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AI models and your own API key

Which AI model Claras uses, how to connect your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Gemini key in the Chrome extension, and how to fix a key that won't connect.

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The model Claras uses

Out of the box, Claras writes summaries, chapters and Ask AI answers with GPT-4o Mini, on every plan, including the free one. You don't need a key or an AI account of your own.

On any paid plan you can connect your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Gemini key in the Chrome extension and choose the model. This is optional. The web app always uses Claras' model. Its Settings has a Your own API key page marked Coming soon, which points you to the extension.

Connect your own key

  1. Sign in to the extension on a paid plan. Free accounts don't see this section.
  2. Get a key from your provider. Each provider card links to the right page: OpenAI's API keys page, the Anthropic Console or Google AI Studio. The account behind the key needs credit or billing set up. A login for ChatGPT or Claude can't be used, only an API key.
  3. Open Settings. Click the gear icon in the side panel and scroll to Add Your Own API Key.
  4. Add the key. Click a provider, paste the key, choose a model and click Save.
  5. Wait for the test. Claras sends a tiny test message and shows "Testing key…", then "✓ Connected".
  6. Switch on Use custom API. The first key you connect becomes the active one. With more than one, choose with the round button on each card. Analyze a video and check that the AI Model box names your provider and model, for example "Using your Anthropic · Claude Sonnet 5".

Models you can choose

  • OpenAI: GPT-4o Mini, GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 Mini, GPT-4 Turbo.
  • Anthropic: Claude Haiku 4.5, Claude Sonnet 5, Claude Opus 5.
  • Gemini: 2.0 Flash Lite, 2.0 Flash, 2.5 Flash, 2.5 Pro.

You can't type in another model name. If the one you want isn't listed, it isn't available through Claras yet.

What your key changes

  • It covers the chapters, the summary and Ask AI for videos you open in the extension. Requests go from your browser straight to your provider, and your provider bills you at their prices.
  • It doesn't cover Bulk Summaries, the Comments tab, social post drafts, or transcription of videos without captions. Those run on Claras' side as usual.
  • Your plan's video limit still applies. Claras checks your plan before every analysis, with or without a key. On Pro that means 50 videos a day. The key section says it unlocks unlimited usage, and the web app's page says no daily limit, but neither is true for videos. Ask AI questions sent with your key go straight to your provider, so those aren't stopped by the daily limit.
  • Your custom summary prompt in the same section is added to Claras' own rules, whichever provider is active.

Keep your key safe

The key is stored in the extension's storage in Chrome on your computer, and sent only to your provider. Anyone using that Chrome profile could reach it, so remove the key from its card if you share the computer. You can remove a key at any time.

If something goes wrong

  • The card says the API key is invalid. The key is wrong or was revoked. Copy it again from your provider's dashboard.
  • "That key has an unusual character in it, likely from copy-pasting." A hidden character came along with the copy. Copy the key again directly from the provider dashboard and paste it.
  • "Enter an API key first." Paste the key before you click Save.
  • "Selected model is not available on this account." Your provider account can't use that model. Pick another one from the list.
  • "Key valid but account has no credits / quota." Add credit or billing with your provider, then save again.
  • "Could not analyze this video. Please try again." or parts of the summary missing. Your provider refused requests, because the account ran out of credit, hit a rate limit, or retired the model. Claras doesn't switch to its own model by itself. Turn off Use custom API to go back to Claras' model.
  • An Ask AI reply starting with your provider's name, such as "Anthropic API:". That is your provider's own error message. Fix it on their side, or turn off Use custom API.
  • A rate limit message. Your provider is throttling you. Wait a moment, or pick a different model.
  • The section disappeared. If your plan ends, or you sign out of the extension, Claras switches your key off. Your saved keys stay on their cards. When you are back on a paid plan, turn Use custom API on again.

Still need help?

Questions, bug reports and billing all go to one inbox, and every message is read by a person. Write from the contact page and include your account email, the video link, and the exact message you saw. That makes it much faster to help.

Summaries and chaptersShape the style of your summaries.Account and billingPaid plans and how to manage them.Getting startedInstall the extension and sign in.

Your own key works on any paid plan. See the plans.