ideogram-cost-tuning

# Ideogram Cost Tuning ## Overview Minimize Ideogram API spending by selecting the right model per task, caching identical prompts, batching images per call, and tracking credit burn rate. Ideogram bills per image generated at a flat rate that varies by model and rendering speed. ## Pricing Reference | Model / Speed | Approx. Cost per Image | Best For | |---------------|------------------------|----------| | V_2_TURBO | ~$0.05 | Drafts, iteration, testing | | V_2 | ~$0.08 | Final production assets | | V3 FLASH | ~$0.03-0.04 | Quick previews | | V3 TURBO | ~$0.05 | Good quality at speed | | V3 DEFAULT | ~$0.06-0.08 | Standard production | | V3 QUALITY | ~$0.09+ | Premium deliverables | | + Character ref | +$0.02-0.04 | Consistent character faces | *Prices approximate; check [ideogram.ai/features/api-pricing](https://ideogram.ai/features/api-pricing) for current rates.* ## Instructions ### Step 1: Two-Phase Generation Workflow ```typescript // Draft with TURBO (cheap), finalize with V_2 (quality) async function costEfficientGeneration(prompt: string, iterations = 5) { // Phase 1: Generate drafts cheaply const drafts = []; for (let i = 0; i < iterations; i++) { const result = await generateImage(prompt, { model: "V_2_TURBO" }); drafts.push(result); } // Cost: 5 x $0.05 = $0.25 // Phase 2: Pick best seed, regenerate at full quality const bestSeed = await selectBestDraft(drafts); // manual or automated const final = await generateImage(prompt, { mode...