The Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration lets compatible AI clients inspect and manage contests through a private, shop-scoped server URL.
MCP includes write tools. Connect only trusted clients and review sensitive actions—especially status changes and winner selection—before allowing them to run.
Enable MCP
- Open UserLoop Contests in Shopify admin.
- Go to MCP.
- Turn on Enable MCP.
- Copy the personal MCP server URL immediately. The full key is shown only when it is created.
The page provides one-click setup for Cursor and VS Code, a command for Claude Code, connector instructions for Claude and ChatGPT, and JSON for other Streamable HTTP clients.
Read tools
| Tool | What it returns |
|---|---|
list_contests |
Contests with entry counts and performance data |
get_contest |
One contest with its prizes and actions |
get_contest_stats |
Entries, winners, views, and conversion rate |
get_entries |
Searchable, paginated entrant data |
get_winners |
Winners with entrant and prize details |
get_entries_over_time |
Daily entry counts for up to 365 days |
The time-series tool gives an AI client the data needed to summarize trends or draw a chart. The visual format depends on the client you use.
Write tools
| Tool | What it changes |
|---|---|
create_contest |
Creates a contest with confirmed title and dates |
update_contest |
Changes supported fields, including customer-facing language |
update_contest_status |
Activates, deactivates, ends, or archives a contest |
add_prize |
Adds a product or custom prize |
select_random_winner |
Runs a weighted random draw for a prize |
select_manual_winner |
Awards a prize to a specified eligible entry |
select_most_voted_winner |
Awards an eligible highest-voted photo |
finish_contest_without_winner |
Resolves winner selection without awarding a prize |
reopen_winner_selection |
Reverses a no-winner decision |
Example prompts
- “List my active contests and compare their conversion rates.”
- “Chart entries for this contest over the last 90 days.”
- “Create a French draft contest called Autumn Giveaway from 1 September to 30 September.”
- “Show the eligible entries and remaining prizes before drawing.”
- “Select the most-voted eligible photo for the grand prize.”
Ask the client to inspect a contest before changing it. MCP writes are applied to the connected store when invoked; they do not use Sidekick's inline confirmation card.
Protect the URL
The personal URL contains an API key. Treat it like a password:
- Never paste it into a public ticket, document, screenshot, or repository.
- Add it only to trusted clients and workspaces.
- Use Regenerate URL if it is lost or exposed. This revokes the previous key.
- Disable MCP when it is no longer needed; connected clients immediately lose access.
If a client does not show a recently added tool, refresh or rescan the MCP server. Remove and reconnect it with a regenerated URL if its tool cache does not update.