BYOK vs Hosted AI interview app workflow

Hosted Gemini is the fastest way to start

Hosted Gemini is built for users who want AI Job Interview to work without collecting model provider details. Sign in, choose a subscription plan, and use the included credits for live answers, follow-ups, validation, and screenshot solve. This lane is simple for first-time users and easier to explain in App Store metadata.

Credits make hosted usage predictable. A standard live answer costs fewer credits. Screenshot solve costs more because it includes visual prompt context. The app should show the credit balance and request cost so users know what is happening before they start a hosted request.

BYOK gives power users provider control

BYOK means bring your own key. In AI Job Interview, it is useful for users who already pay for an AI provider, want a specific model, or need an OpenAI-compatible endpoint such as a custom gateway. BYOK and Custom AI requests do not consume Hosted Gemini credits because the user is paying the provider directly.

The important setup fields are base URL, model name, and API key. After entering them, users should run the in-app test before a real interview. This confirms the endpoint accepts chat completions and that the model slug is correct.

Which AI lane should you choose?

Choose Hosted Gemini if you want the fewest setup steps, do not already manage an AI provider, or prefer credits bundled with an access plan. Choose BYOK if you want custom provider control, already have API credits elsewhere, or need a model not available through the hosted lane.

Both lanes support the same interview workflow: live transcript, structured answers, follow-up support, and screenshot prompts where configured. The difference is billing and provider ownership, not the core Mac experience.

How credits fit the hybrid model

Subscriptions act as an access pass plus included credits. Consumable credit packs allow heavier hosted usage. This hybrid model keeps the first purchase simple while making high usage sustainable. BYOK remains a separate lane for users who prefer to pay their provider directly.

That distinction should be clear across the app, landing page, and support pages. Hosted Gemini uses credits. BYOK and Custom AI do not. Screenshot solve uses more hosted credits than a standard request.

Practical examples for choosing a lane

A candidate with one interview next week and no existing AI provider should usually start with Hosted Gemini. It reduces setup work and keeps the App Store purchase flow straightforward. The user only needs to sign in, pick a plan, and watch the credit balance. That is the simplest lane for most first-time users.

A developer who already has an API key or wants a specific model should consider BYOK. This is useful for users who need an OpenAI-compatible endpoint, want to control maximum tokens, or prefer a provider they already use. BYOK also helps when the user expects heavy usage and wants provider billing outside the app.

A power user may switch between the two lanes. Hosted Gemini can be a backup when a custom endpoint is not available. BYOK can be the main workflow when the user wants full model control. AI Job Interview should make that distinction easy to understand in the AI tab and support copy.

The simple rule is this: Hosted Gemini is convenience with credits; BYOK is provider control without hosted credit usage. That message should stay consistent across the app, landing page, support page, and App Store metadata.

Hosted AI and BYOK FAQ

Does BYOK use Hosted Gemini credits?

No. BYOK and Custom AI requests use your configured provider, so they do not consume Hosted Gemini credits.

Can I keep both options available?

Yes. Many users keep Hosted Gemini for quick setup and BYOK for provider control. The important part is testing the active lane before a real call.

Which lane is better for screenshot prompts?

Hosted Gemini is simpler if you have credits. BYOK is better if your provider supports the image or prompt format you need and you prefer direct provider billing.

Next step: choose a default lane

Pick one default lane before the interview. If you choose Hosted Gemini, confirm the plan and credit balance. If you choose BYOK, test the base URL, model, and API key. Avoid switching lanes during the call unless you need to recover from a provider issue. A clear default keeps the workflow simple and makes support easier if something needs troubleshooting later.

For heavy interview weeks, review your expected usage ahead of time. Hosted credits are convenient, while BYOK may be more flexible if you already maintain provider billing elsewhere. If you are unsure, keep Hosted Gemini as the simple default and configure BYOK as a backup lane once you have time to test it calmly with your preferred interview workflow and expected prompt types before important calls.