How to install Claude Code (I'll hold your hand the whole way 🤝)

Hey!! 👋

Okay, today’s the day. We’re installing Claude Code.

I know, “command line tool” sounds like something only developers use. (The "command line" is just a place on your computer where you type instructions instead of clicking buttons, think of it like a chat window for your Mac. That's all it is!) That said, if you can copy and paste, you can do this!!! I’m going to walk you through the steps.

Ready? Let’s go! 🚀

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First — let’s figure out where you’re starting from 👀

Before we install anything, let’s check what you already have. Watch this first:

• ✅ If you saw version numbers for both — skip straight to the One-Time Setup section below!

• ❌ If you saw “command not found” — keep reading, the install video is next 👇

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How to Install Claude Code (watch or follow along below!)

What you need before you start

Just two things:

1. A Claude Pro account ($20/mo) — If you don’t have one yet, go to claude.ai and sign up. You need the paid plan — the free tier won’t work for Claude Code. I use my Google account to log in — make it easy!

2. Node.js installed on your computer — This is the one slightly technical bit, but it’s literally just downloading and installing a program, like any other software. Here’s how:

   • Go to nodejs.org

   • Click the big green “Download” button (get the LTS version — that’s the stable one)

   • Run the installer like you would any program

   • That’s it!

Installing Claude Code

Once Node.js is installed, here’s what to do:

On a Mac:

1. Open the Terminal app (search for “Terminal” in Spotlight — the magnifying glass top right of your screen)

2. Copy and paste this exactly: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

3. Hit Enter and wait for it to finish (takes about a minute)

4. Type claude and hit Enter

5. It’ll ask you to log in with your Claude account — do that!

On a PC:

1. Open Command Prompt (search “cmd” in your Start menu)

2. Copy and paste this exactly: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

3. Hit Enter and wait for it to finish

4. Type claude and hit Enter

5. Log in with your Claude account!

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One-time setup for video creation

Once Claude Code is running, paste this and hit Enter:

npx skills add remotion-dev/skills

This installs the Remotion video skills. You only need to do this once — and then every video prompt you run will have everything it needs to build beautiful videos. 🎬

What you’re looking at

Once it’s running, you’ll see a simple text interface — basically a chat window, but in your terminal. It looks a little plain but don’t let that fool you. This thing is incredibly powerful.

You’ll see a welcome message with your account name and a > prompt where you type your instructions. Claude Code reads files, writes code, runs programs, and builds things — all from right here.

Your first prompt to test it’s working

Type this and hit Enter:

Say hello and tell me what you can help me create today

If Claude Code responds with something friendly and helpful — congratulations!! 🎉 You’re set up and ready to go.

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Troubleshooting

“Command not found” error? Node.js might not have installed correctly. Try restarting your computer and running the install command again.

Login not working? Make sure you’re using the same email as your Claude Pro account.

Something else weird? Hit reply and tell me exactly what you’re seeing — I’ll help you figure it out! Seriously, don’t struggle alone. 💗

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Next issue is the fun one — I’m giving you the exact product demo video prompt from Seller Summit, with instructions on how to run it for YOUR product. 🎬

See you soon!

Dana Michelle 💗

P.S. — Stuck on the install? Reply with what’s happening and I’ll help you get unstuck. No one gets left behind! 😄