---
title: "Get started"
section: "Get started"
order: 0
---

## 1. Get an API key

Sign up at the [Developer Portal](https://portal.startpinch.com/dashboard/developers) and create an API key. New accounts include free credits.

## 2. Pick your product

### Real-time translation

Stream audio in, get translated audio and transcripts back with low latency. Best for live conversations, voice agents, and interactive apps.

**Three ways to get started:**

| Approach | Best for | Link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Browser demo | Hearing it work instantly | [startpinch.com](https://startpinch.com/) |
| Python SDK | File-based or streaming translation | [SDK Quickstart](/docs/sdk-quickstart) |
| Node.js demo app | Building a browser-based app | [Real-time Demo App](/docs/real-time-demo-app) |

Real-time translation requires an SDK or WebSocket client (Python SDK or LiveKit client). See [How it works](/docs/how-pinch-works) for the architecture.

---

### Dubbing

Submit an audio or video URL, get a fully dubbed file back. Best for content localization and media workflows.

| Approach | Best for | Link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Portal UI | Quick one-off dubs | [Dubbing Dashboard](https://portal.startpinch.com/dashboard/dubbing) |
| REST API | Automated pipelines | [Dubbing Quickstart](/docs/dubbing-quickstart) |

Dubbing is a standard REST API — no SDK required.

---

## 3. Explore further

- [Supported languages](/docs/supported-languages) — 50+ languages with regional variants
- [Troubleshooting](/docs/troubleshooting) — common issues and fixes
- [Changelog](/docs/changelog) — what's new