Google Gemini provides 1,500 calls each day for free. I created a web app that allows users to generate AI documents (I can’t explain more due to forum rules). Since my service is entirely free, I need to manage the calls so I stay under the 1,500 per day limit.
What would be a fair way to share these calls? I have many users (more than 1,000) so I probably need to set some limits. I’d love to hear your ideas
With 1,000 users and 1,500 calls a day, it seems tough to find a fair way to share. You could give two calls a day to each user and let the rest know they might not get any.
You could use multiple API keys for Gemini and switch between them when you hit the limit. It might break the rules, but if you want to avoid paying, that’s one option
If you’re offering a service, pay for what you use.
Using the free tier for personal stuff is one thing, but offering it to others and using their resources is different. It’s similar to what the AI companies did to train their models.
@Finch
“Commercializing” means charging for goods or services. That’s not what’s happening here. I’m offering a free service to those who can’t afford the common subscription models. I’m paying all the fixed costs to keep the site running. I was helped before, and I’m trying to give back.
@Kim
But with 1,500 calls a day and 1,000 users, that’s about one call each, maybe two for some. It seems off. Someone mentioned using multiple API keys but I doubt that’s allowed by Google’s rules.
@Kim
That’s nice of you, but there is a reason those subscription models work, and what you’re doing essentially means you’re paying those costs yourself.
I find the common suggestion of one call per user daily concerning. Not every user logs in every day, and many don’t use the AI (there are many other features). Those who use the AI often do so in bursts, so a strict daily limit would make it hard for them. Since the AI is a new feature, I lack data on usage trends. Right now, I’m setting a limit of 30 calls per day per user, while still ensuring I stay within the free tier. So far, I’ve managed to avoid hitting the daily limit, but some users occasionally reach their cap. It seems this initial strategy has issues too.
@Kim
Capping users isn’t a bad thing. It’s just a result of the limits you’ve set. Many would typically set a lower limit for the free tier and create a paid option for frequent users. If you prefer not to do that, then some users will occasionally need to be capped. That’s just how it is.
Are you not interested in growing the site? If that’s the case, your setup can work, but it won’t grow beyond what it currently is.