No matter the topic, it seems the whole world is buzzing about artificial intelligence (AI). And for good reason: AI holds vast promise due to its power to process and analyze massive quantities of data at rapid speeds, as well as its knack for quickly and effectively predicting data-based outcomes.

The API world is no different. AI APIs are trending in popularity and are widely used as a key part of mobile and web applications. On the user end, audiences are looking for rich experiences and smarter use of device features, which is easier to deliver using AI APIs.

This blog will answer some of the common questions about AI APIs and explore which types of AI APIs on the RapidAPI Hub are most popular.

Why are AI based APIs hot right now?

AI APIs enable developers to add AI functions to their applications, making the systems and solutions they develop more intelligent. If a developer is building an app that needs speech translation, for instance, they can use Microsoft Translator Text to add these capabilities to their application, rather than developing their own translation tool.  

AI APIs are easier to access than ever before, as public, open-source AI tools have trickled down from large tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon and IBM. We are at an inflection point, and as digital innovation continues to accelerate, AI APIs are rapidly becoming essential tools for organizations seeking to integrate AI technology. Regardless of where companies are in their AI journey, APIs can help them move forward easily and effectively.

What are the benefits of using AI based APIs?

Using API AI helps to make the applications “smarter,” which improves the overall outcome, speed, and user experience of the product being developed. Companies that leverage AI APIs for building super-intelligent applications gain numerous benefits, such as:

• Automating services
• Speeding information delivery
• Enhancing customer service
• Reduced errors 
• Improving efficiency
• Automating code completions
• Time saved

Many companies are also embracing AI based APIs in order to develop web and mobile applications that keep them ahead of market competition. Because AI APIs are inexpensive and accessible, they are incredibly effective for organizations seeking to build powerful models and innovative applications. In addition, monetization and pricing model efforts around AI APIs have made them another potential way to drive revenue and business growth.

What are the most popular AI based APIs?

Developers can use AI APs in a wide range of ways, including face recognition, spam filtering, and location detection, among others. AI APIs also come in handy for sharing or posting information that is necessary for web and mobile application development. 

Currently, the most popular AI API categories on Rapid are:

• Pronunciation assessment
• Text to speech
• Face detection
• Facial features

These are the top AI APIs on Rapid:

1. Pronunciation Assessment
2. Cortex
3. JoJ Text to Speech
4. TLDRThis
5. Dezgo
6. Face liveness check
7. random-stuff-api
8. Cloudlabs Text To Speech
9. Aeona
10. OOPSpam Spam Filter
11. Large text to speech
12. Microsoft Edge Text to Speech
13. Face Detection and Facial Features
14. Google Text to Speech
15. Question Answer
16. Google Translate
17. RoboMatic.AI
18. Spam Detector
19. QR-code and Barcode Scanner

How has AI based API usage grown?

The last few years have seen explosive growth in the demand for AI APIs. In September 2021, for instance, Rapid’s Top 20 AI API Names posted less than 5 million monthly requests.  One year later, that number had skyrocketed to 20 million requests.   

Google Translate has dominated the surge, accounting for 18.7 million of those 20 million requests. However, excluding Google Translate, overall usage still shows significant year-over-year (YoY) growth — up 38% from 2021. 

What’s next for AI based APIs?

As we kick off 2023, all eyes are on AI APIs to watch for a continued explosion in usage. APIs are making AI and ML (machine learning) technologies easily accessible and organizations are proving the strong demand for these tools with their increasing embrace of AI APIs. Look for open-source efforts to continue as the democratization of AI, through APIs, hits fever pitch.

We’ll be exploring this topic further in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs on ChatGPT, additional trends around OpenAI and new ways in which you can use Rapid to find the latest APIS for AI.  

Want to learn more about AI?

• Learn what’s driving the buzz around GPT APIs
• Check out Rapid’s AI API Collection
• How to build an AI wallpaper generator app using Rapid and OpenAI