How to Get a Free ModelScope API Key (2026)
3 free models available — no credit card required. Get your ModelScope API key →
Overview
Alibaba ModelScope — Qwen3.5, DeepSeek at 2,000 RPD free.
ModelScope is Alibaba's model hub and inference platform, providing free API access to Qwen, DeepSeek, and other models popular in the Chinese AI ecosystem. The free tier allows 2,000 requests/day total with a per-model cap of 500 RPD. Best latency for China-based users.
- 2,000 RPD total, 500 RPD per model
- Qwen3.5, DeepSeek available
- Best latency in China
- OpenAI-compatible endpoint
API Compatibility: OpenAI SDK-compatible (Chat Completions)
Quick Start Guide
- 1 Sign up at modelscope.cn Alibaba account or phone. No credit card.
- 2 Go to Access Tokens
- 3 Create an access token
- 4 Choose a model Qwen3.5 and DeepSeek available. 2,000 RPD total.
- 5 Configure OpenAI client Base URL: https://api-inference.modelscope.cn/v1
All Free ModelScope Models — Context Windows & Rate Limits
| Model | Context | Max Output | Modality | Rate Limit | Released | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qwen/Qwen3.5-35B-A3B | 131K | 131K | 2,000 RPD total; <=500 RPD/model (dynamic) | — | Online | Details | |
| Qwen/Qwen3.5-27B | 131K | 131K | 2,000 RPD total; <=500 RPD/model (dynamic) | — | Online | Details | |
| Qwen/Qwen-Image | 131K | 131K | 2,000 RPD total; model/AIGC-specific caps | — | Online | Details |
Pricing & Limits
Credit Card Not required
Free Tier Permanently free
Context Range 131K
Total Models 3 free
Rate Limits 2,000 RPD total; <=500 RPD/model (dynamic) · 2,000 RPD total; model/AIGC-specific caps
API Compatibility OpenAI SDK-compatible (Chat Completions)
Use Cases
What ModelScope's free models are best for, based on aggregated model capabilities:
Limitations & Caveats
- China-hosted — high latency outside Asia-Pacific
- 500 RPD per-model cap, 2,000 RPD total across all models
- Alibaba account or Chinese phone required