What’s the Difference Between Agentic AI and Generative AI?

People are using AI not only for image generation, text, and content but for decision-making as well. This innovative technology uses two specific types– Agentic AI and Generative AI. There are a lot of cases where these technologies are used simultaneously, still understanding the functions and key differences between these can help you to choose the right solution for your next project or need!

This blog will guide you on how generative AI works, what agentic AI is, how they are different, and which one is the best for you.

What Is Generative AI and How Does It Work?

Generative AI stands for a form of artificial intelligence that is used for creating multiple types of content, including text, code, music, images, or videos. Generative AI works based on the data that they have been consuming through machine learning, NLP, and algorithms, particularly  transformer-based neural networks like Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), which is one  of the most used generative AI models nowadays that generates outputs in a human-like  interaction form. You can say that Generative AI is like a digital artist that is ready to assist you with creative tasks that may be time-consuming or may require more than one person to perform. 

Also Read: AI vs Machine Learning What Marketers Need to Know

Working of Generative AI-

Generative AI works forthright in a single-step workflow–

1. Input- Description is given in the form of input of what the user needs. It can include text or voice commands
2. Processing- Generative AI works on pattern recognition, learning the structure, grammar, or data. The model works based on a large dataset that it’s been trained on.
3. Generation- AI generated the output according to the user prompt, the model predicts what comes next based on training, without revisiting or refining its output. 

Examples of Generative AI-

• Gemini– For creating content and automating solutions
• ChatGPT 4.0– Used for text generation and human-like conversation
• Jasper AI– Used by copywriters for content creation
• DeepSeek AI– Used for video generation for multiple uses.

These tools work via prompts only, they do not generate or act on their own. Want to learn how to ace the prompt game? Check out our Tips to write prompts on Gemini.

What Is Agentic AI and How Is It Different?

Agentic AI works in a cyclic framework in which it includes the stage of researching or thinking about the input and then revising the output according to the user’s needs. This process of adoption includes improving and self-analyzing, which helps the Agentic AI framework to produce higher-quality output.  Unlike Generative AI, this technology involves multiple steps that test and refine the work, operating solely by learning from each stage and making adjustments and evaluations according to the tasks provided to the Agentic AI. They can plan, reason, finalize decisions, and interact with other external systems as well to generate a result with minimum human supervision.
Some real-world examples would include OpenAI Operator, Beam, UIPath, and Moveworks, which are used by businesses or for personal use for completing goals, task management, and building custom frameworks for agentic AI.

Characteristics of Agentic AI–

• Self-sufficient-  Agentic AI can act independently without the interference of human supervision. It makes decisions and performs tasks on its own.
• Goal-oriented- Agentic AI task planning is done with clear objectives in mind. It works with specific goals only.
• Adapting with ML- This technology uses machine learning to remember and learn from its actions and experiences.
• Perception and awareness- This AI analyzes its environment to adapt and make smart choices, like redirecting routes in case of obstructions in the area. 

Characteristics of Generative AI–

• Limited tasks- Generative AI can perform limited tasks as it can not act independently and make its own decisions, so it requires human input to perform
• No Adaptation- This AI does not learn or adapt while interacting with the user. Once trained, it operates solely based on the database it’s been trained on
• Decision-making- Genai engages through basic decision making, selecting the form of outputs based on the patterns learned in the training

How Do Agentic AI and Generative AI Differ in Function and Design?

There are some key bases on which you can differentiate agentic AI and generative AI, like how they differ in the form of design, capacity, or purpose, from this table–

BASIS	GENERATIVE AI	AGENTIC AI
Primary Function	Generates content based on a prompt	Performs tasks autonomously, making decisions
Prompt Requirement	Yes	Only initially to start the task
Independence	Genai does not act on its own	Agentic AI can make decisions independently
Tools Example	OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Midjourney	LangChain, BabyAGI, Gemini
Uses	Content Creation, art, and coding	Task automation, planning, and research

Can Generative AI Be Used to Power Agentic AI Systems?

As you can see from many real-world examples where companies are using Agentic AI and Generative AItogether, like for sales automation in which they use generative AI to create a custom text body, Agentic AI is used to send them at a scheduled time. Later on, the conversation is monitored, replies and follow-ups are made with the help of AI.

You can use Agentic AI systems that can be dependent on generative models to function effortlessly. Sub-tasks of agentic AI can be automated with GenAI. Another example would be a customer support assistant that can use Generative AI to provide basic information about a product or service, then Agentic AI can deliver solutions or recommendations according to customers’ needs. 

Which Type of AI Is More Suitable for Your Needs?

It depends on the needs of your task:

1. You can opt out of Generative AI when you-
   • Require an assistant to write down text, articles product descriptions
   • Want to generate visual content like images or videos
   • Brainstorm a pitch or idea for your next project
2. Go for Agentic AI when you-
   • Want to schedule multi-step workflows into a simpler form
   • Automate your daily work with a virtual assistant
   • Schedule your emails, calendar, or increase productivity with task delegation.

Also Read: Is ChatGPT 4o Image Generator Free

In most cases, you can go for a system that is a mixed design framework of both kinds of AI. These help in getting the most out of both worlds together. 

What Are the Risks and Limitations of Each AI Type?

Every form of technology comes with its risks and limitations, which should be taken into account while using it.

Generative AI risks include-

• False Information– There is a chance that the information provided by the Generative AI platform is false as it is based on the basis of limited database.
• Lack of Intent– Since GenAI does not have the power of decision-making, it may hesitate to decide when to act 
• Dependency– Generative AI is always dependent on a prompt, as it needs clear instructions on what to perform.

Agentic AI risks include-

• Overreach– Agentic AI can perform actions even when they are not intended to in case of undefined goals or instructions 
• Privacy Concerns– Agentic AI requires access to all your email data, calendar, and schedule, which may raise privacy concerns for the user
• Complicated to understand– Agentic AI can be difficult to understand for many new users, which can make it difficult to manage.

If you want to use these technologies safely, consider having human supervision and guardrails so that you will have secure options available while working. Want to search for a secure platform? Check out our list of security platform examples.

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