# Getting Started

Set up your AI Data Stream account and start chatting with your analytics data in minutes.

Welcome to AI Data Stream! This guide walks you through setup and your first AI-powered analytics conversation.

## What You'll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

- A Google account with access to Google Analytics 4 or Search Console
- An API key from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google AI, or DeepSeek
- Admin or read permissions for your analytics platforms

**Important:** AI Data Stream uses a BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) model. You provide your own AI API key and pay AI providers directly—no markup, no hidden fees. [Learn more about BYOK](/docs/byok-explained/).

## Step 1: Create Your Account

1. Go to [app.aidata.stream/register](https://app.aidata.stream/register)
2. Enter your email and create a password
3. Check your inbox and verify your email address
4. Log in to your new account

## Step 2: Create Your First Property

Properties represent the websites or apps you want to analyze. After logging in, you'll see a prompt to create your first property.

1. Click **Create Property**
2. Enter a name (e.g., "My Website" or "Company Blog")
3. Optionally add your website URL
4. Click **Create**

You can create up to 2 properties on the Free plan, or unlimited on paid plans.

## Step 3: Connect Google Analytics 4

Once your property exists, you'll be prompted to connect a data source.

1. Click **Add Connection** in your dashboard
2. Select **Google Analytics 4**
3. A Google OAuth popup will appear—sign in with your Google account
4. Select which GA4 properties to connect
5. Click **Authorize**

AI Data Stream requests **read-only access**. We never modify your analytics data.

### Optional: Connect Google Search Console

To get SEO insights alongside your analytics:

1. Click **Add Connection** again
2. Select **Google Search Console**
3. Authorize with your Google account
4. Choose which properties to connect (domain or URL-prefix)

**Pro/Business plans** can also connect Google Ads, WordPress, GitHub, and CRMs like HubSpot and Pipedrive. See [Connecting Data Sources](/docs/connecting-data-sources/) for details.

## Step 4: Add Your AI API Key

After connecting at least one data source, you'll see a prompt to add an AI provider.

1. Go to **Settings → AI Providers** (or click the setup prompt)
2. Click **Add Provider**
3. Select your AI provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or DeepSeek)
4. Paste your API key
5. Click **Save**

Need help getting an API key? See our [AI Providers Guide](/docs/ai-providers/).

## Step 5: Start Your First Conversation

You're ready to chat with your data!

1. Click **New Chat** in your dashboard
2. Select which data sources to include (GA4, Search Console, etc.)
3. Choose your preferred AI model
4. Type your question in plain English

### Example Questions to Try

```
What were my top 10 landing pages last month?

Why did my traffic drop last week?

Compare my organic vs paid traffic for the last 30 days

Which pages have the highest bounce rate?

Show me mobile vs desktop traffic trends

What keywords are driving the most clicks?
```

The AI will analyze your data in real-time and provide insights, complete with context from any annotations you've added.

## What's Next?

Now that you're set up, explore these guides:

- [Understanding BYOK](/docs/byok-explained/) - Learn about our bring-your-own-key model
- [AI Providers Guide](/docs/ai-providers/) - Detailed setup for each AI provider
- [Core Concepts](/docs/core-concepts/) - Properties, connections, conversations, and more
- [Using the AI Chat](/docs/using-ai-chat/) - Tips for effective prompts
- [Prompt Presets](/docs/prompt-presets/) - Built-in analysis personas
- [Reports](/docs/reports/) - Run pre-built report templates

## Need Help?

- Check our [Documentation FAQ](/docs/faq/)
- Visit the main [FAQ page](/faq/)
- **Paid users:** Create a support ticket in **Settings → Support**