Most apps with AI decide for you which model you use and send your data through their own servers. Cinematic Recorder takes a different path: you bring your own AI key. You connect a provider you choose, your key stays on your phone, and you stay in control of cost and privacy.
What bring your own key means
An AI key (also called an API key) is like a personal pass to an AI service. With your own key, requests go from the app straight to the provider you picked, under your own account and your own limits.
- You choose the provider and, where the provider allows it, the model.
- You see and control the cost in your provider's dashboard, including spending limits.
- No middleman. Your key is never sent to our servers.
For a longer explanation in plain words, read what bring your own AI key means.
Supported providers
| Provider | Good for |
|---|---|
| OpenAI | A widely used choice with many models. Setup steps are in how to create an OpenAI API key. |
| Google Gemini | A key you can get from Google AI Studio. |
| OpenRouter | Coming soon. One key for many models from different companies. |
| Ollama (local) | Coming soon. Runs AI models on your own computer, so content does not go to a cloud provider. See private local AI with Ollama. |
How your key is protected
- Stored in Android Keystore, the secure storage built into Android for secrets like keys.
- Never sent to our servers. We do not see, store or log your key.
- Your videos stay on your phone. We never upload your recordings.
- AI off is a real option. Recording, auto zoom, cursor effects, templates and export all work with AI turned off.
Step by step in the app
- Create a key in your provider's dashboard: OpenAI, or Google AI Studio for Gemini.
- Set a monthly spending limit in the provider's dashboard if it offers one.
- Open Cinematic Recorder and go to the AI settings, usually found in the app's settings screen.
- Choose the provider, paste your key and tap "Test & save".
- Save. The key is stored in Android Keystore on your phone. You can remove or replace it at any time.
Tips for keeping costs low
- Start with a small limit and raise it only if you need to.
- Prefer smaller, cheaper models for simple tasks once AI features arrive.
- Local AI with Ollama, for no per-request bills at all, is coming soon.
- Keep AI off for videos that do not need it.
Our guide on how to keep AI costs low has more ideas. Other features on the way include auto captions and privacy blur.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an AI key to use Cinematic Recorder?
No. Everything in the app works with AI off. A key is only for the AI features, which are coming soon.
Is my key sent to your servers?
No. Your key is stored in Android Keystore on your phone and is never sent to our servers.
Who do I pay for AI usage?
Any AI usage is billed by the provider you chose, under your own account. Your Cinematic Recorder plan is separate; see plans and pricing.
Which provider should I pick?
If you already have an account with one, start there — both OpenAI and Google Gemini work the same way in the app. OpenRouter, handy for trying many models with one key, and Ollama, for running AI on your own computer, are coming soon.
Add your key once, set a limit, and you will be ready when the AI assistant arrives.