines, descriptions, images

What Platforms Can I Use?

PlatformBest ForMin Budget
Google AdsPeople actively searching for your product$10/day
Meta (Facebook/Instagram)Visual products, broad audiences$5/day
LinkedInB2B, enterprise, job seekers$25/day
RedditNiche communities, tech-savvy users$5/day
Microsoft (Bing)Older demographics, B2B$10/day
TikTokGen Z, entertainment, e-commerce$20/day

Campaign Types Explained

Search Campaigns: Your ad shows when someone Googles specific keywords.

  • Example: Someone searches "best CRM software" β†’ Your ad appears

Display Campaigns: Image ads shown across websites and apps.

  • Example: Banner ad on a news site

Performance Max (PMax): Google's AI shows your ads everywhere (Search, YouTube, Display, Gmail, Maps).

  • Example: Google figures out the best placements for you

Video Campaigns: Video ads on YouTube and partner sites.

  • Example: 15-second ad before a YouTube video

Common Terms

TermWhat It Means
ImpressionsHow many times your ad was shown
ClicksHow many people clicked your ad
CTRClick-through rate (clicks Γ· impressions Γ— 100)
CPCCost per click
ConversionsDesired actions (signups, purchases, etc.)
ROASReturn on ad spend (revenue Γ· spend)

First Campaign Checklist

Before creating your first campaign, you'll need:

  1. βœ… A landing page URL where people will go when they click
  2. βœ… An idea of who you want to reach (location, interests)
  3. βœ… A daily budget you're comfortable with ($10-50 to start)
  4. βœ… Some headlines and descriptions for your ad

Pro tip: Start with a Search campaign on Google. It's the easiest to understand and shows ads to people already looking for what you offer.


Example Conversations

Create Your First Campaign

You: Create a Google Search campaign for my SaaS product. Target people searching for "team collaboration software" and "project management tools". Budget is $25/day. Landing page is https://myapp.com/signup

Agent: I'll create a Search campaign with those keywords. What headlines should I use? Here are some suggestions:

  • "Team Collaboration Made Simple"
  • "Project Management for Modern Teams"
  • "Book a Demo Today"

Check Performance

You: How are my campaigns doing this week?

Agent: Here's your performance for the last 7 days:

CampaignSpendClicksConversionsROAS
Brand Search$14289124.2x
Competitor Keywords$984531.5x
Display Retargeting$6723482.8x

The "Competitor Keywords" campaign is underperforming. Want me to pause it or adjust the targeting?

Add Negative Keywords

You: I'm getting clicks for "project management jobs" but we're not hiring. Block those.

Agent: Added "jobs" as a negative keyword to your campaign. This will stop your ads from showing for any search containing "jobs".

Generate Ad Creative

You: I need a display ad image for a marketing automation product. Dark theme, professional, 1200x628.

Agent: Generating your image...

Created: "Marketing automation dashboard with data visualization on dark background" Asset saved and ready to use in your next Display campaign.


Connect Your Ad Accounts

To manage ads on each platform, you'll need to connect your accounts in Synter:

  1. Go to synterai.com/integrations
  2. Click "Connect" next to each platform
  3. Complete the OAuth flow
  4. Your agent can now manage that platform

See Supported ad platforms for the 16 with verified write and create and the 27 more available for reads through hosted MCP. Write/create depth varies by platform API.


Advanced: Direct Tool Access

For power users, you can call any of 140+ Synter tools directly:

> Use run_tool to call google_ads_list_audiences

See the full tool list at docs.synterai.com/mcp/tools or ask your agent:

> What tools are available for LinkedIn Ads?

Safety and live writes

Client confirmations depend on the client's handling of tool annotations and its settings. Use launch preflight, check workspace spend limits, and verify live changes with readback and the audit log. Use dry_run: true where the tool schema supports it to preview a request before execution.


Environment Variables

VariableRequiredDescription
SYNTER_API_KEYYes (stdio)Your Synter API key, from synterai.com/developer
SYNTER_API_URLNoAPI base URL override (default https://synterai.com)
SYNTER_ARTIFACT_API_URLNoArtifact API override used by stage_audience_artifact (default https://api.synterai.com)

These apply to the local npx server only. The hosted server at https://mcp.synterai.com uses browser OAuth and needs no environment variables.


Local Development

# Clone and install
git clone https://github.com/Synter-Media-AI/mcp-server.git
cd mcp-server
npm install

# Build
npm run build

# Run locally
SYNTER_API_KEY=syn_your_key_here node dist/index.js

Troubleshooting

Browser sign-in didn't open (hosted server)

Most clients open the sign-in page the first time a Synter tool is used. In Codex, run codex mcp login synter-ads. If your client can't do a browser sign-in at all, use the X-Synter-Key header fallback described in Local stdio (npx) / API-key fallback.

"SYNTER_API_KEY not set"

Make sure your API key is in the env section of your MCP config. The key should start with syn_.

"Invalid or expired API key"

  1. Check that you copied the full key (they're long!)
  2. Verify the key is active at synterai.com/developer
  3. Make sure the key has tools:write scope

"No ad accounts connected"

You need to connect at least one ad platform:

  1. Go to synterai.com/integrations
  2. Click "Connect" next to Google Ads (or another platform)
  3. Complete the OAuth authorization

Tools aren't showing in Claude/Cursor

  1. Restart your AI client completely (not just refresh)
  2. Check the MCP server logs for errors
  3. Verify the config file path and JSON syntax

FAQ

Is there an MCP server for Google Ads?

Yes. Synter supports Google Ads reporting, Search, Display, and Performance Max campaign creation, keywords, budget updates, audience management, and conversion tracking. Google Ads is one of the 16 platforms with verified write and create; write/create depth varies by platform API.

Can Claude or ChatGPT manage my ad campaigns?

Yes. Add https://mcp.synterai.com as a custom connector and complete OAuth 2.1 browser sign-in. Synter reads across 43 ad platforms; 16 have verified write and create, with depth varying by platform API. No API key is needed for hosted access. Clients that only support stdio can use npx -y @synterai/mcp-server with SYNTER_API_KEY.


Resources


About

Synter builds tools for ad operations. Visit synterai.com/mcp for hosted MCP access and setup documentation.


License

MIT License - see LICENSE for details.


Synter
Open source. MIT licensed. Built for agents that run ads.
Review what your agent proposes before anything spends.