Connect OpenAI to Bearousel
Bearousel uses GPT-5.5 to write carousel slides and captions. Connect an OpenAI API key and test it.
How to set up OpenAI
Create an OpenAI API key
Go to platform.openai.com/api-keys, sign in or create an OpenAI account, and create a new API key. Copy it for the next step.
Add credit to your API account
Open your OpenAI API billing settings and add credit. API usage is charged against credit on your API account; when the balance runs out, OpenAI refuses requests. A ChatGPT plan does not cover API access.
Choose OpenAI in Bearousel
Open Settings and click the "AI" tab. Under "Writing provider", click the "OpenAI" card. The available model is "GPT-5.5". Paste your key into "API key" and click "Save key". Bearousel shows "Saved in Keychain".
Test the connection
Click "Test connection". The button reads "Testing…" while it runs. A working connection shows a line such as "Connected to <model> in <n> s".
What you get
- Write carousel slides and captions with GPT-5.5.
What it costs
OpenAI bills API usage directly to your API account. A ChatGPT plan does not cover API access. As of October 1, 2026, OpenAI listed GPT-5.5 at $5.00 per million input tokens and $30.00 per million output tokens at the standard rate under 272K tokens of context. Usage is paid from credit on your API account. Prices can change; check OpenAI’s pricing page.
Your key and your data
The key is stored in your Mac's Keychain under the service "Bearousel Public" with the account name "openai". The provider choice and model are saved in provider.json; the key is not. Each writing request, including "Test connection", goes through Loud Unicorn's generation server, which uses the key for that one call and passes it to the provider. Loud Unicorn does not save the key, the text or the result.
Limits to know
- Bearousel offers one OpenAI writing model: GPT-5.5.
- Provider tests and writing require an active trial or license.
Troubleshooting
"Test connection" is disabled
Why: A provider, a model, and a saved key are all required.
Fix: Choose a provider and model, save the API key, then test the connection.
"Start your free trial or enter a license key to generate, render or publish. Open Settings, then License."
Why: Testing a provider requires a trial or license.
Fix: Start the free trial or enter a license key in Settings, then License.
"Save an API key, then test again"
Why: The selected provider has no saved key.
Fix: Paste the key into "API key", click "Save key", then test again.
"Bearousel could not reach the internet. Generating needs a connection, even with a valid license."
Why: Bearousel could not reach the generation service.
Fix: Check the internet connection and try again.
A provider error appears
Why: The provider refused the request or could not complete it.
Fix: Check your key and your balance at the provider's billing page.
Questions
Which OpenAI model does Bearousel use?
Bearousel offers "GPT-5.5".
Where is the API key stored?
It is stored in your Mac’s Keychain under the service "Bearousel Public" and account "openai".