How to Start Creative AI Tools
Here we organize the "way to think about" account creation and pricing. The basics: try free → go paid once it pays off. Concrete amounts, plan names, and free-tier caps change frequently, so this article omits numbers—always check each official page for the latest.
How to Start (Entry Point per Tool)
- Midjourney: sign up from the official site/app → generate via command or screen. Mostly paid plans; commercial permissibility varies by plan
- DALL·E (via ChatGPT): just ask ChatGPT to generate an image. Free tier is limited; paid loosens caps
- Stable Diffusion: open source. Your GPU or cloud (Replicate / RunPod, etc.). Commercial use depends on the model's license
- FLUX: trial on fal.ai etc., API too. Licenses differ by edition (Pro / lightweight)—confirm
- Runway (video): free tier, paid for serious use. Commercial basically on paid plans
- OpenAI Sora (video): its offering changed—confirm the current delivery method, free/paid, and commercial terms officially
- Suno (music): free tier to try (output may carry a marker); commercial basically on higher plans
- ElevenLabs (audio): free tier; commercial basically on higher plans
* Amounts and plan names fluctuate. The above is only "entry points and the way to think." Always see the official latest for pricing and commercial terms.
Free Enough, or Should You Pay? (Decision Axes)
| Axis | Free is enough | Paid fits |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 1-2/week | Daily |
| Use | Hobby/trial | Work/monetization |
| Commercial use | Unneeded | Needed (confirm the plan's commercial terms) |
| Quality/deadline | Social-post level | Client work |
Subscription Management Tips
- Subscribe only the months you use it: cancel idle months; most stop monthly
- Calendar reminder: review "keep it?" before the renewal date
- Check statements monthly: for unfamiliar charges
- Annual for long use: often discounted, but only when you're sure you'll continue
Use the Free Tier Well
- Creating multiple accounts often violates terms—avoid it
- Know the free-tier reset time and use it deliberately
- Split uses (images you, video a peer) on separate subscriptions
Next Step
Once you make accounts, understanding commercial use and copyright is essential. Proceed to "Commercial-Use Permissibility" and "Principles to Avoid Copyright Infringement."
