# Usage Panel

<figure><img src="/files/8gZPsZI1tPP4r7g9bDAq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Where to Find It

Access the Usage Panel via:

1. **Gear icon** (⚙️) in the chat header
2. **Select "Usage"** from the menu
3. **Panel opens** showing your usage statistics

<figure><img src="/files/yNHZnN0LGsk1x4I1jHUC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What It Shows

#### Usage Statistics

The panel displays your Fal.ai usage across different time periods:

**Last 24 Hours:**

* Total spending in the past day
* Number of generations
* Breakdown by operation type

**Last 7 Days:**

* Weekly spending total
* Average daily usage
* Trend information

**Last 30 Days:**

* Monthly spending total
* Usage patterns
* Cost per generation averages

### Quick Actions

#### View in Fal Dashboard

**Button:** "View in Fal Dashboard" or "See Balance"

**What it does:**

* Opens your Fal.ai account dashboard in the browser
* Shows a detailed usage breakdown
* Access to billing and account settings
* View individual generation costs

#### Add Credits

**Button:** "Add Credits" or "Add Funds"

**What it does:**

* Opens Fal.ai billing page
* Add funds to your account
* Set up auto-recharge (if available)
* View payment history

#### Refresh Usage

**Button:** Refresh icon or "Refresh" button

**What it does:**

* Updates usage statistics from Fal.ai API
* Fetches the latest spending data
* Shows cached data if offline
* Syncs with your Fal.ai account

### Understanding Your Usage

#### Cost Tracking

**Why it matters:**

* **Budget management** - Know how much you're spending
* **Project costing** - Track costs per project
* **Optimization** - Identify expensive operations
* **Planning** - Estimate future costs

#### Usage Patterns

**What to look for:**

* **Peak usage times** - When you generate most content
* **Cost per generation** - Average cost per video/image
* **Model costs** - Which models are most expensive
* **Trends** - Spending increasing or decreasing

#### Cost Optimization

**Tips to reduce costs:**

* **Use faster models** - Veo 3.1 Fast vs. Sora 2 Pro
* **Turn audio off** - Disable audio generation if available
* **Lower resolution** - 720p vs. 4K when possible
* **Shorter durations** - 4s vs. 12s for videos
* **Batch operations** - Group similar requests
* **Preview before processing** - Use "Track Frame" in SAM 3

### Pay-As-You-Go Model

#### How It Works

* **No subscription** - Only pay for what you use
* **No monthly fees** - No recurring charges
* **No credit expiration** - Funds never expire
* **Transparent pricing** - See exactly what each operation costs

#### Benefits

* **Cost control** - Set your own budget
* **Flexibility** - Use as much or as little as needed
* **Project tracking** - Know costs per project
* **No commitments** - Cancel anytime

### Managing Your Account

#### Adding Funds

1. **Click "Add Credits"** in the Usage Panel
2. **Or go to:** [fal.ai/dashboard/usage-billing](https://fal.ai/dashboard/usage-billing)
3. **Select amount** - Recommended: $10-$20 to start
4. **Complete payment** - Secure payment processing
5. **Funds available immediately**

#### Recommended Starting Amount

* **$10-$20** - Good for testing and learning
* **$50** - For regular use
* **$100+** - For heavy usage or professional work

#### Auto-Recharge (If Available)

* **Set up automatic** fund addition when the balance is low
* **Never run out** of credits mid-project
* **Configure threshold** - Add funds when balance drops below X
* **Manage in the Fal.ai dashboard**

### Troubleshooting

#### "Usage not updating."

**Solutions:**

* Clickthe "Refresh" button to sync with Fal.ai
* Check the internet connection
* Verify the Fal.ai API key is correct
* Wait a few minutes (usage may be delayed)

#### "Can't add funds."

**Solutions:**

* Go tothe Fal.ai dashboard directly
* Check the payment method is valid
* Verify account permissions
* Contact Fal.ai support for billing issues

#### "Usage seems incorrect."

**Solutions:**

* Check the Fal.ai dashboard fora detailed breakdown
* Verify individual generation costs
* Some operations may be pending
* Contact Fal.ai support to review charges

### Privacy & Security

* **Usage data** is fetched from the Fal.ai API
* **No sensitive data** stored locally
* **Secure connection** to Fal.ai servers
* **Your data** is private and secure

### Related Features

* [**API Pricing**](/getting-started/pricing.md) - Billing through Fal.ai
* [**Settings**](/getting-started/interface-overview.md) - Configure API keys
* [**Generate Media** ](/getting-started/interface-overview/generate-media-button.md)- Where generations happen
* [**Fal.ai Dashboard**](/getting-started/interface-overview/usage-panel.md) - Detailed account management

***

**Next:** Try the First 5 Things to Try to start using Chat Video Pro!


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