Intro: In the past, building an AI application alone could cost hundreds of dollars a month just in server fees and API calls. Now Tencent Cloud has launched a new platform that gives you 500,000 free Tokens and requires no server management. With just prompt engineering skills, you can launch an AI application in minutes—and then list it on Xianyu for sale.

Programmer Yu Pi previously published an article demonstrating how to build an AI Investor Agent from scratch using Tencent Cloud EdgeOne Makers—completing the entire process from code writing to deployment in under 20 minutes.

The key point? It cost absolutely nothing. The platform provides 500,000 free Tokens, and handles everything including server infrastructure, database, internet search integration, and conversation memory. You only need to focus on business logic—the rest is automated.

How to Monetize This

Here are three direct revenue paths.

Path One: Take Orders on Xianyu to Build Custom AI Apps. Many small merchants and individuals want to use AI but lack technical skills. You can build AI customer service bots, AI copywriting tools, or AI resume optimization agents, and list them on Xianyu at prices ranging from 30 to 100 RMB per order. The cost is zero—your Token allowance is free, and deployment is fully managed. Your only investment is 1–2 hours writing prompts and adjusting UIs.

Path Two: Launch AI Micro-tools with Monthly Subscriptions. Examples include AI English speaking practice, AI social media copy generators, or AI Xiaohongshu post optimizers—these are all easy to implement using EdgeOne Makers. Once built, charge users 29.9 or 39.9 RMB monthly. Users access the tool via a simple link. Charge 30 RMB per user, and 100 users generate 3,000 RMB in monthly revenue—with zero cost.

Path Three: Sell Templates and Course Content. If you specialize in a niche domain—such as AI agents for real estate agents writing copy, or AI customer service bots for e-commerce sellers—you can package your pre-built agent templates and sell them. Alternatively, create a tutorial series teaching others how to build AI apps on EdgeOne Makers. Yu Pi himself open-sourced his AI Investor Agent, attracted followers, and monetized through course sales.

All three paths can be pursued simultaneously. Start with a few Xianyu orders to get familiar with the workflow, raise prices once you have case studies, and eventually launch your own course.

How to Get Started

Three steps. You can go live in under 20 minutes.

Step One: Install the Skill. Open your terminal and run one command:

npx skills add TencentEdgeOne/edgeone-makers-tools

Select the AI agent development and deployment skill for global installation. After installation, the AI will automatically understand how to write code according to EdgeOne Makers’ standards.

Step Two: Write Prompts to Let AI Develop for You. No need to hand-write code. Clearly describe your requirements, and the AI will auto-generate the project, write the agent logic, and build the frontend. For example, if you want an AI agent to generate WeChat Moments posts, your prompt would be:

Develop an AI WeChat Moments Copy Generator Agent. The user inputs context and tone, and the agent generates multiple options for selection. The frontend should feature a clean, mobile-responsive interface.

The AI will autonomously create the project, write full-stack code, compile, and validate. Done in minutes.

Step Three: Deploy and Go Live. Retrieve your API key from the EdgeOne Makers console and feed it to the AI. It will automatically deploy the app and provide you with the public URL. The platform also grants 500,000 free model inference tokens—no need to manually configure API keys.

Once deployed, you’ll have a live-accessible web link. Share this link with clients or use it as a demo on your Xianyu product listing. When users open it, they experience the app firsthand—far more convincing than static screenshots.

Some Honest Insights

First, the 500,000 free Tokens are time-limited—not permanent. Use them now while they’re still available. Once the free quota expires, your costs will rise significantly.

Second, this platform is ideal for lightweight AI tools—conversational, content-generation, and Q&A-based applications. If you plan to build complex AI products, you may still need to manage your own infrastructure.

Third, AI app customization on Xianyu is still relatively rare—this is a prime window of opportunity. Once competition increases, pricing pressure will erode profit margins, and individual gigs will lose value.

Build one in 20 minutes, launch it for zero cost, and enjoy unlimited free tokens—this kind of low-barrier side hustle won’t last forever. Get one running, list it on Xianyu, and see if anyone asks. If there’s interest, demand exists. And with demand, you can iterate into a real business.