Chat-only mode in LiveKit without consuming agent minutes?

Agents
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1

I’m currently using LiveKit primarily for voice interactions, but I also need to support a text-based chat mode.

I noticed that STT and TTS can be disabled, but I’m trying to understand if there’s a way to run a chat-only mode without incurring agent/session minute usage.

Specifically:

  • Can LiveKit be used purely for chat (data channels) without counting agent connection time?

  • Or is it required to keep an agent connected to the room, which would still consume minutes?

  • Are there any recommended patterns for implementing chat alongside voice while minimizing costs?

2

If the Agent replies to the Chat, then the Agent will have to be running. Another approach could be to not use livekit (webrtc) and implement chat separately (we have done this in one of the products)

3

An agent is not required to be in a room. You can have a look at our Meet example which is a demonstration of text without agent or with agent if you want. You can also have text only with an agent too. Let me know if you need that example

Source Code: GitHub - livekit-examples/meet at meet · GitHub