Perplexity API

Perplexity API Setup

Perplexity API Setup

Available on: Power plans and higher

Connect Perplexity to enable automatic research for your articles. Perplexity searches the web in real-time and incorporates accurate, cited information into your content.

---

Why Perplexity?

Perplexity's Sonar model is a research-focused AI that:

• Searches the web in real-time during generation

• Provides accurate, current information with citations

• Eliminates manual research for each article

• Improves E-E-A-T signals with factual content

This is one of Cuppa's most requested features — it puts research on autopilot.

---

How It Works

When enabled, Cuppa:

1. Takes each section of your article outline (H2-H4 headings)

2. Sends research queries to Perplexity

3. Incorporates relevant facts, statistics, and sources

4. Generates content that's both AI-written and research-backed

The result: articles that sound authoritative because they are authoritative.

---

Step 1: Create a Perplexity Account

1. Go to perplexity.ai

2. Click Sign Up

3. Create your account

---

Step 2: Get API Access

1. Go to perplexity.ai/settings/api

2. Click Generate API Key

3. Copy your key

Your key looks like: pplx-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Note: Perplexity API is separate from Perplexity Pro subscription. You'll pay per API call.

---

Step 3: Add Key to Cuppa

1. Go to Team Settings → API Keys

2. Find the Perplexity section

3. Paste your API key

4. Click Save

---

Step 4: Enable Auto-Research

Turn on Perplexity research in your generation settings:

In Single Generation

1. Go to Create Content → Single Generation

2. Look for "Auto-fetch Research from Perplexity"

3. Toggle it ON

In Presets

1. Go to Saved Presets → My Presets

2. Create or edit a preset

3. Enable "Auto-fetch Research from Perplexity"

4. Save the preset

In Bulk Generation

1. Go to Create Content → Bulk Generation

2. In project settings, enable Perplexity research

3. All articles will include research

---

Plan Requirements

Plan	Perplexity Access
Hobby	❌ Not available
Power	✅ Available
Business	✅ Available
Agency	✅ Available
Agency+	✅ Available

---

Cost

Perplexity charges per API request. With Cuppa:

• ~$0.005-0.02 per section researched

• ~$0.05-0.20 per full article (depending on outline complexity)

This is separate from your main AI model costs (OpenAI/Claude).

---

Model Used

Cuppa uses Perplexity Sonar — their latest, most capable research model. This is configured automatically; you don't need to select a model.

---

When to Use Perplexity

Great for:

• Factual content — statistics, data, recent events

• Technical articles — accurate specifications, comparisons

• News/trends — current information that changes

• Expert topics — medical, legal, financial content

• Product roundups — up-to-date pricing and features

Maybe skip for:

• Opinion pieces — where research isn't needed

• Personal stories — based on your experience

• Creative content — fiction, poetry

• Very niche topics — where web data is limited

---

Troubleshooting

"Invalid API key"

• Check you copied the full key (starts with pplx-)

• Verify the key exists in your Perplexity settings

• Generate a new key if needed

"Perplexity option not showing"

• Verify you're on Power plan or higher

• Check that your API key is saved correctly

• Refresh the page

"Research taking too long"

• Perplexity adds 5-15 seconds per article section

• This is normal — research takes time

• For speed, disable research for drafts

"Research seems inaccurate"

• Perplexity searches the web, which may have outdated info

• Review and verify critical facts

• Add corrections in the Cuppa editor

---

FAQ

Does Perplexity replace OpenAI?

No. Perplexity provides research data. OpenAI/Claude generates the actual content. They work together.

Can I see what Perplexity found?

Currently, research is incorporated into the content automatically. We're working on showing research sources.

Is Perplexity Pro the same as Perplexity API?

No. Perplexity Pro is their subscription product. The API is separate with pay-per-use pricing.

What happens if Perplexity is down?

Article generation continues without research. You can regenerate later with research enabled.

Can I use Perplexity for bulk generation?

Yes! It works with both single and bulk generation. Just enable it in your settings.

Does research slow down generation?

Yes, slightly. Each section adds 5-15 seconds for research. For a 10-section article, expect 1-3 minutes of additional time.

---

Related Docs

• OpenAI API Setup — Required for all users

• Anthropic API Setup — Add Claude models

• Presets Guide — Save research settings in presets