01What Is Hermes Agent and How It Works

Hermes Agent is a free, open-source AI agent that can build websites, generate images and videos, create voice notes, and run tasks autonomously. You control it through a terminal or a Kanban board, and it works with many AI models.

In this episode, Julian Goldie explained how Hermes Agent can handle multiple tasks at once, use memory systems to stay efficient, and even connect to tools like Obsidian for long-term projects. This guide covers how to set it up and use it effectively.

02Main Features of Hermes Agent

Here are the key features Julian showed:

  • Kanban board – Breaks big tasks into subtasks, so you can see progress for each step.
  • Multiple agent profiles – Create different profiles (e.g., "Koda") to run tasks simultaneously.
  • Skills and memory – Save workflows as skills and store project info in Obsidian for reuse.
  • OAuth login – Log in with Grok, Minimax, or ChatGPT to avoid API costs.
  • Free API compatibility – Use Step 3.7 Flash, which gives a free API for 30 days.
  • Voice and image generation – Generate images, videos, and voice notes using Minimax M3.

03How to Set Up Hermes Agent

Follow these steps to get started with Hermes Agent:

  1. Install Hermes Agent – Download the open-source files from the official repository. No paid subscription needed.
  2. Open the terminal – Launch a command-line interface on your system.
  3. Choose a model – Type Hermes model in the terminal, then pick a model like Step 3.7 Flash for a free API, or use OAuth with Grok, Minimax, or ChatGPT.
  4. Create a profile – Run Hermes profile create to set up a profile (e.g., for different projects).
  5. Set up a Kanban board – Use the Kanban interface inside the agent operating system to manage tasks.
  6. Connect memory – Link Obsidian as a memory system to store project info and reduce re-prompting.

04How to Use Hermes Agent with Examples

Julian showed how to use Hermes Agent for real work. Here are key use cases:

  • Build a website – Give a command like "create a website with SEO content and a blog section." The Kanban board splits it into subtasks (e.g., structure SEO, design UI).
  • Run multiple tasks – Put several tasks on the Kanban board at once, like "build a website" and "create an AI tool." Each moves through stages: triage, do, blocked, done.
  • Use OAuth for extra power – Log in with Minimax M3 to generate images, videos, or voice notes. Type Hermes model, select Minimax, and choose OAuth.
  • Save skills – After running a workflow (e.g., SEO optimization), save it as a skill so you don't repeat the prompt next time.
  • Organize long-term projects – Store each project as a memory in Obsidian. Hermes updates the knowledge graph automatically.

05Results and Comparisons from the Episode

Julian compared Hermes Agent with Claude Cowork. He said both tools work, but the main differences are:

  • Claude Cowork is easier for non-technical beginners. It focuses on text-based knowledge work and does not generate images or videos.
  • Hermes Agent is more customizable and open source. It can generate images, videos, and voice notes, and you can plug in your own APIs.
  • Cost – Hermes is free and open source. You can use free APIs or OAuth logins to avoid charges.

Julian also discussed whether Hermes can replace tools like Screaming Frog or Atreus. He said: if the tool has data you cannot get elsewhere (e.g., backlink counts from Atreus), then no. But if the tool just does something (like scheduling notes), then yes, Hermes can replace it.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

Based on Julian's advice, here are important tips and pitfalls:

  • Don't overcomplicate profiles – 99% of users do not need multiple agent profiles. Only use them if you truly need simultaneous tasks.
  • Avoid token waste – Use a memory system like Obsidian to avoid re-explaining the same context. Many people spend 20% of tokens re-prompting.
  • Use free APIs wisely – Step 3.7 Flash gives 30 days free, but it's not as powerful as top-tier models. It's sufficient for basic tasks.
  • Train Hermes for efficiency – The longer you use it, the more efficient it becomes. New updates also reduce token usage.
  • Manage multiple projects – Use the Kanban board for short tasks and skills+memory for long-term workflows.
  • Keep Telegram chats organized – Use topics inside a single Telegram chat for different projects, rather than creating many separate chats.

07Who Should Use Hermes Agent and Why It Matters

Hermes Agent is best for technical users who want full control over an AI agent. If you are comfortable with a terminal and open-source tools, Hermes gives you customization, free options, and the ability to generate images, videos, and voice notes.

This matters because it allows you to automate complex tasks—like building websites or running SEO workflows—without paying for expensive subscriptions. For non-technical beginners, Claude Cowork may be a better starting point. But for anyone willing to learn, Hermes Agent unlocks powerful, autonomous AI capabilities at no cost.