> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.controlplusa.ai/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How do I pay for my campaigns?

# What’s the difference between a subscription and my media budget?

Your **subscription** and your **media budget** serve two different purposes in Ctrl+A.
Both are necessary for running campaigns, but they cover different types of costs.


## 1. Subscription — Access to the Platform

Your **subscription** gives you access to the Ctrl+A platform and all its AI-driven marketing tools.
It’s a **monthly or yearly fee** depending on your selected plan (Free, Starter, Growth, or Pro).

Your subscription covers:

* Use of the Ctrl+A software and campaign automation tools
* AI text, image, and targeting generation
* Campaign setup, optimization, and reporting features
* Access for multiple users (depending on your plan)

Subscriptions do **not** include advertising spend.
They pay for the use of the platform — similar to other SaaS products.



## 2. Media Budget — The Actual Advertising Spend

Your **media budget** is the money used to pay for ads running on Google, Meta (Facebook & Instagram), or YouTube.
This is what funds the actual impressions, clicks, or video views your campaigns generate.

You can handle your media budget in two ways:

1. **Using Ctrl+A’s managed ad accounts**

* You pay for your ads through your **Ctrl+A credit balance**.
* The system automatically manages billing and top-ups for Google and Meta.

2. **Using your own ad accounts**

* Ads are billed directly by Google or Meta.
* Ctrl+A remains free to use, even with the Free Plan.

You only pay for **approved and running campaigns** — never for pending or disapproved ones.



## 3. Why They’re Separate

Keeping your subscription and media budget separate ensures:

* **Transparency:** You always know what you pay for — software use vs. ad spend.
* **Flexibility:** You can change or cancel your plan without affecting campaigns.
* **Scalability:** Your platform subscription remains stable, even if your ad spend varies.

## Summary
| Purpose | Paid To | Covers |
| ---- |
| **Subscription** | Ctrl+A | Platform access, AI features, campaign setup & optimization |
| **Media Budget** | Google / Meta (directly or via Ctrl+A) | Actual ad spend — impressions, clicks, and video views |


Your **subscription** gives you access to Ctrl+A’s AI-powered marketing tools.
Your **media budget** funds your ads on Google, Meta, or YouTube.
Together, they make it easy to manage and scale your marketing efforts.