> ## 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.

# Quickstart

> Generate an API key, authenticate, and make your first request with the Dash Social API.

## Before You Begin

Make sure you meet these requirements:

* Your plan includes **API access**. If you're not sure, contact Support.
* You're a **brand admin**. Only admins can generate API keys. Ask an admin or your account manager if you need access.

***

## Step 1: Generate an API Key

The Dash Social API uses **Bearer tokens** for authentication. Include the token in every request:

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

To create your key:

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** — it appears next to your brand name.

3. Click **Generate New API Key** and give your key a name.

4. Copy and save the key securely — **it will only be shown once.**

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

<Note>
  **Working with multiple brands?** Contact Support if you need a multi-brand API key.
</Note>

***

## Step 2: Verify Your API Key and Brand Access

Once you've generated your API key, use the `/api/self` endpoint to confirm what your token can access.

This call returns:

* Which **brand(s)** your API key has access to
* The **organization** info linked to your brand
* A full list of **permissions** and feature access tied to your token

This is useful when:

* You're unsure which brand ID to use
* You want to check if a feature is enabled for your API key
* You're debugging why a request is failing due to access restrictions

**Endpoint**

```bash theme={null}
GET https://auth.dashsocial.com/api/self
```

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

**Sample Response**

```json theme={null}
{
    "accessible_brands": [144],
    "brands": {
        "sunny-today": {
            "id": 144,
            "name": "sunny.today",
            "organization": {
                "id": 1,
                "name": "Dash Social"
            },
            "permissions": {
                "campaigns": {
                    "can_access_campaigns": true
                },
                "community": {
                    "can_access_community": true,
                    "can_access_community_overview": true
                },
                "library": {
                    "can_access_library": true,
                    "can_access_shoppable_galleries": true
                }
            }
        }
    },
    "permissions": { "..." : "..." },
    "organization": {
        "id": 1,
        "name": "Dash Social"
    }
}
```

<Tip>
  If you don't see an expected brand or permission, double check that your token is still valid in your settings. If issues persist, contact Support.
</Tip>

***

## What's Next

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Dashboard Reports" icon="table-columns" href="/guides/reporting/export-dashboard-report-data-via-api/index">
    Export owned, earned, competitor, and TSI report data via API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Post Performance" icon="chart-line" href="/guides/reporting/get-post-performance-data-across-all-channels">
    Get post performance data across all channels.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Social Commerce" icon="bag-shopping" href="/guides/social-commerce/get-started-with-social-commerce">
    Get started with shoppable galleries and product feeds.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>