Large language models (LLMs) vs. generative AI: What's the difference?

Large language models (LLMs) and generative AI are key components of the AI landscape, each serving distinct roles in content creation. LLMs, such as those powering ChatGPT and Google Gemini, specialize in handling text by predicting and generating responses based on extensive datasets, making them versatile for tasks like writing, translation, and problem-solving. They play a crucial role in generative AI, which encompasses any AI system capable of creating new content, including text, images, audio, and video. LLMs are integral to the text-based components of generative AI systems and, when combined with models that handle other media types, contribute to creating multimodal outputs. This synergy enhances generative AI's capabilities, enabling it to transform workflows and automate processes, as exemplified by platforms like Zapier, which integrate LLMs and other generative AI tools to streamline tasks and foster innovation in various applications.