# Experiential (BYOK)

> How to create an API key for Experiential and add it to AnyRouter via Bring Your Own Key.


# Experiential — Bring Your Own Key

Experiential is a supported [BYOK](/features/byok) provider. Bring your own API key string, and AnyRouter routes your requests through it — no platform credits are charged for BYOK-backed calls.

## Get your API key

1. Sign in to [Experiential Labs](https://platform.experientiallabs.ai).
2. Open **API keys** and create a gateway key (begins with `xpl_`).
3. Copy the key immediately.

## Gotchas

Point the OpenAI SDK at `https://api.experientiallabs.ai/v1`. Model ids are catalog slugs such as `qwen3.8-27b`.

## Add it to AnyRouter

1. Go to **[Dashboard → BYOK](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/byok)**.
2. Find **Experiential** under **Available** and click **Add key**.
3. Paste your key into the **API key** field.
- **Create key**: [Experiential console](https://platform.experientiallabs.ai)
- **Default base URL** (editable on the key form): `https://api.experientiallabs.ai/v1`

4. Click **Save**. AnyRouter runs a live validation call against Experiential before storing the key — if it fails, the dialog shows the upstream error and the key isn't saved.

## Related

- [BYOK Provider Setup Guide](/features/byok-providers) — the full provider list and the general flow
- [Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)](/features/byok) — routing precedence, load balancing, and costs
- [Free-tier aggregation](/features/free-tier-aggregation) — combine free tiers behind one preset