How to Connect SillyTavern to APIVAI (Cheap Claude & GPT)

Connect SillyTavern to APIVAI

SillyTavern is a popular front-end for AI characters and roleplay. It
supports OpenAI-compatible custom endpoints, so you can run it on APIVAI's Claude and GPT models at
a fraction of list price.

Configure

1. Open the API Connections panel (the plug icon).
2. API: Chat Completion → Source: Custom (OpenAI-compatible).
3. Set:
   • Custom Endpoint / Base URL: https://api.apivai.com/v1
   • API Key: your APIVAI key
4. Click Connect, then pick a model from the list (or enter a name).

Confirm models

curl -s https://api.apivai.com/v1/models -H "Authorization: Bearer $APIVAI_API_KEY"

Use a returned name.

Tips

• Claude Sonnet handles long context and character consistency well; GPT-5.5 is fast and cheap.
• Set a sensible max response length; trim chat history to control token cost.
• Make sure streaming is enabled for token-by-token output.

Troubleshooting

• Failed to connect — check the endpoint (/v1) and key.
• model_not_found — use a name from /v1/models.

FAQ

Does SillyTavern work with APIVAI? Yes — use the Custom (OpenAI-compatible) Chat Completion
source with base URL https://api.apivai.com/v1 and your APIVAI key.

Which model? Claude Sonnet for long, consistent context; GPT-5.5 for fast, cheap responses.

Do I need code? No — it's the API Connections settings.

Get started

Set the custom endpoint + key in SillyTavern and pick a model from /v1/models. Examples:
APIVAI examples repo.