API Keys
Configure your own API keys to enable AI features. With BYOK (Bring Your Own Keys), you control costs and privacy.
What is BYOK?
BYOK (Bring Your Own Keys) means you provide your own API keys for AI services. This approach offers:
- Cost control — Pay only for what you use
- Privacy — Your data goes directly to the AI provider
- Choice — Pick the provider you prefer
- Transparency — See exactly what AI costs
Note
StorytellerOS never stores your writing or sends it to our servers for AI processing. Your API key connects directly to the provider.
What Needs API Keys?
| Feature | Provider | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| AI Writing Assistance | OpenAI or Anthropic | Brainstorm, continue, rephrase text |
| AI Caption Generation | OpenAI or Anthropic | Generate social media captions |
| AI Image Generation | Freepik | Create graphics for social posts |
Tip
You can use StorytellerOS without any API keys. AI features are optional enhancements, not requirements.
Where to Add Keys
- Go to Settings → API Keys
- Find the service you want to configure
- Enter your API key
- Click Save
- Test the connection
OpenAI (ChatGPT)
For AI writing assistance using GPT models:
Getting an OpenAI Key
- Go to platform.openai.com
- Create an account or log in
- Go to API Keys
- Click Create new secret key
- Copy the key immediately (it will not be shown again)
- Add payment method for API usage
OpenAI Costs
- Pay per token (roughly per word)
- GPT-4 costs more than GPT-3.5
- Typical author use: $1-10/month
- Set spending limits in OpenAI dashboard
Anthropic (Claude)
Alternative AI provider:
Getting an Anthropic Key
- Go to console.anthropic.com
- Create an account
- Go to API Keys
- Create a new key
- Copy and save securely
Anthropic Costs
- Pay per token
- Claude models priced similarly to GPT-4
- Set spending limits in Anthropic console
Freepik
For AI image generation:
Getting a Freepik Key
- Go to Freepik's developer portal
- Create an account
- Subscribe to an API plan
- Generate an API key
- Copy and save
Freepik Costs
- Pay per image generated
- Subscription tiers available
- Check their pricing page for current rates
Keeping Keys Secure
Never Share API Keys
Your API keys are like passwords. Never share them, post them publicly, or include them in screenshots.
Best Practices
- Do not share keys with anyone
- Set spending limits on provider dashboards
- Rotate keys periodically
- Delete unused keys
- Monitor usage for unexpected charges
If a Key is Compromised
- Immediately delete/revoke the key at the provider
- Generate a new key
- Update the key in StorytellerOS settings
- Check for unauthorized usage
Choosing a Provider
OpenAI vs Anthropic
Both work well. Choose based on:
- Preference — Try both and see which you prefer
- Pricing — Compare current rates
- Availability — Some regions have restrictions
- Output style — Slightly different writing styles
Testing Your Keys
After adding a key:
- Click Test Connection in settings
- The system will make a small test request
- Verify it shows "Connected" status
- Try using the feature (generate some text)
Troubleshooting
Invalid Key Error
- Check for copy/paste errors (extra spaces)
- Verify the key is active in provider dashboard
- Make sure billing is set up
Rate Limit Errors
- You are making too many requests
- Wait a few minutes and try again
- Consider upgrading your API plan
Insufficient Funds
- Add payment method to provider account
- Increase spending limit
- Add credits if using prepaid
Optional Features
Remember: AI features are optional. StorytellerOS is fully functional without any API keys. Only add them if you want AI assistance.
Best Practices
- Start small — Set low spending limits initially
- Monitor usage — Check provider dashboards weekly
- Test before heavy use — Make sure it works as expected
- Keep keys private — Never expose in screenshots or sharing
- One provider is enough — You do not need both OpenAI and Anthropic