> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.dashsocial.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Authenticate and start querying the Dash Social API

## Before You Begin

Make sure you have the following before making your first request:

* Your Dash Social plan includes **API access** — contact Support if you're unsure
* You are a **brand admin** — only admins can generate API keys

## Authentication

The Dash Social API uses **Bearer token authentication**. Include your API key in the `Authorization` header on every request:

```bash theme={null}
Authorization: Bearer {token}
```

<Warning>
  Keep your token secret and never include it in client-side code. Always send API requests from your backend.
</Warning>

## Get Your API Key and Brand ID

1. In Dash Social, go to **Settings → API and Integrations → Developers**, or [click here](https://app.dashsocial.com/settings/developer_page)
2. Copy your **Brand ID** displayed next to your brand name
3. Click **Generate New API Key** and give it a name
4. Copy and securely save the key — it will only be shown once

<Note>
  If you need an API key with access to multiple brands, contact Support.
</Note>

## Verify Your Token

After generating your key, call `/api/self` to confirm your token is valid and see which brands and permissions it has access to.

```bash theme={null}
curl 'https://auth.dashsocial.com/api/self' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer {token}'
```

The response includes:

| Field               | Description                                                         |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `accessible_brands` | Array of brand IDs your key can access                              |
| `brands`            | Brand details including avatar, status, and org info                |
| `permissions`       | Full permission matrix by feature (ads, campaigns, community, etc.) |
| `plan`              | Subscription and billing information                                |
| `organization`      | Company and org-level permission details                            |

<Tip>
  If you don't see an expected brand or permission, verify your token is still active in Settings. If issues persist, contact Support.
</Tip>

## Get Your Organization ID

Several endpoints require an `organization_id`. The `/api/self` response you retrieved above includes it — look for `organization_id` at the top level:

```json theme={null}
{
    "organization_id": 1,
    "organization": {
        "id": 1,
        "name": "Your Organization"
    }
}
```

## What's Next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Library API" icon="photo-film" href="/api-reference/library/campaign/retrieve-campaigns">
    Query campaigns, galleries, media, products, and more
  </Card>

  <Card title="Community API" icon="comments" href="/api-reference/community/community-interactions/get-community-interactions">
    Access community interactions, comments, and messages across channels
  </Card>
</CardGroup>