Credits & Usage
Voice & Credits System
What Are Nextfriend Credits?
AI systems require computing resources to generate responses. Nextfriend uses a credit system tied directly to AI voice generation time — so you only pay for what you actually use.
Credits are measured by AI speech time — the total seconds your device spends generating a spoken response. The more your device talks, the more credits it uses. Shorter responses use fewer credits; longer ones use more.
How Many Credits Does a Response Use?
Responses are designed to be short and snappy. The typical interaction runs 4–6 seconds, keeping credit usage low and interactions feeling natural. Response length can be adjusted in the dashboard.
| Response Length | Credits Used | Approx. Replies per 1,500 credits |
|---|---|---|
| Short (5 sec) | 5 | ~300 |
| Medium (10 sec) | 10 | ~150 |
| Long (30 sec) | 30 | ~50 |
Longer responses consume credits faster. For high-traffic displays, keeping the default short response setting will stretch your credits further.
What Comes With Every Device
Every Nextfriend device ships ready to use — no upfront purchases required.
100 Free Credits
Roughly 16–25 responses included out of the box. Enough to test the system before purchasing more.
1 Month Free Access
Your first month of platform access is included. Plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start — no payment needed.
Plug in the device
Connect power and wait for the system to boot.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Use the Nextfriend app or web portal to connect your device to your network.
Start interacting
Your free credits and first month of platform access are active and ready to go.
Platform Plan
After your included first month, a platform subscription keeps your device connected and running. This covers AI servers, system infrastructure, platform updates, dashboard access, and AI management tools.
Pay month-to-month. Cancel anytime.
Billed once per year.
Saves ~2 months vs. monthly billing.
Note: The platform subscription covers access to Nextfriend infrastructure and management tools. Voice credits are purchased separately and are only consumed when the AI speaks.
Purchasing Voice Credits
Voice credits are available in four tiers and purchased separately from your platform subscription. Credits never expire — unused credits roll over indefinitely.
Recommended for
- Haunted Attractions
- High-Traffic Displays
- Entertainment Venues
- Bars & Events
Sign in to your account
Use the Nextfriend app or web portal.
Go to the Credits section
Found in your account dashboard.
Choose a pack and check out
Credits apply instantly. No restart required — your device uses them immediately.
What Happens When Credits Run Out
If your device reaches 0 credits, it will play a tone to let you know. The AI will stop speaking until credits are added.
Out of credits? Log into your dashboard, purchase any credit pack, and your device resumes immediately — no restart needed.
Larger packs offer better value per credit. Stocking up before a busy season is a good way to avoid interruptions.
Do Credits Expire?
No. Unused credits never expire. They remain on your account and roll over indefinitely — there's no deadline to use them by.
Which Pack Is Right for You?
Home Display
Light interaction with trick-or-treaters and guests during Halloween season.
Yard Display
Character interacts frequently throughout the evening with passing guests.
Haunted Attraction
Heavy interaction every night through the season with high guest volume.
Many haunted attractions are able to stretch an Enterprise pack across an entire season depending on traffic volume and response length settings.
Adjusting AI Behavior
Every Nextfriend device includes built-in safeguards — PG-13 response filtering, controlled response length, and safe public interaction settings — keeping devices appropriate for homes, events, and family environments.
Customize behavior through the dashboard:
- Personality prompts — adjust the character's tone and persona
- Response length — shorter saves credits, longer feels more conversational
- Tone of voice — match the character style to your display
- Style of interaction — spooky, playful, theatrical, or custom
Longer responses consume credits more quickly. For high-traffic displays, keeping responses short will stretch your credits further.
Quick Reference
- Every device includes 100 free credits (~16–25 responses)
- Every device includes 1 month of free platform access
- Platform plan after first month: $7.99/mo or $79.99/yr
- $4.99 → 1,500 credits | $19.99 → 7,200 | $49.99 → 18,000 | $99.99 → 42,000
- Credits only used when the AI speaks
- Credits never expire and roll over indefinitely
- Credits apply instantly after purchase — no restart required