Skip to content
Flik
Generation & AI·Intermediate·25 min

Strategic Model Selection

Learn the strengths and limitations of each model, cost vs quality tradeoffs, when to use which model, and how to optimize your credit spending.

What you'll build: Decision framework for choosing the right model every time
Prerequisites
Complete these tutorials first for the best learning experience:
  • Image Generation Mastery
  • Video Generation End-to-End

Tutorial Overview

Learn when to use each model through cost/quality comparisons and build a decision framework for your work.

Exercise 1: Image Model Comparison

Generate the same subject with both image models:

Nano Banana Pro:

"Professional product photo of coffee mug on desk, natural lighting"

Seedream 4.5:

(Same prompt)

Compare:

  • Which is more photorealistic?
  • Which has better artistic interpretation?
  • What's the cost difference?

Exercise 2: Video Model Cost Test

Generate a simple shot with each video model:

  1. Kling (Low cost): "Camera pan across desk"
  2. Seedance (Medium): Same prompt
  3. Veo (Premium): Same prompt

Track credits spent and quality received.

Exercise 3: Build Your Decision Matrix

Based on your tests, create rules:

Draft/Testing:

  • Image: Nano (reliable)
  • Video: Kling (fast, cheap iterations)

Refinement:

  • Image: Nano (production)
  • Video: Seedance (balanced)

Finals Only:

  • Image: Nano at high res
  • Video: Veo (premium)

Exercise 4: Optimize a Real Project

Plan a project with 20 images and 10 videos:

Budget approach:

  • Test concepts: Kling (10 videos × low cost)
  • Refine: Seedance (5 videos × medium)
  • Finals: Veo (5 videos × high)
  • Images: All Nano (consistent)

Calculate total credits and compare to "all premium" approach.

Key Learnings

  • Start cheap for testing
  • Premium only for finals
  • Know each model's sweet spot
  • Plan generation strategy upfront

Next Steps

Ready to start learning?

Open Flik and follow along with this tutorial.

Join Waitlist