## Replicate API Setup
Connect Replicate to generate AI images with Nano Banana Pro, Flux, and other models. Create stunning featured images for your articles, social posts, and carousels.
***
### What is Replicate?
Replicate hosts AI models you can run via API. Cuppa integrates with Replicate for AI image generation across:
* **Articles** — Featured images and inline images
* **Social posts** — Platform-optimized visuals
* **LinkedIn carousels** — Multi-slide lead magnets
* **Mood boards** — Brand visualization
* **Newsletters** — Header images
***
### Available Image Models
| Model | Quality | Cost | Best For |
| ---------------------- | ----------- | -------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Nano Banana Pro** 🍌 | **Premium** | \~$0.15/image | **Recommended** — Best quality, fast |
| **Flux Pro 1.1 Ultra** | Excellent | \~$0.06/image | Hero images, marketing |
| **Flux Pro 1.1** | Excellent | \~$0.055/image | Premium content |
| **Flux Pro** | Very Good | \~$0.05/image | Featured images |
| **Flux** | Good | Free tier | Testing, drafts |
#### Nano Banana Pro 🍌
Our **recommended model** for production use:
* **Best quality** — Photorealistic, detailed images
* **Fast generation** — 5-10 seconds per image
* **Resolution options** — 1K, 2K, or 4K output
* **Aspect ratios** — 16:9, 9:16, 1:1 supported
* **Default for social** — Automatically used for social posts and carousels
> **Tip**: Nano Banana Pro is the default for social automation, mood boards, and carousel generation.
***
### Plan Availability
| Feature | Hobby | Power | Business | Agency |
| ----------------------- | ----- | ----- | -------- | ------ |
| Single image generation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bulk image generation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Social post images | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| LinkedIn carousels | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mood board generation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
***
### Step 1: Create a Replicate Account
1. Go to [replicate.com](https://replicate.com)
2. Click **Sign up**
3. Sign in with GitHub (recommended) or email
***
### Step 2: Get Your API Token
1. Go to [replicate.com/account/api-tokens](https://replicate.com/account/api-tokens)
2. Click **Create token**
3. Name it "Cuppa"
4. Copy the token
Your token looks like: `r8_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx`
***
### Step 3: Add Billing (Optional for Flux Free)
For Flux Pro models, add a payment method:
1. Go to [replicate.com/account/billing](https://replicate.com/account/billing)
2. Add a credit card
3. You're charged per image generated
> **Note**: Basic Flux is free tier. Flux Pro models require billing.
***
### Step 4: Add Token to Cuppa
1. Go to **Team Settings** → **API Keys**
2. Find the **Replicate** section
3. Paste your API token
4. Click **Save**
***
### Generating Images in Cuppa
#### During Article Generation
1. In generation settings, enable **"Include AI Images"**
2. Select your preferred model (Flux, Flux Pro, etc.)
3. Images are generated alongside your article
#### In the Editor
1. Open any article in the Cuppa Editor
2. Click **Generate Image** in the toolbar
3. Enter a prompt or use AI-suggested prompt
4. Select model and generate
#### For Featured Images
1. Open your article
2. Go to the **Featured Image** section
3. Click **Generate with AI**
4. Enter prompt and generate
***
### Writing Good Image Prompts
#### Basic Structure
```
[Subject] + [Style] + [Details] + [Quality modifiers]
```
#### Examples
**Blog featured image:**
```
Professional photograph of a modern office workspace with laptop and coffee, natural lighting, clean minimalist style, 4k quality
```
**Product image:**
```
Sleek wireless headphones floating on gradient background, product photography, studio lighting, commercial quality
```
**Lifestyle image:**
```
Young professional working from home on laptop, cozy apartment setting, warm natural light, editorial style photography
```
#### Tips
* Be specific about style (photograph, illustration, 3D render)
* Include lighting details (natural, studio, dramatic)
* Add quality modifiers (4k, professional, detailed)
* Mention the mood (warm, minimal, vibrant)
***
### Cost
Replicate charges per image:
| Model | Cost per Image |
| ------------------ | -------------- |
| Flux (free tier) | Free (limited) |
| Flux Pro | \~$0.05 |
| Flux Pro 1.1 | \~$0.055 |
| Flux Pro 1.1 Ultra | \~$0.06 |
**Example**: 100 articles with Flux Pro images = \~$5
***
### Image in Bulk Generation
When bulk generating with images:
1. Enable images in bulk settings
2. Select your model
3. Each article gets a generated featured image
4. Images use AI-generated prompts based on article content
> **Note**: Bulk image generation is available on Power plans and higher.
***
### Troubleshooting
#### "Invalid API token"
* Verify you copied the full token
* Check token exists at [replicate.com/account/api-tokens](https://replicate.com/account/api-tokens)
* Create a new token if needed
#### "Model requires billing"
* Flux Pro models require a payment method
* Add billing at [replicate.com/account/billing](https://replicate.com/account/billing)
* Use free Flux tier if testing
#### "Generation failed"
* Check your Replicate account has credits
* Try a simpler prompt
* Retry — transient failures happen
* Check [replicate.com/status](https://replicate.com/status) for outages
#### "Image quality is poor"
* Use Flux Pro or higher for better quality
* Add quality modifiers to your prompt ("4k", "detailed", "professional")
* Be more specific in your prompt
***
### FAQ
**Do I need Replicate for images?**
No. You can also use:
* DALL-E (with OpenAI key)
* Midjourney (separate integration)
* Upload your own images
**Which image model is best?**
Flux Pro 1.1 offers the best balance of quality and cost. Ultra is for when quality is paramount.
**Can I use my own images instead?**
Absolutely! Upload images in the editor or set featured images manually.
**How many images can I generate per article?**
Currently, Cuppa generates one featured image per article. You can generate additional images in the editor.
**Are generated images licensed for commercial use?**
Yes. Images generated via Replicate are yours to use commercially.
***
### Related Docs
* OpenAI API Setup — DALL-E images with OpenAI
* Content Generation — Full generation guide
* Bulk Generation — Generate with images at scale
---
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