Quick Start

Understanding BYOK

Learn how AI Data Stream uses the Bring Your Own Key model for AI providers.

AI Data Stream uses a BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) model for AI services. This page explains what that means and why it benefits you.

What is BYOK?

BYOK means you provide your own API keys for AI services like Anthropic, Google Gemini, DeepSeek, or OpenAI. When you chat with your analytics data, the AI requests go directly to your chosen provider using your API key.

We don’t resell AI services or add any markup. You pay the AI providers directly at their published rates.

How It Works

  1. You create an account with an AI provider (Anthropic, Google, etc.)
  2. You generate an API key from that provider’s dashboard
  3. You add the API key to AI Data Stream
  4. When you chat, we use your key to make AI requests
  5. The AI provider bills you directly based on your usage
┌─────────────────┐     ┌──────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐
│  AI Data Stream │ ──► │  Your Analytics  │ ──► │   AI Provider   │
│   (Your Query)  │     │   (GA4, GSC...)  │     │  (Your API Key) │
└─────────────────┘     └──────────────────┘     └─────────────────┘

Why BYOK?

Cost Transparency

You see exactly what you’re paying for AI usage. There’s no mystery markup—just the published rates from your chosen provider. Check each provider’s pricing page for current rates.

No Usage Limits

Since you pay AI providers directly, there are no artificial limits on how many queries you can run. Use AI Data Stream as much as you need.

Your Choice of Model

Different models excel at different tasks. You can:

  • Use fast, affordable models (Gemini Flash, DeepSeek) for quick checks
  • Use powerful models (Claude Opus, GPT-5) for complex analysis
  • Switch between models anytime based on your needs

Privacy and Control

Your API key is encrypted and stored securely. Only your team can use your keys. You can:

  • Rotate keys anytime from your AI provider’s dashboard
  • Set spending limits with your AI provider
  • Monitor usage in your AI provider’s billing portal

Supported AI Providers

AI Data Stream supports these AI providers:

ProviderModelsBest For
AnthropicClaude Sonnet 4.5, Opus 4.5, Haiku 4.5Nuanced analysis, long documents
GoogleGemini 3 Flash/Pro, Gemini 2.5 Pro/FlashCost-effective, fast responses
DeepSeekDeepSeek Chat, ReasonerBudget-friendly option
OpenAIGPT-4o, GPT-5.2, o3, o4-miniGeneral analysis, broad capabilities

You can add multiple providers and switch between them for different queries.

Setting Up Your API Key

  1. Create an account with your chosen AI provider
  2. Generate an API key from their dashboard
  3. In AI Data Stream, go to Settings → AI Providers
  4. Click Add Provider and paste your key
  5. Select your default model

For step-by-step instructions, see our AI Providers Guide.

Security

Your API keys are protected:

  • Encrypted storage: Keys are encrypted at rest using industry-standard encryption
  • Team isolation: Each team has its own secure database
  • No sharing: We never share or expose your API keys
  • Access control: Only team owners can add or modify AI providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate AI provider account?

Yes. You’ll need to sign up with at least one AI provider (Anthropic, Google AI, DeepSeek, or OpenAI) and create an API key.

Can I use multiple AI providers?

Yes. You can add keys from all supported providers and choose which model to use for each conversation.

How much will AI cost me?

Costs vary by model and query complexity. Check each provider’s pricing page for current rates. Generally, faster models cost less than more capable ones.

What if I run out of AI credits?

Your queries will fail until you add credits with your AI provider. We’ll show an error message indicating the issue.

Can I set spending limits?

Yes, through your AI provider’s dashboard. Most providers offer monthly spending caps and usage alerts.

Next Steps