A Gemini API key lets Hot Take ask Google’s Gemini model to understand a photo and write captions for it. Creating one normally takes a couple of minutes and requires a Google account. Hot Take stores the key in the iPhone Keychain and sends requests directly to Google; the key does not pass through an Underrated Software server.
Create the key in Google AI Studio
Open the Google AI Studio API Keys page (opens in a new tab) in Safari and sign in. Accept Google’s terms if this is your first visit. New users normally receive a default Google Cloud project and key automatically. Otherwise, choose Create API key and select or create a project. Copy the new key when it appears.
Google is moving new AI Studio keys to authorization keys, which are restricted to the Gemini API by default. If an older key is marked Standard or Unrestricted, create a new key in AI Studio rather than loosening its restrictions. Google’s current API key documentation (opens in a new tab) explains project imports, key types, restrictions, and migration.
Paste the key into Hot Take
Open Hot Take, choose Gemini on the AI Connection screen, paste the key into the secure field, and tap Done. If you are already in the editor, open AI Connection from the toolbar to add, replace, remove, or switch a key. The app shows only the final four characters after saving so you can confirm which key is connected without revealing it.
Gemini’s free tier and daily limits
New Gemini API projects start on the Free Tier. Eligible models have free input and output tokens up to their free-tier rate limits, so light Hot Take use can cost nothing and does not require upgrading the project to paid billing. The allowance is a quota, not a cash trial: when a daily or per-minute limit is reached, requests are rate-limited instead of being silently converted into paid use. Limits vary by model and account, so use Dashboard → Usage and Rate limits in AI Studio for the numbers that apply to your project.
That is the precise version of “the first prompts each day are free”: requests are free while the key belongs to a Free Tier project and stays within that project’s current limits. If you deliberately upgrade that project to a paid tier, Google says usage through its paid key is charged under the paid pricing table. Check Gemini API pricing (opens in a new tab) and billing (opens in a new tab) before upgrading because models, quotas, and prices can change.
What one photo uses
A new photo normally makes two model requests: one to turn the image into a structured description, then one to write five captions from that description. A remix makes one new caption request. Hot Take caches the structured image analysis on your phone for three days, so returning to the same photo can avoid repeating the image request.
Keep the key safe
Treat an API key like a password. Do not post it, put it in a screenshot, send it in support email, or reuse a key shared with a website or public code project. A dedicated key makes it easier to identify and revoke Hot Take access. If it is exposed, create a replacement, paste the replacement into Hot Take, test it, and revoke the old key in AI Studio.
Once the key is connected, Hot Take can generate five photo-specific captions, remix them, and place the one you choose on the image. The app itself has no subscription or credit system.
FAQ
Do I need to add a credit card for a Gemini API key?
Not to start with an eligible Free Tier project. Billing setup is a separate upgrade. Availability and account requirements can vary by region, so AI Studio is the source of truth for your project.
Why does Hot Take say the key is invalid?
Check that Gemini is selected, paste the complete key without spaces, and confirm the key is active in AI Studio. For an older unrestricted Standard key, create a new authorization key in AI Studio. Organization-managed projects may also require an administrator to grant key-creation permissions.
What happens when I reach the Gemini free limit?
The provider returns a rate-limit error and Hot Take asks you to try later. Staying on the Free Tier does not automatically turn an over-limit request into a paid one.
