Following the success of the R1 model, DeepSeek is piping hot with AI pricing. The Chinese AI startup announced a new off-peak discount on Wednesday, reducing API costs by 75%.
Major price reductions aim to disrupt the AI market
In X’s post, Deepseek highlighted the changes.
*”Off-peak discount alerts!
Starting today, enjoy daily off-peak UTC discounts from 16:30-00:30 on the DeepSeek API platform:
deepseek-v3 is 50% off
deepseek-r1 is a huge 75% off
Maximize your resources smarter – Save more during these valuable times! ”*
🚨Off-peak discount warning!
Starting today, enjoy daily off-peak UTC discounts from 16:30-00:30 on the DeepSeek API platform:
deepseek-v3 is 50% off
deepseek-r1 is a huge 75% offMaximize your resources smarter – save more during these valuable times! pic.twitter.com/00qa6inbcg
– Deepseek (@deepseek_ai) February 26, 2025
Targeting US and European developers
The company’s decision to lower prices comes when AI models are already shaking the industry. Last month, Deepseek’s growing influence surprised investors, leading to the sale of high-tech stocks rather than concerns that a low-cost model could weaken established players.
Between 16:30 GMT and 00:30 GMT, developers using DeepSeek’s API will pay significantly less to access the model. The price of the V3 model has fallen 50%, while the R1 model (the main player in the AI space soon) is getting a 75% discount during these hours. DeepSeek calls this “off-peak” pricing, but the time slots coincides with operating hours in the US and Europe, and is a clear signal that the company is targeting international developers.
Deepseek’s open source approach encourages industry shake-ups
Deepseek has been actively shaking AI pricing since May last year, when the V2 model caused a price war among Chinese AI companies. Since then, the company has been pushing boundaries and embracing an open source approach while keeping costs down. The competition forced a response. Openay recently lowered API prices and Google has introduced low-cost access to Gemini.
What’s next for Deepseek?
The latest round of discounts suggests that Deepseek is not slowing down. Sources familiar with the company say the successor to the R1 model is already in work.
Deepseek reduces developer off-peak prices by up to 75%
