OpenAI’s new hosted API provides developers easy access to its groundbreaking AI models like GPT-3 and DALL-E 2 via simple API calls. This allows integrating advanced text and image generation into your apps without needing to set up complex AI infrastructure.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about OpenAI’s hosted API service including its capabilities, pricing, security features and more.
An Introduction to OpenAI’s Hosted API
Released in 2021, OpenAI’s hosted API service enables developers to integrate powerful AI capabilities through simple API requests sent to Open AI’s cloud servers.
It offers access to models like:
- GPT-3 – Text completion and natural language processing
- DALL-E 2 – AI image generation
- Codex – Code generation and autocompletion
Additional models are being added over time like audio and moderation tools.
The hosted API handles all infrastructure, scaling, security and model upgrades behind the scenes. This allows developers to focus on building engaging AI applications.
Why Use OpenAI’s Hosted API Service?
Here are some of the key benefits of using OpenAI’s hosted API:
Simple Integration
- Easy-to-use API with detailed documentation makes integration straightforward.
- No need to set up costly GPU infrastructure to run models locally.
- SDKs available in popular languages like Python, Node.js, C# and Java.
Reliable Infrastructure
- OpenAI handles security, scalability and availability.
- Runs on Google Cloud with enterprise-grade uptime and redundancy.
Access to Leading Models
- Get managed access to GPT-3, DALL-E 2 and other state-of-the-art AI models.
- Models continuously improved by OpenAI for accuracy and safety.
Pay Only for What You Use
- Usage-based pricing allows cost efficiency.
- Scale seamlessly as your needs grow.
Focus on Your Application
- Spend time building your app vs. managing AI infrastructure.
- Faster time to market.
Capabilities of OpenAI Models
Let’s explore some of the key capabilities unlocked by OpenAI’s hosted API models:
GPT-3 for Advanced Text Generation
GPT-3 excels at generating remarkably human-like text for a wide range of applications:
- Creative writing and content generation
- Conversational bots and chat interfaces
- Text summarization
- Natural language processing and classification
- Question answering
- Translation between languages
DALL-E 2 for AI Image Generation
DALL-E 2 can create realistic images and art from text descriptions:
- Generate images from prompts and descriptions
- Create variations by editing the prompt
- Produce digital art, avatars, logos and more
- Assist graphic designers and artists in their creative process
Codex for Code Generation
Codex allows developers to generate code and boilerplate via natural language:
- Translate natural language explanations into working code
- Suggest code implementations for problems
- Provide code autocompletion as you type
- Automate routine coding tasks
- Help identify and fix bugs
And this just scratches the surface of what’s possible by tapping into OpenAI models via its API.

OpenAI Hosted API Pricing and Pla
The Hosted API employs a pay-as-you-go pricing model based on monthly usage. There are two tiers:
Open
- Best for early prototyping and testing
- $0.0004 per 1k tokens for GPT-3 Davinci
- $0.020 per image for DALL-E
Personalized Pricing
- Unlocks additional production capabilities
- Custom pricing based on expected usage needs
- Volume discounts above certain usage thresholds
- Priority support and SLAs
Companies with high or unpredictable traffic can contact sales for customized plans.
Overall, the API pricing makes it affordable to experiment and start building while providing ability to scale.

Security and Compliance
OpenAI takes security and responsible AI seriously. Here are some of the key protections and policies in place:
- Customer data encryption in transit and at rest
- Granular access controls and API key management
- SOC 2 Type 1 compliance
- Customer vetting and monitoring for policy compliance
- Models screened for bias, toxicity and misuse
Data residency is currently limited to US regions, with plans for expansion over time.
Getting Started with the OpenAI Hosted API
Ready to start building with OpenAI? Here are the steps to get up and running:
1. Create an OpenAI Account
Head to openai.com and sign up for a free account.
2. Get API Keys
In the dashboard, create API keys for authentication. Be sure to keep these secure.
3. Check Usage Limits
See usage quotas for the free tier and ask sales if higher limits are needed.
4. Integrate the API
Choose a SDK for your app’s language and start making API calls. Follow the docs.
5. Build Something Awesome!
Let your imagination run wild and create something impactful with this AI superpower!
Power Up Your App with OpenAI
OpenAI’s hosted API service opens the door to integrating sophisticated AI capabilities into all types of applications. The powerful GPT-3, DALL-E 2 and Codex models put advanced text, image and code generation at your fingertips via its developer-friendly API.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate AI conversational interfaces, generate creative content and art, automate coding tasks or explore innovative ways to solve problems, OpenAI provides secure and scalable access to the latest AI. Get started tapping into its futuristic potential today!

Conclusion
OpenAI’s hosted API service democratizes access to its leading AI models like GPT-3 and DALL-E 2. The easy-to-use API, robust infrastructure, and flexible pricing models let any developer integrate advanced natural language processing, image generation, and code capabilities into their applications. By abstracting away the complexity of setting up real-time inference servers, securing models, and managing scalability.
FAQS
What models are available via OpenAI’s API?
The key models currently accessible are GPT-3 for natural language tasks, DALL-E 2 for image generation, and Codex for coding. More models are being added over time.
How much does the API cost?
Pricing is based on usage. The free tier supports early testing. Paid plans provide volume discounts and customizable pricing.
What level of AI expertise is needed to use the API?
The API is designed to be easy for any developer to use, even with no prior AI experience. Documentation and SDKs make integration straightforward.
Can the API be used for commercial applications?
Yes, the API can power AI in commercial apps and businesses. Certain restrictions apply for regulated use cases.
What languages can I use the API with?
SDKs are available for popular languages like Python, Node.js, .NET, Java. The API can be called from any language capable of making REST requests.
Is the API scalable for high-traffic apps?
Yes, OpenAI designed the hosted service to provide enterprise-grade scalability and uptime.
What security and compliance does OpenAI offer?
It provides encryption, access controls, customer vetting, responsible AI policies, and SOC 2 Type 1 compliance.
Where is the customer data processed and stored?
Currently limited to US Google Cloud regions. Additional data residency options are planned.
Can I train custom models with the API?
Not directly. The API provides access to OpenAI’s pre-trained models only. OpenAI handles all model training.