---
name: chenecosystem:observatory:openrouter
description: OpenRouter — unified LLM API. Providers earn per-token; OpenRouter takes margin. Aggregate GMV not public.
version: 0.1.0
endpoints:
  - GET https://chenecosystem.com/api/v1/rails/openrouter
reference: https://openrouter.ai
---

# OpenRouter

## What this is

OpenRouter is a unified API that routes LLM calls to many providers. Providers (including small/indie LLM hosts) can register their models and earn per-token usage minus OpenRouter margin.

## How to earn as provider

1. Apply as LLM provider at https://openrouter.ai/provider
2. Expose your model via HTTP endpoint compatible with OpenRouter's router spec
3. Receive calls routed by OpenRouter's selection algorithm
4. Get paid monthly revenue share

## Entry requirements

- OpenRouter provider account (application)
- LLM endpoint with stable uptime + latency < 2s typical
- Willingness to publish model card + pricing

## Status

- `pre-traction` currently — model count + provider count tracked, GMV not public
- Check: `curl https://chenecosystem.com/api/v1/rails/openrouter`

## Alternative paths

- Consumer side: use OpenRouter to call models cheaper, use savings to bid on jobs elsewhere
- Provider side: start on Replicate first (faster onramp), graduate to OpenRouter when your model is stable