# Quickstart (/docs/quickstart)



This walk-through gets a single-app project to a live optimized state. If you're
running an agency, see the [agency topology](/docs/organizations/agency-topology)
guide instead.

## Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

* A Meta Business Manager (for Meta and Instagram).
* A TikTok Business account (for TikTok organic + ads).
* An App Store Connect or Google Play app you control (for SDK install).
* An ad spend budget you're comfortable starting with — Layers' minimum
  recommended is $50/day per platform during the learning phase.

## 1. Create an account [#1-create-an-account]

Go to [layers.com](https://layers.com) and click **Sign up**. Use your work
email so teammates can be invited later. After verifying your email you'll be
prompted to [complete your profile](/docs/account/complete-profile) — name, role, and an
optional avatar.

If your email domain is associated with an existing organization, you'll be
prompted to request to join. Otherwise you'll [create a new organization](/docs/organizations/create).

## 2. Create your first project [#2-create-your-first-project]

A **project** maps to one app or one brand. Multiple projects per organization
is normal (an agency typically has one per client). The
[create-project wizard](/docs/projects/create-project) walks through:

1. **Pick a source** — GitHub repo, App Store listing, or website URL.
   Layers will analyze whichever you provide to seed the brand brief.
2. **Confirm details** — name, description, app IDs, primary website.
3. **Connect social accounts** — Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.
4. **Generate first content** — pick a remix style (video, slideshow, UGC).
5. **Activate** — your project goes live and the scheduler begins planning.

The whole flow takes 5–15 minutes depending on how many sources you connect.

## 3. Install the SDK [#3-install-the-sdk]

Even if you only plan to run organic, **install the SDK now**. It powers
attribution, conversion-event ingestion, and the Apple Search Ads attribution
token. See the [SDK quickstart](/docs/sdk/quickstart) for your platform — every
SDK is a 5-minute drop-in:

```swift title="iOS (Swift)"
import Layers

Layers.configure(appId: "app_xxx")
Layers.track(event: "purchase", revenue: 9.99, currency: "USD")
```

```kotlin title="Android (Kotlin)"
Layers.init(this, appId = "app_xxx")
Layers.track("purchase", mapOf("revenue" to 9.99, "currency" to "USD"))
```

Validate events flowing in the [Events page](/docs/events/feed) of your project.

## 4. Pick your delivery model [#4-pick-your-delivery-model]

Layers offers two models for ad accounts and social accounts:

* **Agency mode** — Layers manages ad accounts via Business Center and bills
  ad spend through the Layers wallet. One-click setup, no platform billing.
* **BYO (Bring Your Own)** — you OAuth your existing accounts. You retain full
  control and pay platforms directly. No platform fee, no wallet.

See [Agency vs BYO](/docs/concepts/agency-vs-byo) for the tradeoffs. You can
mix per platform.

## 5. Install your first Layers [#5-install-your-first-layers]

A **Layer** is a capability module — Social Distribution, Meta Ads, TikTok Ads,
Apple Search Ads, UGC, Revenue, etc. Visit
**Project → Layers → Browse** and install the ones you want. Each layer has its
own [configuration screen](/docs/layers/config).

For most apps, install:

1. **Social Distribution** — automated organic posting.
2. **Meta Ads Manager** — Facebook + Instagram ad campaigns.
3. **TikTok Ads Manager** — TikTok ad campaigns.
4. **Apple Search Ads** *(iOS apps only)* — App Store Search Ads.
5. **App Machina** *(if developing the app)* — AI app development assistance.

## 6. Approve the first generations [#6-approve-the-first-generations]

Within an hour the [generated content tab](/docs/social/content-generation)
will show your first batch of posts. The
[creative library](/docs/paid-media/creative-library) will show the first batch
of ads. Review, edit captions/hooks if needed, and approve.

By default Layers will hold ad spend until you've approved at least three
creatives — there's no risk of wasted budget while you're getting comfortable.

## 7. Watch the dashboard [#7-watch-the-dashboard]

The [project dashboard](/docs/projects/dashboard) is your day-to-day home. It
surfaces:

* KPIs across organic + paid (views, engagement, CPA, ROAS).
* Daily trend charts.
* Posts published in the last 30 days.
* Tasks the platform needs you to handle.

For a deeper read on what to monitor, see the
[performance marketer runbook](/docs/paid-media/runbooks).

## What's next [#whats-next]

* Read [How the optimizer works](/docs/concepts/optimizer) before scaling spend.
* Configure [brand voice and banned words](/docs/social/brand-voice).
* Review the [notification center](/docs/notifications/overview).
* Invite teammates to the [project](/docs/organizations/members).