01What Hermes Agent Is and How It Works

Hermes Agent is a free AI agent that runs 24/7 in the cloud. You can use it as a brain for your automation workflows. In this episode, Julian Goldie shows how to run Hermes Agent for free using Hermes Cloud.

Hermes Cloud is a service from Nous Research that provides free models. You connect these models to Hermes Agent, and they respond fast. The setup is easy because you use a one-click deploy instead of technical steps.

Your agent gets its own persistent memory in the cloud. That means the memory stays with the agent no matter which device you use. You can connect multiple devices, like your phone and laptops, and they all share the same memory.

02Main Features of Hermes Cloud

Hermes Cloud offers several useful features that make running your AI agent easier.

  • Free models: You get access to models like Solar Pro 4, Poolside Laguna S211, and Inclusional AI Ling 3.0 Flash.
  • Persistent memory: The memory lives in the cloud and is shared across all your devices.
  • Isolated sandbox: Your agent runs in a safe environment, so it can't touch your local setup.
  • Fast responses: Tests show replies in about 5–6 seconds, faster than many other APIs.
  • Channel connections: Use it with Telegram, Discord, Slack, and email.
  • Custom workflows: Build voice agents, SEO content, and more with the Agent OS.

These features mean you get a powerful agent for free, without needing a VPS or complex setup.

03How to Set Up Hermes Cloud

Setting up Hermes Cloud is simple. Julian shows a method that avoids terminal commands. He uses Codex, but you can also use Claude or another tool.

  1. Open Codex (or a similar AI coding tool).
  2. Tell it: "Set up Hermes Cloud with the Agent OS."
  3. Sign in to the Nous portal when asked.
  4. Select a free model, like Solar Pro.
  5. Create a separate profile in Hermes Agent for this setup.
  6. Switch between profiles with one click.

That's it. You don't need technical configuration or terminal work. The process is fast and user-friendly.

04How to Use Hermes Cloud with Your Agent

Once setup is done, you can test it. Julian sends a test message, and it runs quickly. Responses take about 5–6 seconds, which is faster than usual for Hermes.

You can also run Hermes Cloud on a blank slate system. That means all tools are off, making the agent even faster. Most people don't use all the tools anyway, so it's fine.

To manage your agents, log into the Nous portal and go to "Connected Agents." You can see which agents are connected, when you last used them, and create new ones. Browse the latest models and pick the free ones.

If a model stops working or you get rate limited, switch to another free model. You can also create multiple profiles, like one for Solar Pro and another for Poolside, then switch between them.

05Results and Comparisons from the Episode

Julian tested Hermes Cloud and found it very responsive. He notes that other APIs, like Astra 6, often take ages to respond, but Hermes Cloud is quick.

He uses free models like Solar Pro and mentions that Matron Longcat 2.0 is the most popular free model right now. These models are text-only, so they don't generate images. That's a downside, but the speed and cost make up for it.

Hermes Cloud also lets you build custom workflows. For example, Hermes Apollo can create a voice agent, and Hermes Oracle pulls trending news and data. You can draft social media posts and publish SEO articles directly to your website.

Julian created a full blog post with one click based on trending news. He also uses the agent to analyze his content and give new ideas.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

Free models can get taken down or rate limited. Don't panic—you have many alternatives. Keep a list of backup models ready.

Make separate profiles for different models. This lets you switch quickly if one fails. It also keeps things organized.

Remember that free models are text-only. They don't generate images. If you need images, you'll have to use a paid model or another tool.

Use an isolated sandbox to keep your agent safe. This is important if you run scheduled tasks. It prevents the agent from accessing your local files.

Don't forget about memory. Hermes Cloud has its own persistent memory, but you can also use Obsidian. Your agents can update Obsidian with new memories and workflows.

07Who Hermes Cloud Is For and Why It Matters

Hermes Cloud is for anyone who wants a free AI agent without technical hassle. It's perfect for beginners and pros alike.

It matters because you get a 24/7 agent for free. You don't need a VPS or paid API. You can build automations that save time and grow your business.

Julian points out that you can use this with the Agent OS to create voice agents, SEO content, and more. The possibilities are wide, and the cost is zero.

If you want extra training, Julian offers a course at aiprofitboarding.com. There's also a community with 82 reviews and daily support.