---
title: "Getting started: install and first run"
description: "Install steps and a first run for The Content Engine: Claude Code, Node.js, FFmpeg, unzip, open the folder, run setup, verify a niche and render posts."
canonical: https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/getting-started/
updated: 2026-10-30
source: HTML page at the canonical URL; same facts, markdown form
---

Docs

# Install and first run

Install Claude Code, Node.js 20 and FFmpeg, unzip the engine, open the folder in Claude Code and say what you want. Setup takes about 20 to 40 minutes once. The included START-HERE.pdf has the same steps with screenshots.

## Before you start

- A paid Claude plan (Pro or higher) and Claude Code. Install Claude Code from Anthropic's own instructions.
- [Node.js](https://nodejs.org) 20 or newer.
- [FFmpeg](https://ffmpeg.org), which encodes the reels.
- Optional: Python 3.10 or newer, only for buyer-voice scoring and voiceover reels.
- An internet connection for setup, research and reels. Carousels render offline.

Check the [system requirements](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/requirements/) first. Tested on Windows; Mac is not tested yet.

## Steps

1. ### Download After purchase, download the zip from your Whop library and unzip it somewhere you can find it. In version 1.0 the folder inside the zip is still named `ccf-content-creation-factory`; that is the same product.

2. ### Open the folder in Claude Code In a terminal, go to the unzipped folder and run `claude`.

3. ### Run setup Run `npm run setup`, or just ask Claude to set up the engine. Setup installs the renderer and its browser, the video skills, and runs a system check. Approve each command Claude asks to run.

4. ### Verify a niche Type something like `verify the fitness coach niche`. The result is a readable verdict file in `data/`.

5. ### Scout and plan Ask for ideas: `scout 20 ideas for faceless theme pages`. Each idea becomes a plan with a carousel, two reels and captions.

6. ### Render Ask for posts: `make posts for the first 5 ideas in studio-pop style`. Files land in `output/ / /`.

7. ### Post them yourself Upload the PNGs and MP4s, or drop them into your scheduler. The engine does not post.

## If something fails

Most problems are setup problems: Node.js, FFmpeg or Claude Code not installed or not on the path. START-HERE.pdf covers each. If you are stuck, [email us](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/support/) with the error text. If it still does not work, the [7-day refund](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/support/#refund) applies.

## Next

See [how the stages fit together](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/how-it-works/), browse [examples](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/examples/) or read the [glossary](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/glossary/).

## Keep reading

[Read next ### System requirements The full list of what to install and what is tested.](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/requirements/)[Read next ### FAQ Straight answers on price, refunds and Instagram research.](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/faq/)[Read next ### How Claude Code skills work What a skill is and how the engine uses them.](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/blog/how-claude-code-skills-work-for-content-workflows/)