As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) continues to transform creative landscapes, a new wave of decentralized image generation tools is challenging legacy platforms.

In a head-to-head comparison, Web3-based Sogni emerged as the superior option over Prodia, showcasing marked improvements in image coherence, prompt accuracy, and output versatility.

The Rise of Web3-Powered GenAI Platforms

The past year has seen rapid progress in the field of AI-generated art, with tools like Midjourney, DALL·E 3, and Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL) setting new benchmarks in fidelity and control.

As these platforms rise in prominence, their contribution to the projected $2T+ market size of AI technology before the end of the decade will become more outsized.

However, these platforms often operate behind paywalls, restrict API access, or lack true decentralization. That gap has paved the way for open GenAI projects that align with Web3 values like transparency, composability, and user ownership to rise to the top.

Both Prodia and Sogni fall into this category.

Prodia launched earlier in 2024 as a REST API-based image generation platform that allows developers to call models like SDXL, Playground v2, and DreamShaper with a simple integration. Sogni, on the other hand, went to mainnet in June and is rapidly evolving with an emphasis on onchain functionality, user-owned compute, and fine-tuned control over outputs.

Sogni Outperforms in Key Categories

In a direct test using the same prompt and the Flux Schnell v1 model, Sogni delivered sharper, more accurate results across multiple generations.

Sogni also generated outputs faster on a subjective basis. A caveat to this measure was that outputs from Prodia were impeded by a persistent verification request from Cloudflare. Without the verification request, Prodia would likely have been faster, but would have generated only one image to Sogni’s 4-at-a-time.

While Prodia’s outputs were competent, they lacked consistency and often introduced hallucinations such as a floating mic stand. In contrast, Sogni’s outputs demonstrated better composition, more logical backgrounds, and a clearer interpretation of prompt details.

As of now, Sogni supports several image models and plans to release more fine-tuned models in the near future.

Why This Matters for AI

User experience (UX) is a major bottleneck among Web3 projects as they require users to login with relatively niche wallet technology. Although Web3 wallet logins can be more secure and faster than more traditional methods, they are clunky due to the confederation of wallet technology for the layperson.

Both Prodia and Sogni overcome the common Web3 login bottleneck. Prodia required no login at all. It was usable from the app straightaway, whereas Sogni required only an email, and privacy-focused email domains are accepted.

Furthermore, as these platforms gain traction, their demand for compute will rise in proportion. Larger conglomerates have the resources handy to build their own data centers and make deals with power plants, but small, decentralized projects do not.

Sogni’s model attempts to overcome the challenge of compute supply by outsourcing compute generation to the broader Web3 community – users can contribute GPU power to the platform.

The broader GenAI space is shifting quickly. With projects like Scenario.gg enabling fine-tuned 3D asset generation, and Leonardo.Ai focusing on production pipelines for game assets, the competition is heating up.

As the demand for AI-generated media grows, platforms that offer superior output, accessible infrastructure, and user ownership may define the next era of GenAI.