Choose how HeyGilli thinks.
Bring your own AI model for free forever — or let HeyGilli Cloud handle screening and multi-device sync with zero configuration.
Bring Your Own Model
Connect your own AI API key or a local Ollama instance. Full access to every app feature with zero markup from us.
- Use your API keys: Google Gemini, OpenAI, or local Ollama
- Free Gemini tier: Google AI Studio free tier covers typical family use
- All core features: Channel screening, interactive buddy, break reminders
- 100% on-device direct: Keys stay in your device keychain
- Unlimited child profiles and custom topic rules
HeyGilli Cloud AI
Zero technical setup. Child-safety tuned models, lightning-fast screening, and seamless sync across all your household devices.
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Zero configuration: No API keys to copy, paste, or manage
- Child-safety fine-tuned: Multi-layer moderation prompt guardrails
- Household sync: iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV stay in sync
- Priority screening: Dedicated low-latency AI clusters
Detailed Plan Comparison
| Feature | Bring Your Model (BYOM) | HeyGilli Cloud AI |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription price | $0 / month free forever | $4.99 / mo or $39.99 / yr |
| AI compute billing | Billed by your AI provider (often free) | Included in subscription |
| Setup effort | Paste API key once | Zero setup (plug-and-play) |
| Supported AI engines | Gemini 2.0/1.5, OpenAI, Ollama | HeyGilli Managed High-Speed Engine |
| Child-safety guardrails | Provider standard safety filters | Fine-tuned child safety prompt stack |
| Multi-device sync | Manual per-device config | Encrypted household cloud sync |
| Bedtime digests | Local summaries | Synced summaries & email digests |
| Platform availability | iOS, iPad, macOS, tvOS, Web, Android | iOS, iPad, macOS, tvOS, Web, Android |
| Free trial | Always free | 7-day full free trial |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use HeyGilli for free?
Select "Bring Your Own Model" in the app's Plans & AI Models settings. Get a free API key from Google AI Studio (takes under 60 seconds), paste it in, and HeyGilli will use it directly. Google's free tier provides plenty of requests for a family's typical YouTube viewing.
Why would I pay for HeyGilli Cloud AI?
Cloud AI is designed for families who want zero setup. You don't have to register for developer accounts, paste API keys, or manage technical settings. Your rules and child settings sync automatically between iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV.
Can I run local AI with Ollama?
Yes! If you run Ollama or LM Studio on your home Mac or PC, you can point HeyGilli to your local endpoint (e.g. http://localhost:11434). All video screening runs 100% locally on your computer with complete privacy.
Can I switch between plans later?
At any time. You can start with Cloud AI's 7-day free trial, switch to your own Gemini key, or change between providers whenever you want in Parent Settings.