# Models & credits

Choose what creates your media, and how to pay for the run.

Source: https://www.creativly.ai/docs/models-and-credits

The **model** makes your image or video. **Credits or your API key** determines how you run it. These are separate choices.

## Pick a model

In Sessions, open **Models**, choose one, then **Done**. In Flow, use the model selector on the node or main Prompt Bar.

![Image model picker with GPT Image 2 selected, Nano Banana 2 and other models listed, and Multiple turned off.](https://pub-60e30bed45514f03933d3900731bea31.r2.dev/public-app-sessions/v1/documentation/sessions-model-single-edafa4ec6468bb7e.webp)

One model is the normal starting point. Available models and costs depend on your plan and run provider.

Models support different references, durations and resolutions. Check the controls after switching. [Compare models](https://www.creativly.ai/docs/sessions/compare-models) when you want more than one interpretation.

## Choose how to run

**Credits** uses your Creativly balance; no personal API key is needed. **BYOK** means “bring your own key”: choose a connected provider, which bills your provider account for the generation. Your plan's usage limits still apply.

### Sessions

Open **Credits** beside the generate arrow—on a phone, look for the **coins icon**. Choose **Platform Credits** or a provider under **Your API Keys**. The button may show the current provider's name or icon instead of Credits.

![Sessions run-provider menu with Platform Credits checked and Gemini, Replicate, Wavespeed and Manage API keys below.](https://pub-60e30bed45514f03933d3900731bea31.r2.dev/public-app-sessions/v1/documentation/sessions-provider-choice-32815f12aa07dd9c.webp)

The checkmark shows Credits is selected. Connected means a key is saved—not that every model is supported.

### Flow

**Run nodes with** at the top sets the default for node runs. A node's own **Run with** override takes priority. The **main Prompt Bar has a separate provider selector**—check it when generating from the bar.

![Flow's Run nodes with Credits control and its open provider menu, with Platform Credits checked.](https://pub-60e30bed45514f03933d3900731bea31.r2.dev/public-app-sessions/v1/documentation/flow-provider-choice-e11007229729eb05.webp)

Flow's top selector controls node runs, not the main Prompt Bar.

In **Agent**, the chat-model selector chooses the assistant—not the image or video model. [See the two model choices](https://www.creativly.ai/docs/agent/context-and-controls#choose-how-it-works).

## What your plan changes

* **Free / Starter:** your own keys with daily generation limits. Any included managed credits cover supported Gemini models.
* **Gemini + BYOK:** monthly managed Gemini credits and higher BYOK limits. Use a compatible provider key for other models.
* **Platform:** credits across the managed model catalog. No key needed for managed generation.

**Platform Credits is the menu label**, not a requirement to have the Platform plan. Your plan determines which managed models you can run.

Spend your credits on **images, videos, or a mix**. The image and video examples on the [pricing page](https://www.creativly.ai/pricing) use the same balance, not two separate allowances. Check that page for current prices and allocations.

## Check the total before generating

In the Prompt Bar, **Est. … cr** is the credit estimate for the current setup. BYOK shows a provider-cost estimate instead; the provider's actual charge can differ. Count, selected models and video settings can change the total.

Start with **one model, Count 1**. A missing estimate does not mean a free run—check the provider and model before continuing.

### Connect an API key

Open the provider menu → **Manage API keys**, then choose Gemini, Replicate or Wavespeed. For a provider without a saved key, enter your key, review the authorization checkbox and choose **Save API key**.

Return to the run-provider menu and select that provider. Saving a key alone does not switch a Credits run to BYOK. Never paste a key into a prompt or chat.

### A model is unavailable

Check both your plan and selected provider. Free and Gemini + BYOK managed credits only cover supported Gemini models. For another model, use a compatible connected provider or a plan with managed access.

A saved key can still lack provider billing or model permission. If a BYOK run is rejected, check that provider account before retrying.

Open in Creativly: [Image ↗](https://www.creativly.ai/app/image) · [Video ↗](https://www.creativly.ai/app/video) · [Flow ↗](https://www.creativly.ai/app/flow) · [Agent ↗](https://www.creativly.ai/agent)