# Subscription, API or open models

Lesson 2 of [AI image work at scale](https://aiimagegen.fyi/academy/ai-image-work-at-scale.md), 20 minutes.

Three delivery routes cover most image workloads: subscription tools, usage-priced APIs, and open models you run yourself. The right choice depends on volume pattern, privacy, control and team skills. When a subscription wins Steady monthly volume with human-driven work suits subscriptions. Photoroo…

The rest of this lesson is for learners enrolled in the course. [See how AI image work at scale works](https://aiimagegen.fyi/academy/ai-image-work-at-scale.md).

Also on the [web page](https://aiimagegen.fyi/academy/ai-image-work-at-scale/subscription-api-or-open-models).