Midjourney is among the most popular AI art generators that is being praised for its distinctive aesthetic and artistically rich controls. However, unlike many other consumer-oriented apps, Midjourney is a subscription-based, paid service, meaning that “free” access to the service is not the norm anymore. There are, however, several legitimate ways to test Midjourney without paying for it immediately, as well as a variety of free alternatives that provide excellent results.
This guide provides information about how to access Midjourney for free and the most realistic legal alternatives, and offers concrete steps to follow in order to substitute Midjourney without cost.
Quick Answer: The fact is that when you can't utilize Midjourney at no cost anymore, and the free Discord trial has ended. But, you can use Midjourney legally and without cost through its NijiJourney mobile trial, by taking part in official contests or promotions, or by using groups or educational accounts that have permission. If you're interested in ongoing free AI art creation, you can look at alternatives such as Bing Image Creator, Leonardo AI, and Stable Diffusion, which provide free image credits as well as similar quality.
What is Midjourney?
Midjourney is an AI-powered tool for creating images that transforms text-based prompts into precise illustrations digitally. It operates primarily via Discord, in which users enter commands like “/imagine” with a descriptive text, and the AI creates distinctive images in a matter of seconds. It is renowned for its cinematic, artistic, and highly stylized images. Midjourney is popular with marketers, designers, and content creators who wish to create art of professional quality with no manual drawing or design abilities.
What’s the latest situation: Is Midjourney free?
Midjourney ended its lengthy free trial open to all on Discord some time ago. The majority of official access requires an annual subscription. The documents of the company state that subscription plans are based on subscriptions (monthly or annually) and include Standard, Basic, Standard Pro, and more expensive levels.
The company’s documents also state that Midjourney has a restricted free trial offer and promotional program in specific locations (for instance, the trial is limited to the NijiJourney mobile app) as well as occasionally running special promotions and partnerships, which let users try out free generation.
If you want an unlimited, whole Midjourney experience, consider getting a subscription, but you can try it out initially.
How to access Midjourney for free (Legal step-by-step ways)
1. Utilise the NijiJourney mobile app trial (When it becomes available)
The Midjourney developers also offer a separate version that is geared towards anime, known as NijiJourney, which often provides a no-cost trial credit by way of its mobile application for iOS as well as Android.
Here’s how to determine whether a trial version of the software is available:
- Look up “NijiJourney” or “Midjourney” on the App Store or Google Play.
- Download and launch the official application.
- Look for “Try For FREE” or “Get Started” options during setup.
- The typical offer is a couple of free image generations to try out the software.
Notice: Trials aren’t always present in every location, and availability could vary.
2. Participate in Midjourney community events and contests or partner-sponsored promotions
Midjourney may run community-based challenges, partnerships, community challenges, or even limited demonstrations, which temporarily offer free generations. They are typically posted on:
- This is the Official Midjourney Discord server
- X (Twitter) via @midjourney
- The Midjourney website, or the docs
Following these channels is the best method to get limited access to time-based free access.
3. Make use of an Institutional or Shared Account (With Permission)
Some educational organizations or creative collectives can purchase subscriptions that allow members to use them. If you’re a member of an institution of design, a coworking space, or an art collective, ask if there is a shared license available.
Always ask for permission prior to use and adhere to the terms of service offered by the provider. Don’t make use of someone else’s account without permission.
Best Midjourney Alternatives for Free (Worth using)
Although access to Midjourney isn’t enough, there are other options that offer compelling AI art creation without cost:
| Tool | Platform | Cost | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bing Image Creator (DALL·E 3) | Web | Free with Microsoft login | Great for realistic or concept art |
| Leonardo AI | Web | Free credits daily | Stylish, detailed, Midjourney-like output |
| Playground AI | Web | Free tier available | Supports Stable Diffusion models |
| Stable Diffusion (local) | PC/Mac | Free (open-source) | Fully customizable and private |
| DreamStudio | Web | Free credits, pay-per-use | Easy UI, stable results |
These tools are perfect for artists who are new or who wish to experiment with AI-generated art without having to pay monthly costs.
Considerations for Legal and Ethics Questions
AI-generated art raises essential issues regarding copyright, dataset ownership, and commercial rights.
Midjourney’s content policy states that commercial use is only permitted by customers who have paid for it. Therefore, trial or free users are not allowed to use images generated by Midjourney commercially.
If you intend to employ AI-generated images for your branding, design work, or product packaging, it is recommended that you:
- Take the time to read Midjourney’s Terms of Service carefully.
- Make sure you keep proof of your subscription amount.
- Do not use images that imitate or use copyrighted materials.
Tips for Saving Money if You Eventually Subscribe
If you are planning to cover Midjourney in the future, here are some easy and efficient methods to save money on your monthly subscription:
1. Select the Best Plan
Midjourney has a variety of subscription levels, including Basic, Standard, and Pro (or Stealth mode).
- This basic plan is ideal for those who are just beginning or people who wish to play around and create just a few photos each month.
- The Stealth or Pro Stealth option is perfect for professionals who produce massive amounts of artwork, require speedier processing, or require the privacy of their work.
Before you sign up for a subscription, take a moment to look at the prices for both the monthly and annual plans. The yearly plans typically include a slight discount that can help you save money over the long term.
2. Search for Educational or Student Discounts
If you’re a student or teacher, or are associated with an institution of higher education, be sure to check if your college or institution has a relationship with Midjourney or has access to innovative software bundles.
Midjourney often works with educational platforms in order to offer discounts or shared licenses..
It’s a good idea to ask your teacher or your IT department -they may be able to provide access at no charge or for significantly lower cost.
3. Share the cost with Collaborators
If you’re part of a group of creatives or a team, think about sharing a single subscription with care.
Many artists who collaborate on projects for art, game designing, and marketing use a paid plan, and use it to collaborate.
Be sure to make sure you do this only with permission and in line with Midjourney’s usage terms -Sharing accounts that are not within established limits is not permitted.
This can help cut down the cost of your own travel while allowing everyone to access Midjourney’s tools.
4. Combining Paid Use with Free Tools
There’s no need to rely on Midjourney to get every thought.
Utilize no-cost AI Image generators such as Bing Image Maker, Leonardo AI, or Stable Diffusion to test prompts or make rough drafts.
When you’ve come up with a solid idea, make use of the Midjourney subscription to create an image that is high-quality and professional.
This allows you to get the most out of the limited time available to you while exploring your creative ideas without restriction.
5. Make the most of annual promotions or Bundles
Midjourney may offer special offers or collaborations that include additional credits or discounts to long-term customers.
Keep an eye out for their announcements or newsletters to ensure you can take advantage of these offers as they become available.
Begin small, evaluate your options, take advantage of educational opportunities if you can, and share responsibly. You can also use both paid and free tools. With a little effort, you will be able to enjoy the full potential that Midjourney offers without having to spend a lot.
Final Thoughts
Midjourney is predominantly currently a paid service; however, you are able to test it out without having to pay immediately by using an Niji * Journey mobile trial (when it becomes available), as well as community promotions or access to shared institutions.
If you want to continue using the tool for free, the best option is to choose free options like Stable Diffusion or Bing Image Creator, which are suited for various creative projects. Always be sure to adhere to the terms of service and copyright guidelines when making use of any AI image-making tool.
Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Midjourney offer a trial of its services for free currently?
The company has officially announced that Midjourney does not offer the broad Discord trial at no cost. However, trial trials of a limited duration are available via Niji * Journey, the Niji * Journey mobile app, or through special offers. Always refer to Midjourney’s documents and announcements for the most up-to-date information.
2. Can I make use of Midjourney in conjunction with Discord?
Midjourney is generally run through Discord for the majority of workflows. The Niji * Journey app offers an experience on mobile devices that could allow limited trials without Discord. To fully experience the features, Discord remains the primary interface.
3. Are there any reliable alternatives for free to Midjourney?
Yes, Stable Diffusion (local or hosted), Bing Image Creator, Leonardo AI, and numerous hosting Stable Diffusion services are available for free tiers and open-source alternatives that are suitable for a variety of tasks.
4. Can I use someone else’s Midjourney account?
Only with explicit permission from the account holder. Sharing can violate terms based on the plan, and you should always ask permission and follow Midjourney’s policies.
5. Are the Midjourney images commercially usable?
Commercial use is contingent on the terms of the agreement, the plan, and the changing legal framework. Review Midjourney’s terms of Service and consider copyright risk; if in doubt, make use of licensed assets or seek legal counsel.
6. How do I be notified about promotions or free trials?
Visit Midjourney’s official website, Discord server, and social media channels for announcements and promotions. Subscribing to their document updates as well as their email newsletter (if available) can help too.