Overview
Civitai is a community-driven gallery and hub for open-source generative AI resources launched in November 2022. It hosts model resources (Stable Diffusion & Flux models), LoRAs (including LyCORIS), embeddings, textual inversions, tutorials/articles, community posts and showcases. The site emphasizes democratizing access to model resources, community education, and collaboration. Civitai uses an on-site currency called Buzz to power generation and platform features and operates a prepaid membership model with different Buzz tiers (Green, Yellow, Blue) that gate content types and features. The platform provides developer tools including a public REST API, SDKs (JavaScript, Python), and developer documentation, and offers a desktop Link app to download resources to local libraries (supporter gating may apply). Additional tooling noted includes an on-site LoRA trainer (beta for supporters), a resource Vault, and generator features discussed in announcements. Support and community channels include a support page, a feedback/feature request portal, an education hub, and a wiki. Notes: membership details and Buzz behavior have changed over time and Civitai publishes articles when pricing/Buzz rules are updated; some tools/features may be limited to Supporters. For programmatic access, register for an API token via the developer portal and consult the API docs.
Key Features
Resource types
Hosts Stable Diffusion & Flux models, LoRAs (including LyCORIS), embeddings, textual inversions, tutorials/articles, and community showcases.
Community contributions
Users upload resources, leave reviews, share tutorials/articles, and participate in feedback and feature requests.
Education & documentation
Civitai Education and Wiki provide how-tos, guides, FAQs, and a 'What is Civitai?' guide.
On-site currency (Buzz)
Buzz is the platform currency used to power generation and other features; different Buzz tiers gate content and features.
Prepaid membership tiers
Green, Yellow, and Blue Buzz/membership tiers (prepaid, stackable in some cases) that control access to content types and features.
Developer portal & API
Public REST API, developer docs, SDKs (JavaScript, Python), and examples available via the developer portal.
Who Can Use This Tool?
- creative-minds:Discover, share, and use open-source generative AI models, LoRAs, embeddings, and tutorials.
- developers:Programmatic access to resources via REST API, SDKs, and developer documentation for integrations.
- community-moderators:Contribute resources, provide reviews, submit feedback, and participate in platform governance and education.
Pricing Plans
Prepaid membership tier intended for safe-for-work content access.
- ✓Access to safe-for-work content
- ✓Can be used on Civitai.green
Prepaid membership tier allowing NSFW and general content; prepaid memberships are stackable and purchasable via gift cards.
- ✓Allows NSFW and general content
- ✓Prepaid Yellow memberships can be stacked
- ✓Purchasable via gift cards
Tier used for mature content and platform features; site has published various Blue Buzz updates and adjustments.
- ✓Used for mature content
- ✓Used for certain platform features
- ✓Subject to periodic adjustments and announcements
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- ✓Large community-driven repository of generative AI resources and tutorials
- ✓Provides developer tools, API, and SDKs for programmatic access
- ✓Prepaid Buzz/membership system allows targeted gating of content types
- ✓Education hub and wiki with guides and FAQs
✗ Cons
- ✗Membership and Buzz rules have changed over time and are subject to updates
- ✗Some tools/features (Link app, LoRA trainer) may be supporter-gated or restricted
- ✗Regular membership purchases were noted as unavailable at the time in favor of prepaid options
Compare with Alternatives
| Feature | Civitai | Stability AI | Together AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rating | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Model Library | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Community Contributions | Yes | Partial | Partial |
| Hosting & Inference | Partial | Yes | Yes |
| Fine-tuning Support | No | Partial | Yes |
| Developer APIs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Integration | Yes | No | No |
| Safety & Governance | Partial | Yes | Yes |
Related Articles (4)
Civitai launches Daily AI Art Challenges to showcase talent and earn Buzz, with an option for an ad-free experience through membership.
Civitai reveals the winners, prize breakdowns, and honorable mentions for The Great Halloween Contest 2025 across image and video categories.
A year of crisis and growth: payment hurdles, policy shifts, and a rapid surge in AI creativity powered by a resilient community.
Pro Create Sign In Create home models images videos posts articles bounties challenges events update...
