Stable Horde
Harness AI for efficient, community-driven image and text generation.. [Free]
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What is Stable Horde?
AI Horde (formerly Stable Horde) is a free, community-powered generation service where volunteers share their spare computer power so anyone can generate AI images and text. It operates as a crowdsourced distributed cluster of image generation workers and text generation workers, powered entirely by open-source technology. The platform is run by Haidra, a community-based volunteer-run non-profit, and is funded by public donations and NLnet / NGI0 Core (Next Generation Internet).
Key features include support for multiple AI models for both image and text generation, QR code generation using Stable Diffusion 1.5, Stable Cascade 2pass support with hires_fix, image variations and remix capabilities, real-time performance stats, and various GUIs for desktop, web, Android, and iOS. Users can interact through user-friendly frontends like ArtBot, a popular web-based client perfect for beginners. The platform also provides an API for developers to integrate AI generation into their own applications.
The service is designed for anyone who wants to create AI art or text without owning powerful hardware, including artists, developers, hobbyists, educators, and people without GPUs. Users can join as consumers who generate content or as workers who contribute their GPU/CPU power to the cluster. Even users with less powerful GPUs can participate and accumulate kudos.
The kudos system is central to AI Horde's operation. Users earn kudos by contributing their computing power to the network, and kudos determine priority in the generation queue. Higher kudos mean faster processing times, especially during congested periods. Anonymous users can still access the service but have the lowest priority.
Stable Horde pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
AI Horde is completely free with no paid plans. The service has no tokens, no ads, no fine print, and no catch. Users can register for a free account to get an API key, or use anonymously with the API key '0000000000' (10 zeros). Registered accounts can accumulate kudos by contributing GPU power, which provides priority in the generation queue. Anonymous accounts work but have the lowest priority during concurrent requests. The platform is funded by public donations and NLnet / NGI0 Core (Next Generation Internet) grants, run by Haidra non-profit.
Stable Horde pros
- Completely free with no tokens, ads, or hidden fees
- No credit card or payment required for any tier
- Access to multiple AI models including Stable Diffusion variants
- No powerful GPU ownership required to generate images
- Community-powered with volunteer-contributed computing resources
- Kudos system rewards contributors with priority access
- Supports both image and text generation
- Stable Cascade 2pass and hires_fix support available
- Multiple frontend options including web, desktop, Android, and iOS
- ArtBot web client is beginner-friendly
- Open-source technology and transparent operation
- Real-time performance stats available on the website
- API access for developers to integrate into custom applications
- Anonymous usage possible with API key 0000000000
- Active Discord community for support and discussion
- Non-profit operated by volunteer community (Haidra)
- Image variation and remix capabilities with Stable Cascade
Stable Horde cons
- Anonymous users have lowest priority during high congestion
- Generation speed depends on kudos balance and queue priority
- Kudos debt can result in slower processing times
- Images must be manually downloaded from the Images tab
- Contributing GPU increases electricity costs for workers
- Mandatory CSAM filter may block adult anime character outputs
- Prompts are visible to worker machines (privacy concern for sensitive data)
- Performance varies based on volunteer worker availability
- Not all Stable Diffusion versions may work with the bridge
- Better results typically require English prompts
Frequently asked questions about Stable Horde
What is AI Horde?
AI Horde is a free, community-powered generation service where volunteers share their spare computer power so anyone can generate AI images and text. It is a crowdsourced distributed cluster of image generation workers and text generation workers, powered by open-source technology and run by Haidra, a volunteer-run non-profit.
How do I get started with AI Horde?
First register an account on the website which will generate an API key. Store that key somewhere safe like a password. Then use one of the user-friendly frontends like ArtBot, a popular web-based client perfect for beginners. If you don't want to register, you can use '0000000000' (10 zeros) as an API key anonymously, but anonymous accounts have lowest priority.
What are kudos and how do they work?
Kudos are a reward gained when you contribute to the horde's well-being, primarily by having your GPU generate images for others. Your kudos balance corresponds to your priority in the generation queue - more kudos means faster processing. You can go negative (debt) and still use the service, but you'll be lower in queue during congested times. Registered users can accumulate kudos; anonymous users stay in debt.
How do I earn kudos?
You earn kudos by contributing your GPU to AI Horde. Each fulfilled request from your worker increases your kudos balance. Active contributors see their art requests receive priority. To contribute, download and run Stable Diffusion with the bridge from the GitHub repository, configure it with your Horde username and API key, then restart the script. You don't need to stay connected continuously.
Can I use AI Horde without registering?
Yes, you can use AI Horde anonymously by using '0000000000' (10 zeros) as your API key. However, anonymous accounts have the lowest priority when there are too many concurrent requests. To increase priority, you need a unique API key from registration and then accumulate kudos by contributing.
What AI models are available on AI Horde?
AI Horde offers multiple AI models including basic Stable Diffusion models and specialized versions. Features include Stable Cascade with 2pass support (using hires_fix=True), image variations and remix capabilities, QR code generation with Stable Diffusion 1.5, and models trained on different styles including one trained on Midjourney-style outputs. Model availability varies based on worker offerings.
Is AI Horde really free?
Yes, AI Horde is completely free with no tokens, no ads, no fine print, and no catch. The service is funded by public donations and NLnet / NGI0 Core (Next Generation Internet) grants. There are no paid plans or tiers - everyone gets access to the same generation capabilities, though priority differs based on kudos balance.
How do I contribute my GPU to AI Horde?
To contribute, create a free HuggingFace account, download the bridge from the GitHub repository, and follow installation instructions. Configure the bridge with your Horde username, password, and API key in the bridgeData file, then start Stable Diffusion normally. You can disconnect anytime or use maintenance mode when your PC is unavailable. Even less powerful GPUs can contribute and earn kudos.
What frontends or clients can I use with AI Horde?
AI Horde provides various GUIs including desktop, web, Android, and iOS options. ArtBot is the recommended web-based client, perfect for beginners, with a constantly refreshed display of image creation progress. There are also standalone clients available as web interfaces or downloadable software. The platform supports integration with tools like SillyTavern for text generation.
Where can I get help or join the community?
Join the Discord server, which is described as the best and most active place to ask questions, get support, and connect with the AI Horde community. For general information, the website has Quickstart guides, FAQ pages, mission details, and live stats. The service is run by Haidra, a community-based volunteer non-profit.