Consider the Apify modelâit works because they use a blended approach. Why not do the same?
Keep both options:
- Free tier + $1 per 1,000 (pay as you go)
- $25 for unlimited use
This way, every AI and automation YouTuber can promote it without worrying about pushing another subscription.
In practice, dozens of AI and Automation Skool experts are already using the Apify platform because thereâs no upfront cost. Itâs basically a zero-cost way to experiment, test, and build. Thatâs a huge advantage for people who just want to try things out. That should have been your foundation. There are some incredible creators in this space, and youâve just cut them all off. But whatever. Just testing⌠right?
It might be a good time to build out a group of 10+ customers you can regularly bounce ideas off, who will give you honest feedback.
But the real problem isnât the pricing structureâitâs the âPlusâ packaging. The new limits on the number of flows are going to hold people back. The frustration isnât just about the $25 cost; itâs that users will feel restricted and canât run enough flows to really explore or build what they want. Big mistake. Eleven Activepieces flows will now cost you $150+, while Make, n8n, and others are unlimited.
I canât be more direct about this: limiting flows will kill the AP Cloud product.
I have a list of 100+ YouTubers in the AI automation space who post flow solutions covering sales, marketing, content production, social media, HR, PRâyou name it. And on the Activepieces YouTube page, you have a great series that allows any user to click a link, download a flow in a minute, and start using it. Youâve just destroyed all that momentum and exploration. Users now canât trial, play, explore, and learn because youâre limiting flows.
Who is this new customer youâre searching for? They donât exist in this new world of unlimited tasks but limited flows.
My guess is the YouTube community wonât touch it, recommend it, or use it as long as the âPlusâ packaging restricts users to 10 flows. You know you have more than that on your own website. Make.com and n8n would eat you for breakfast if it werenât for the MIT license.
So while the blended model makes sense and should stay, it only works if users have enough room to actually use your product. Obviously, youâre still missing the big picture. The new MCP, Agent and Table features arenât be used because youâve hobbled your current customer base. (check back in 60 days for an update.)
So chatting about pricing isnât the right questionâitâs the new âPlusâ packaging. Fix that, or you wonât build a business and a true community of passionate AI and automation enthusiasts.
Listen to your cloud customer before they become former customers. I hope this helps;)