# PostNitro — Create & Schedule Social Posts PostNitro creates on-brand social media posts — multi-slide carousels, single images, and short videos — and schedules them across LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads. This skill drives it from the command line, so an agent can take a topic, article, or your own content and produce a finished, scheduled post in one workflow. Every command is JSON in / JSON out — safe to script and chain. ## Setup 1. Install the CLI: ```bash npm install -g @postnitro/cli ``` 2. Sign up at https://postnitro.ai and subscribe to a plan — the Embed API requires a **paid subscription** (no free tier). Then generate an API key at account settings → **Embed** → Generate API Key. 3. Authenticate (in order of precedence: `--api-key` flag → env var → saved config): ```bash postnitro auth set-key pn-xxxx # persists to ~/.postnitro-cli/config.json export POSTNITRO_API_KEY="pn-xxxx" # or use an env var ``` 4. Save defaults so you don't repeat template/brand/preset IDs on every call (the CLI's alternative to per-call flags — no env vars needed): ```bash postnitro defaults set --template-id --brand-id --preset-id --response-type PDF ``` | Env var | Required | Purpose | |---------|----------|---------| | `POSTNITRO_API_KEY` | Yes* | API key (*unless passed via `--api-key` or saved with `auth set-key`) | > **Key rule:** `carousel generate`/`import` return an **`embedPostId`** (the async job). To *schedule* the result you need its **`designId`** (from the `--wait` output or `carousel output`). Never pass an `embedPostId` to `schedule`. > **Security:** `auth set-key` stores your API key in plaintext at `~/.postnitro-cli/config.json`. Restrict its file permissions and avoid shared or untrusted machines; run `auth clear` to remove it. This skill runs **no background processes, cron jobs, or startup scripts** — the only local state is the API key and saved defaults, both disclosed above. > **When NOT to use:** as a general social-media strategy advisor when no content is being produced. *(PostNitro composes with other tools — e.g., create a carousel here, then schedule it elsewhere — so pairing it with another scheduler is fine.)* ## Core Workflow Every create command is asynchronous — `--wait` handles the polling and returns the finished output (including `designId` and `editorUrl`) in one call. ### 1. Create a post Two independent choices decide which command you run: - **Post type** — a multi-slide `carousel`, a single `image`, or a `video`. - **Content source** — let AI write it (`generate`) or supply your own (`import`). That's six commands: | | `generate` (AI writes it) | `import` (you supply content) | |---|---|---| | **`carousel`** (multi-slide) | `postnitro carousel generate` | `postnitro carousel import` | | **`image`** (single) | `postnitro image generate` | `postnitro image import` | | **`video`** (slides become scenes) | `postnitro video generate` | `postnitro video import` | All six take `--template-id`/`--brand-id` (from flags or saved defaults) plus the modifiers in step 2, and every result includes the **`designId`** (needed to schedule) and an **`editorUrl`**. #### AI-generated (`generate`) ```bash postnitro carousel generate \ --context "5 tips for growing your LinkedIn audience in 2026" \ --type text \ --instructions "Professional tone, actionable advice" \ --wait # Single image instead — same flags, just the image subcommand postnitro image generate --context "Announce our new scheduling feature" --wait # Video — same flags, plus the render length when you want the MP4 back postnitro video generate --context "3 habits that make remote teams faster" \ --response-type MP4 --video-duration 30 --wait ``` **`--type` values:** - `text` — `--context` is the topic/text to turn into a post - `article` — `--context` is an article URL to extract and convert - `x` — `--context` is an X (Twitter) post/thread URL `generate` also needs an AI preset (`--preset-id`, or a saved default). #### Import your own content (`import`) ```bash # Carousel — slides is an ARRAY of typed slides (inline --slides overrides --file) postnitro carousel import --slides '{"slides":[ {"type":"starting_slide","heading":"Your Title","description":"Intro text"}, {"type":"body_slide","heading":"Key Point","description":"Details here"}, {"type":"ending_slide","heading":"Take Action!","cta_button":"Learn More"} ]}' --wait postnitro carousel import --file ./slides.json --wait # Single image — slide is a SINGLE OBJECT (not an array), via --slide postnitro image import --slide '{"heading":"Welcome!","sub_heading":"Subtitle","cta_button":"Learn more"}' --wait # Video — same slide ARRAY as a carousel; each slide is a scene postnitro video import --file ./scenes.json --response-type MP4 --video-duration 30 --wait ``` - **Carousel** (`--slides`, array): exactly 1 `starting_slide` (first), ≥1 `body_slide`, exactly 1 `ending_slide` (last); `heading` required on every slide. Run `postnitro carousel import-template` for the schema. Ready-to-use: [examples/import-default.json](examples/import-default.json), [examples/import-infographics.json](examples/import-infographics.json). - **Image** (`--slide`, one object): fields `heading` (required), `sub_heading`, `description`, `cta_button`, `image`, `background_image` (plus infographic — see step 2). Sending an array here is rejected. Run `postnitro image import-template` for the schema. - **Video** (`--slides`, array): the carousel rules exactly — each slide becomes a scene, in order. Run `postnitro video import-template` for the schema and the render settings. ### 2. Options for any create command These layer onto any of the four commands above (and onto `generate-and-schedule`). #### Output format — `--response-type PDF | PNG | DESIGN | MP4` Default `PDF` (single file URL). `PNG` returns one URL per slide. `DESIGN` **skips rendering** — no file is produced; you get just the `designId` + `editorUrl`, the fastest option when you only need to schedule or edit. `MP4` (single video URL) belongs to `video` only, and a video accepts **nothing but** `MP4` or `DESIGN` — never `PDF`/`PNG`. Video commands default to `DESIGN`, so pass `--response-type MP4` when you want the file. `MP4` also can't be stored via `defaults set`, since it would break carousel and image calls. #### Video length & audio — `video` only ```bash postnitro audio list # find an audio track's ID postnitro video generate --context "..." --response-type MP4 --video-duration 30 --audio-id --wait ``` - `--video-duration ` — the **whole video's** length, not per scene. At least 5 and under 60. **Required** with `--response-type MP4`; optional for `DESIGN` (set it later in the editor). - `--audio-id ` — an audio **ID** from `postnitro audio list`, never a URL. Omit for a silent video. Uploading audio happens in the PostNitro app; the CLI can list (`audio list`) and delete (`audio delete --yes`) but not upload. - Rendering a video takes longer than a carousel — typically 15-45s with `--wait` and `MP4`, longer for designs with animations or GIFs. - These same settings are reused automatically when the video is later scheduled as a reel. #### AI image generation — `--generate-images` (any post type, any source) Opt in to have AI generate images and bake them into the design before rendering. Works on **all six** create commands (and both one-shot commands) — carousels, images, and videos alike. Requires an `--image-context` brief: ```bash postnitro carousel generate --context "How scheduling saves marketers time" \ --generate-images --image-context "upbeat and professional, product-focused" \ --image-placement auto --image-strategy all --wait ``` - `--image-context ` — **required** when generating images: a short visual brief for the image prompts - `--image-placement auto|background|in-line` (default `auto` — AI decides per slide) - `--image-strategy strategic|all` (`strategic` ≈ 50% of slides, default; `all` = every eligible slide) **Best-effort:** the post still completes if images fail or aren't permitted. With `--wait`, the result carries an `imageGeneration` field (the `GENERATE_IMAGES` step); if its `status` is `FAILED`, its `message` explains why (e.g. free plan can't generate AI images, or the org is over its AI-image quota). AI images bill against the org's **separate AI-image quota**, not the post's slide credits, and add latency. Without `--wait`, the same step shows up in `status` logs. #### Infographic layout — `import` only On either `import` command, set `layoutType: "infographic"` on a slide (with a `layoutConfig`) to render data columns (max 3) instead of an image. Every column and content item needs a caller-provided `id`, and each item `description` is an HTML string. See `carousel import-template` / `image import-template` for the full schema. ### 3. Check status / get output (only if you didn't use `--wait`) ```bash postnitro carousel status # progress + step logs; poll until COMPLETED postnitro carousel output # final file URL(s) + designId + editorUrl ``` (`image status` / `image output` and `video status` / `video output` work identically for those post types.) Output is a PDF (single URL), PNG (one URL per slide), or MP4 (single URL) in `data`, plus the `designId` and `editorUrl`. Those can be handed to another tool — e.g. a different scheduler — to publish on platforms PostNitro doesn't cover. With `--response-type DESIGN` there's no rendered file, so `data`/`mimeType`/`outputType` are omitted (you still get `designId` and `editorUrl`). ### 4. Schedule the design to social accounts ```bash postnitro social list # get account IDs + platforms postnitro schedule create \ --status SCHEDULED \ --scheduled-at "2026-12-31T13:00:00Z" \ --design-id \ --selected-accounts '[""]' \ --linkedin-post-settings '{"postType":"document","postTitle":"5–90 char title"}' \ --post-content '{"common":"Caption with #hashtags"}' ``` ### 5. One-shot: create + schedule Create and schedule in a single call — `generate-and-schedule` (AI writes it) or `import-and-schedule` (your own content). Both accept the schedule flags from step 4, `--post-type CAROUSEL|IMAGE|VIDEO` (with `--video-duration`/`--audio-id` for a video), and the AI-image options from step 2. If creation succeeds but scheduling fails, the error returns the `designId` so you can retry `schedule create` without re-creating (or re-spending credits). ```bash # AI-generated postnitro generate-and-schedule \ --context "topic" --type text \ --status SCHEDULED --scheduled-at "2026-12-31T13:00:00Z" \ --selected-accounts '[""]' \ --linkedin-post-settings '{"postType":"document","postTitle":"..."}' \ --post-content '{"common":"..."}' # Your own content — --slides (carousel array) or --slide (single image); --slides-file for a file. # (Here --file is the SCHEDULE body, so slides come from --slides / --slides-file.) postnitro import-and-schedule \ --slides '{"slides":[ ... ]}' \ --status SCHEDULED --scheduled-at "2026-12-31T13:00:00Z" \ --selected-accounts '[""]' \ --post-content '{"common":"..."}' ``` ## Common Patterns ### Pattern 1: LinkedIn thought-leadership carousel ```bash postnitro carousel generate \ --context "5 mistakes startups make with their LinkedIn strategy and how to fix each one" \ --type text --instructions "Professional but conversational. One clear takeaway per slide." --wait ``` ### Pattern 2: Repurpose a blog post ```bash postnitro carousel generate --context "https://yourblog.com/posts/social-media-strategy-2026" \ --type article --instructions "Extract the 5 most actionable points. Keep slide text concise." --wait ``` ### Pattern 3: Repurpose an X thread ```bash postnitro carousel generate --context "https://x.com/username/status/1234567890" \ --type x --instructions "Maintain the original voice and key points" --wait ``` ### Pattern 4: Data-driven infographic carousel Import slides with `layoutType: "infographic"` body slides — see [examples/import-infographics.json](examples/import-infographics.json). ### Pattern 5: Video reel with an audio track ```bash AUDIO=$(postnitro audio list | jq -r '.audios[0].id') postnitro video generate --context "3 habits that make remote teams faster" --type text \ --response-type MP4 --video-duration 30 --audio-id "$AUDIO" --wait ``` A reel reuses the video's own duration and audio when scheduled, so `--post-settings` is optional — omit it and the API fills it in (falling back to 30s with no audio). ### Pattern 6: Audit one account's schedule ```bash LINKEDIN=$(postnitro social list | jq -r 'first(.accounts[] | select(.platform=="linkedin").id)') postnitro schedule list --from 2026-09-01 --to 2026-09-30 --accounts "$LINKEDIN" ``` `--accounts` filters the **posts**, not the accounts inside them: a post targeting LinkedIn and Instagram is returned when you filter by either, and it still lists both accounts. ### Pattern 7: Generate → schedule to LinkedIn ```bash DID=$(postnitro carousel generate --context "5 remote work habits" --type text --wait | jq -r .designId) LINKEDIN=$(postnitro social list | jq -r 'first(.accounts[] | select(.platform=="linkedin").id)') postnitro schedule create --status SCHEDULED --scheduled-at "2026-12-31T13:00:00Z" \ --design-id "$DID" --selected-accounts "[\"$LINKEDIN\"]" \ --linkedin-post-settings '{"postType":"document","postTitle":"5 remote work habits"}' \ --post-content '{"common":"New carousel 🚀 #remotework"}' ``` ### Pattern 6: Batch scheduling ```bash DATES=("2026-02-14T09:00:00Z" "2026-02-15T09:00:00Z") TOPICS=("Monday motivation 💪" "Tuesday tips 💡") for i in "${!DATES[@]}"; do postnitro generate-and-schedule --context "${TOPICS[$i]}" --type text \ --status SCHEDULED --scheduled-at "${DATES[$i]}" \ --selected-accounts '[""]' \ --linkedin-post-settings '{"postType":"document","postTitle":"Daily post"}' done ``` ## Content Strategy Tips - **LinkedIn**: professional tone, actionable insights, 6–10 slides, clear CTA. PDF carousels post as `postType: "document"` (needs a 5–90 char `postTitle`). - **Instagram**: visual-first, concise text, 5–8 slides, storytelling arc. `postAsStory` for stories. - **TikTok**: trendy, punchy, 4–7 slides, hook on slide 1. - **X / Threads**: data-driven, 3–6 slides, provocative opening. ## Common Gotchas 1. **Not authenticated** — run `postnitro auth status`; set a key before anything else. 2. **Scheduling with `embedPostId`** — use the **`designId`** from `--wait`/`carousel output`, never the `embedPostId`. 3. **`Scheduled at is in the past`** — `--scheduled-at` must be a future ISO-8601 datetime with a trailing `Z`. 4. **Invalid inline JSON** — wrap JSON flags in single quotes; the CLI validates before any network call. 5. **`Missing --brand-id ... multiple candidates`** — pass the ID or save a default with `defaults set`. 6. **LinkedIn `document` rejected** — `postType:"document"` needs a 5–90 char `postTitle`. 7. **Empty post** — a scheduled post needs either `--design-id` or non-empty `--post-content`. 8. **Destructive commands** — `social disconnect` and `schedule delete` require `--yes`. 9. **`SCHEDULED` publishes live** — use `DRAFT` when unsure; confirm time/account with the user first. 10. **`responseType`** — the CLI defaults to `PDF` (pass `--response-type PNG` for individual slide images, or `DESIGN` to skip rendering and only create the design). Note: the underlying API now defaults to `DESIGN` when omitted, but the CLI always sends `PDF` explicitly, so CLI behavior is unchanged. 11. **Credits vary** — AI generation ≈ 2 credits/slide; content import ≈ 1 credit/slide. Warn before large batches. ## Credits & Pricing The Embed API requires a **paid subscription** — there is no free tier, and free accounts cannot call the API. See **https://postnitro.ai/plans** for current plans and credit allowances. Approximate usage cost (observed): - Content import: ~1 credit per slide - AI generation: ~2 credits per slide ## Supporting Resources **In this skill:** - [references/cli-reference.md](references/cli-reference.md) — complete command, platform-settings, and slide-schema reference - [examples/EXAMPLES.md](examples/EXAMPLES.md) — ready-to-use import & schedule JSON (`import-default.json`, `import-infographics.json`, `schedule-post.json`) **Full project docs (GitHub):** - [README](https://github.com/postnitro/postnitro-agent#readme) — full command reference - [QUICK_START.md](https://github.com/postnitro/postnitro-agent/blob/main/QUICK_START.md) — zero to a scheduled carousel in minutes - [HOW_TO_RUN.md](https://github.com/postnitro/postnitro-agent/blob/main/HOW_TO_RUN.md) — install & run methods - [PLATFORM_SETTINGS.md](https://github.com/postnitro/postnitro-agent/blob/main/PLATFORM_SETTINGS.md) — platform settings schemas - [FEATURES.md](https://github.com/postnitro/postnitro-agent/blob/main/FEATURES.md) — full feature list - Per-command help: `postnitro --help` ## Quick Reference ```bash # Auth (do this first) postnitro auth set-key pn-xxxx | postnitro auth status | export POSTNITRO_API_KEY=pn-xxxx # Discover + defaults postnitro template list | brand list | preset list | social list postnitro defaults set --template-id --brand-id --preset-id --response-type PDF # Create (async — use --wait; result has designId + editorUrl) # --response-type PDF|PNG|DESIGN (DESIGN skips rendering; CLI default is PDF) # Optional AI images (any generate/import): --generate-images --image-context "brief" [--image-placement auto|background|in-line] [--image-strategy strategic|all] postnitro carousel generate --context "topic|url" --type text|article|x [--instructions "..."] --wait postnitro carousel import (--slides '{"slides":[...]}' | --file ./slides.json) --wait postnitro carousel status # if not using --wait postnitro carousel output # file URLs + designId + editorUrl # Single-image posts (mirror carousel; import takes ONE slide object, not an array) postnitro image generate --context "topic|url" --type text|article|x --wait postnitro image import (--slide '{"heading":"..."}' | --file ./slide.json) --wait # Schedule (date REQUIRED + future; use designId, not embedPostId) postnitro schedule create --status SCHEDULED|DRAFT --scheduled-at "" --design-id \ --selected-accounts '[""]' --linkedin-post-settings '{"postType":"document","postTitle":"..."}' \ --post-content '{"common":"caption"}' postnitro schedule list --from "" --to "" | get | delete --yes # One-shot: create + schedule (both take --post-type + AI-image flags) postnitro generate-and-schedule --context "topic" --status SCHEDULED --scheduled-at "" ... postnitro import-and-schedule --slides '{"slides":[...]}' --status SCHEDULED --scheduled-at "" ... # or --slide for image ``` ## Tips for the Agent - Always confirm authentication (`postnitro auth status`) before running any other command. Never fabricate an API key — ask the user. - Prefer `--wait` so one call returns the finished output and `designId`. - Discover IDs with the `list` commands; save workspace defaults with `defaults set` so later calls stay short. - **Schedule with the `designId`, not the `embedPostId`.** - For `--type article`/`x`, `--context` must be a URL. For plain text, use `--type text`. - `responseType` defaults to PDF in the CLI — pass `--response-type PNG` for individual slide images, or `DESIGN` to skip rendering when you only need the `designId`/`editorUrl` (e.g. for scheduling). - `--scheduled-at` must be a **future** ISO-8601 datetime (trailing `Z`). - `status: SCHEDULED` creates a **live** post that will publish — confirm the time and account with the user, or use `DRAFT` when unsure. - Parse stdout as JSON; on failure read `.error.message` from stderr and fix the inputs. - Warn about credit costs before large batches (AI generation is ~2× the cost of import). - If the user doesn't specify a platform, suggest LinkedIn (most common carousel use case) and remember PDF carousels post there as `document`.

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