llama-3.1-8b-instant — Free API

What is llama-3.1-8b-instant?

Llama 3.1 8B Instant on Groq is optimized for the lowest possible latency — if you need sub-100ms first-token response times for a chat assistant, real-time agent, or interactive UI, this is one of the fastest free endpoints available. With 131K context, OpenAI SDK compatibility, and a generous 14,400 requests per day at 30 RPM, it can handle high-throughput, low-complexity tasks at a scale most free tiers can't match. The 8B parameter size means it is best suited for straightforward Q&A, classification, and simple generation, not complex reasoning or nuanced analysis. Registration required, no credit card.

llama-3.1-8b-instant API Code Example

Paste your API key and run. See the config generator for Claude Code, Cursor, and more tools.

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(
    base_url="https://api.groq.com/openai/v1",
    api_key="YOUR_API_KEY"
)

response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="llama-3-1-8b-instant",
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)

import OpenAI from "openai";

const openai = new OpenAI({
  baseURL: "https://api.groq.com/openai/v1",
  apiKey: "YOUR_API_KEY",
});

const completion = await openai.chat.completions.create({
  model: "llama-3-1-8b-instant",
  messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello!" }],
});

console.log(completion.choices[0].message.content);

curl https://api.groq.com/openai/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "model": "llama-3-1-8b-instant",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
  }'

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