How to Generate the Right Gaia API Key for Your Use-Case

You don’t need a local GPU-powered node to start building with Gaia. Every Gaia Domain, whether it’s a public model like qwen7b.gaia.domains or a custom domain you operate, exposes an OpenAI-compatible endpoint secured by Bearer API keys.

The only thing that trips new builders up is the Developer Free Trial (DFT) toggle.

This quick guide walks through:

The two types of domains you can hit.
The key you need for each.
Where is what in the Gaia UI.
A Postman/Insomnia test to prove it works.

Know Your Domain Type

Domain flavour

Typical URL

Who runs it?

Key requirement

Public Gaia Domains

https://qwen7b.gaia.domains/v1

https://llama8b.gaia.domains/v1

Operated by the Gaia network; free to test.

Developer Free Trial ON

Agentic / Custom Domains (e.g. TweetWriter, CryptoBot, your own brand.ai)

https://tweetwriter.gaia.domains/v1

https://mybrand.gaia.domains/v1

Node or domain owners (could be you).

Developer Free Trial OFF

Rule of thumb • Turn DFT ON when you want to experiment with the open public models. • Turn DFT OFF when you need to hit specialised, fine-tuned agent domains (including any you deploy yourself).

Generate (or Toggle) Your Key

Launch the Gaia App → https://app.gaianet.ai
Connect your wallet and sign in.
Settings → API Keys
Check the Developer Free Trial slider:
- Blue / Enabled → key will be limited to public domains.
- Grey / Disabled → key will work on agentic / custom domains.
Click New Key → Label → Create.
Copy the Bearer token (shown once).

Tip: you can keep multiple keys—one with DFT on, one without.

Test in an API Client (TweetWriter Example)

Post

https://tweetwriter.gaia.domains/v1/chat/completions

Authorization: Bearer YOUR_AGENT_KEY # DFT must be OFF

Content-Type: application/json

If your key still has Developer Free Trial enabled you’ll get:

Flip the toggle, create a fresh key, and the request will succeed.

Why the Two-Key System Exists

Prevent accidental spend on high-compute agentic domains while you’re just exploring.
Let public models stay truly free for rapid prototyping.
Give domain operators freedom to gate or monetise access without breaking the common UX.

Next Steps

Want to…	Action
Play with open models right now	Enable Developer Free Trial → generate key → try qwen7b.gaia.domains
Query a fine-tuned agent like TweetWriter or your own domain	Disable Developer Free Trial → generate key → hit the domain endpoint
Launch your own domain	Follow the Launch Domain wizard in Assets → Domains
Join the dev chat	Discord invite: https://discord.gg/gaianet

Build fast, build open-source, and keep your credentials straight—Gaia’s domains are waiting.

Have questions or want your build featured? Drop into our Discord or tag @Gaianet_AI on X. Let’s see what you monetize next!