# Your first Chirp in 10 minutes

> Name a Chirp, give it instructions and starters, try it, and share its link.

Source: https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/start-here/first-chirp  
Plans: Essentials, Creator, Business, Academy  
Last checked: 2026-10-26

When you're done, you'll have a working Chirp with its own link that anyone can chat with.

**Who can do this:** the account owner, on any plan.

**What you'll need:** your OpenRouter key connected, and a few sentences about what your Chirp should
do. Moving a Custom GPT? Have its instructions ready (they're on the GPT's **Configure** tab in
ChatGPT).

## Build it

1. If you haven't yet, [connect your OpenRouter key](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/openrouter/connect-key). Your Chirp can't answer without it.
2. In the menu, click **Chirps**, then **Create Chirp**.

   ![The Chirps page with the Create Chirp button outlined at the top right.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/start-here/first-chirp/SS-START-030-01__create-button__essentials__desktop__v01.webp?v=e1e2a8f1f8)

3. Under **1. Identity**, type a **Name** and a short **Description**. Visitors see both. The **Web
   address** fills itself in from the name; change it if you like, using lowercase letters, numbers and
   dashes. It can't change once the Chirp has been published.

   ![The Identity section of a new Chirp with the name Garden Helper, a one-line description and the web address /c/maya-garden-tips.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/start-here/first-chirp/SS-START-030-02__identity__essentials__detail__v01.webp?v=7ccc6b981e)

4. Under **2. Instructions**, write or paste what your Chirp does and how it should talk.

   ![The Instructions section with two sentences of instructions for Garden Helper.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/start-here/first-chirp/SS-START-030-03__instructions__essentials__detail__v01.webp?v=8cb6d0f9e6)

5. Under **3. Conversation starters**, type a question a visitor might ask and click **Add**. Add as
   many as you like, up to 12.

   ![The Conversation starters section with three starters and the Add button.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/start-here/first-chirp/SS-START-030-04__starters__essentials__detail__v01.webp?v=f2cbcb6ff9)

6. Click **Save** at the top right. When it's done, the top of the page says **All changes saved**.

   ![The top of the editor after saving: Garden Helper, the words All changes saved, and the Save button.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/start-here/first-chirp/SS-START-030-05__save__essentials__desktop__v01.webp?v=4a5160afd0)

## Try it

7. In the preview on the right, click a starter or type a message. The preview works just like the
   chat your visitors will see, and its answers are charged to your OpenRouter account like any other.

   ![The preview chat beside the editor: the question "How often should I water basil?" and Garden Helper's answer.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/start-here/first-chirp/SS-START-030-06__preview__essentials__detail__v01.webp?v=d779ba279e)

   Not quite right? Change the instructions, click **Save**, and ask again.

## Share it

8. Scroll to **8. Sharing** and choose **Unlisted** (1), so anyone with the link can open it, then click **Save**. Your
   Chirp is now published.
9. Click **Copy link** (2) and send the link to anyone. They can chat straight away, without an account.

   ![The Sharing section with Unlisted chosen and the Copy link button above the Chirp's web address.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/start-here/first-chirp/SS-START-030-07__sharing__essentials__detail__v01.webp?v=bd9e6acb2d)

## What success looks like

Open the link in a private browser window: you'll see your Chirp's chat page, with its name,
description and starters, and it answers questions.

From now on, when you change a published Chirp and click **Save**, visitors keep seeing the published
version until you click **Publish changes** in the bar at the top of the editor. A few things apply as
soon as you save: who can open the Chirp, the access code, pausing and daily limits. Knowledge files
apply even sooner, as soon as one finishes uploading or you remove it.
See [Publish, update or unpublish a Chirp](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/chirps/publish).

## If it doesn't work

- **"Choose a Chirp Builder plan to create or change Chirps."** Your account needs an active plan
  before it can save Chirps.
- **The preview says your OpenRouter key isn't working, or that your account is out of credit.** Fix
  the key or add credit at OpenRouter; see [Connect your OpenRouter key](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/openrouter/connect-key#if-it-doesnt-work).
- **You can't choose Unlisted or Public.** If someone else's workspace is open, your role may not
  include publishing. Ask the account owner.