Hermes Agent: The Next Generation Agent for Those Tired of OpenClaw
Original title: OpenClaw에 지친 사람들을 위한 차세대 에이전트 Hermes Agent
Core: Hermes Agent represents the next evolution beyond tools like OpenClaw, offering superior speed, refinement, and enhanced memory capabilities for automating complex workflows through natural language interaction.
One-line summary
This tutorial demonstrates how to set up Hermes Agent on a cloud VPS, integrate it with OpenAI and Telegram, and leverage its memory-enhanced automation capabilities for practical tasks like automated video captioning.
Why Hermes Agent?
The landscape has shifted from traditional automation tools to intelligent agents. Hermes Agent delivers three critical improvements over predecessors like OpenClaw:
Faster execution – Reduced latency in task completion and response times
More refined interface – Intuitive UI with chat, session history, and Kanban boards for task visualization
Enhanced memory – Persistent context retention across sessions, eliminating the need to re-explain workflows
The speaker experienced frequent errors and management difficulties with OpenClaw, particularly around maintaining context. Switching to an agent-based system solved these workflow memory issues significantly.
The Hermes Agent homepage showcases key features including installation guides, configuration options, and demonstrations of its memory and automation capabilities. The interface includes sections for chat interaction, session management, model selection, logs, and a unique Kanban board view that visualizes task progress across stages like 'todo', 'scheduled', 'in progress', 'blocked', and 'done'.
Key insight: "You really have to try it to know it. You'll only understand if you use it." The productivity gains from cloud-based agents with persistent memory are experiential rather than theoretical.
Prerequisites
- A computer (local machine or cloud VPS)
- OpenAI account with API access or credits
- Telegram account (for optional mobile integration)
- Basic familiarity with cloud hosting concepts (helpful but not required due to Hostinger's simplified interface)
- Active payment method for VPS hosting (approximately $8.99/month for recommended configuration)
Step-by-step
Step 1: Server Setup with Hostinger 01:27
Sign up for Hostinger and select a VPS plan suitable for running Docker containers. The KVM2 model is specifically recommended for its balance of performance and affordability at $8.99/month.
The Hostinger VPS selection page displays various plans, with KVM2 marked as "MOST POPULAR". Use the affiliate link provided in the video description along with coupon code 'CODEFACTORY' for additional discounts—the code applies automatically when using the special link.
After provisioning completes, access the VPS management panel. During the configuration process, you'll encounter a setup pop-up requiring several fields:
ADMIN_USERNAME– Your chosen admin account nameADMIN_PASSWORD– Secure password for administrative access- Optional API keys for Nexoss and Oxylabs (not required for OpenAI integration)
Why this matters: Cloud-based agents offer persistent memory and anytime accessibility without consuming local machine resources. This allows you to maintain focus on your primary work while the agent processes tasks in the background.
Caution: Ensure you use the provided link to get the coupon code applied automatically. Save all credentials immediately after creation.
Visual: Hermes Agent dashboard UI showing various menu items on the… — 3:17 ▶
Step 2: Launching Hermes Agent on VPS 04:12
Navigate to the Docker Manager within your Hostinger VPS dashboard. Look for the Hermes Agent project template in the available applications.
The Docker Manager interface shows 'Docker projects' with entries like 'hermes-agent-fjc1' and 'traefik' listed as running containers. There's also a 'Manage your AI provider' section displaying available credits for services like Nexoss.ai and Oxylabs AI.
The deployment process may take several minutes as Docker pulls the necessary images and configures the container. You'll see status indicators showing 'Recreating' or similar messages during this initialization phase.
Why this approach: Using Docker templates eliminates complex server configuration. Hostinger's pre-configured templates handle networking, security, and dependency management automatically, allowing you to launch Hermes Agent directly without manual setup.
Caution: Be patient as the Docker image for Hermes Agent is deployed. The template may not appear immediately—refresh the page periodically if needed.
Step 3: Accessing the Hermes Agent UI 05:38
After Hermes Agent shows as running in the Docker Manager, locate the 'Open' button next to its listing. Clicking this launches the Hermes Agent web interface in a new browser tab.
The login page prompts for the username and password credentials you set during server configuration. After successful authentication, you'll see the main dashboard.
The Hermes Agent dashboard displays a left sidebar menu with options including:
- Chat – Primary interaction interface
- Sessions – View conversation history
- Models – Select and configure AI models
- Logs – Debug and monitoring information
- Skills – Saved workflow automations
- Terminal – Direct command-line access
The main content area initially shows installation instructions, but once configured, becomes the primary workspace for agent interaction.
What to watch for: The interface provides both graphical and terminal-based access. While most interactions happen through the chat interface, the terminal is essential for initial configuration tasks.
Visual: Hermes Agent chat interface displaying an ASCII art of 'HERM… — 5:52 ▶
Step 4: Configuring OpenAI API Integration 06:35
Within the Hermes Agent UI, click the 'Terminal' button to access the command-line interface. Execute the command:
hermes model
The terminal displays a list of available AI providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, and custom options. Select the option to change the AI gateway to OpenAI.
Next, you'll see a choice between 'OpenAI Codex' and 'OpenAI API'. For subscription-based access, select 'OpenAI Codex'.
The authentication screen provides:
- A URL to open in your browser
- A device authentication code
Open the provided URL in your browser, which takes you to the OpenAI login page. Sign in with your OpenAI account, then you'll reach the device code entry page where you paste the code from your terminal.
Why this step is critical: This establishes the authentication bridge between your Hermes Agent instance and OpenAI's API, allowing you to leverage your existing OpenAI subscription and preferred models without managing API keys manually.
Caution: Ensure you select the correct option for subscription-based OpenAI usage (Codex), not a different model or API type. Choosing the wrong option may require you to restart the configuration process.
Step 5: Verifying OpenAI Integration 08:13
After successful authentication, the terminal displays a list of available GPT models (GPT-5.5, GPT-5.4, etc.). Select your preferred model.
Navigate back to the Chat interface in Hermes Agent. The chat interface now displays:
- ASCII art branding for 'HERMES-AGENT'
- List of available tools the agent can use
- Current active model (e.g., "gpt-5.5")
- Conversation history area
- Fast mode indicator at the bottom
Send a test message like "Hello" to verify the connection. If you receive a coherent response, your OpenAI integration is functioning correctly.
Performance optimization: Enable 'Fast Mode' for quicker responses. This setting appears at the bottom of the chat interface as "Fast mode: Fast" and prioritizes response speed over extended deliberation.
Caution: If the chat interface doesn't update immediately after model selection, refresh the page. Always verify the active model displayed in the chat matches your intended selection.
Step 6: Setting up Telegram Integration 09:40
To enable mobile access and conversational control, connect Hermes Agent to Telegram by creating a bot.
In Telegram, search for and open a chat with BotFather. The BotFather conversation shows the standard bot creation process:
- Send the command
/newbot - Provide a display name for your bot (e.g., "My Hermes Assistant")
- Provide a username ending in 'bot' (e.g., "my_hermes_bot")
- BotFather responds with your HTTP API token – copy and securely save this
Next, find and chat with 'User Info Bot'. The User Info Bot interaction immediately displays your Telegram user ID upon first message. Save this ID as well.
Why Telegram integration matters: This enables you to interact with Hermes Agent from anywhere via your mobile device, send large files through cloud storage links, and receive notifications about completed tasks without being tied to the web interface.
The chat interface instructions in Hermes Agent provide detailed steps for this linking process, including where to input the bot token and user ID.
Caution: Bot usernames must be unique across all of Telegram and end with 'bot'. The API token is sensitive information—store it securely and never share it publicly.
Visual: Split screen view showing Google Drive on the left and Teleg… — 9:45 ▶
Step 7: Configuring Hermes Agent for Telegram 10:48
Within the Hermes Agent terminal or through environment variables, input your saved Telegram credentials:
- Bot Token – From BotFather
- User ID – From User Info Bot
Once configured, Hermes Agent recognizes these credentials and activates the Telegram gateway. The confirmation message in the chat interface indicates successful setup with instructions on how to start using the bot.
You can now send messages to your bot in Telegram, and Hermes Agent will process them identically to messages sent through the web UI. A split-screen view demonstrates this synchronization, showing the Hostinger VPS metrics on one side and the active Telegram conversation on the other.
Security consideration: For enhanced security, use environment variables instead of directly inputting tokens in the UI. This approach keeps sensitive credentials out of the interface and logs.
Step 8: Automating Short Video Captioning 11:04
This demonstrates Hermes Agent's practical application by automating the generation of stylized video captions.
Workflow overview:
- Upload your video to Google Drive (for large files)
- Share the Google Drive link with Hermes Agent via Telegram or the web chat
- Instruct the agent with specific requirements
A split-screen demonstration shows a Google Drive folder with video files on the left and the Telegram chat on the right, where the user discusses the video editing task.
Example instruction:
Use the local Whisper model to analyze the speech in this video and generate
an SRT caption file with precise timestamps. Then create a short video with
these captions applied, styled as follows:
- Center-aligned text
- White text with black borders
- Red cursor that highlights words as they're spoken
The agent processes this multi-step task autonomously:
- Downloads the video from the provided link
- Runs speech-to-text analysis using Whisper
- Generates synchronized SRT caption file
- Applies captions to video with specified styling
- Uploads the completed video
The result demonstration shows the Telegram chat where Hermes Agent has completed processing, extracted the video script as text, and provided a download link to the edited video with captions.
Video playback shows the final result with automatically generated captions featuring the requested styling—each word highlighted in red as it's spoken.
Why this workflow demonstrates power: This automation handles multiple tool integrations (speech recognition, video editing, file management) through a single natural language request, showcasing the agent's ability to chain complex operations without manual intervention at each step.
Caution: Ensure video files are accessible via shareable links (like Google Drive) rather than attempting direct uploads for large files. Specify styling details clearly and comprehensively for desired results—the agent interprets instructions literally.
Step 9: Saving Workflows as Skills 12:50
After successfully automating a task, convert it into a reusable 'skill' for future use.
Process:
- Navigate to the Skills section in the Hermes Agent interface
- Describe the workflow in natural language, detailing all steps
- Name the skill for easy reference (e.g., "Short Video Auto-Caption")
- Save the skill
Example skill description:
When given a video file link:
1. Download the video
2. Use local Whisper model for speech-to-text with timestamps
3. Generate SRT caption file
4. Apply captions to video with center alignment, white text,
black borders, and red moving cursor
5. Upload completed video and provide download link
Hermes Agent converts this description into a reusable automation. To trigger it later, simply reference the skill name and provide the necessary input:
Use the "Short Video Auto-Caption" skill on this video: [new video link]
Productivity multiplier: Skills eliminate the need to re-explain complex multi-step processes. As you build a library of skills, Hermes Agent becomes increasingly tailored to your specific workflows, dramatically reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.
The combination of persistent memory and saved skills means you build up a personalized automation assistant over time, rather than starting from scratch with each task.
Caution: Provide clear, comprehensive descriptions when creating skills. Ambiguous instructions may result in the agent generating skills that don't reliably reproduce the desired outcome. Test newly created skills with sample inputs to verify behavior.
Common mistakes & fixes
Forgetting to save login credentials or API tokens
Immediately store all critical information (VPS credentials, OpenAI API keys, Telegram bot tokens) in a password manager or secure note immediately after generation. Losing these requires repeating setup steps.
Incorrectly configuring the AI gateway
Double-check terminal commands when switching the AI gateway to OpenAI. Verify you've selected "OpenAI Codex" for subscription access, not "OpenAI API" which requires different authentication. Confirm the active model in the chat interface matches your selection.
Attempting to send large video files directly through Telegram
Use cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox to share large files with Hermes Agent. Direct uploads via messaging apps have size limitations (typically 50MB for Telegram), while cloud links allow the agent to access files of any size.
Expecting the Hermes Agent project template to appear instantly
Allow 3-5 minutes for Docker templates to deploy on the VPS. The system needs to pull container images and configure networking. Refresh the Hostinger Docker Manager page every 30-60 seconds if the template doesn't appear immediately.
Not testing the OpenAI integration before complex tasks
Always send a simple test message ("Hello" or "What's 2+2?") after configuring OpenAI integration to verify connectivity before attempting multi-step automations. This catches configuration issues early.
Expected result
Upon successful completion of this tutorial, you will have:
| Component | Expected State |
|---|---|
| VPS Instance | Running Hermes Agent via Docker on Hostinger KVM2 |
| Web Interface | Accessible dashboard with chat, sessions, models, and skills |
| OpenAI Integration | Active connection with selected GPT model responding to queries |
| Telegram Bot | Functional bot accepting commands and returning results via mobile |
| Test Automation | Successfully generated video with synchronized, styled captions |
| Saved Skills | At least one reusable workflow stored for future repetition |
Concrete validation:
- Sending "Hello" in either the web chat or Telegram receives an intelligent response
- Uploading a video link results in the agent autonomously generating and returning a captioned version
- The agent "remembers" context from previous messages without needing re-explanation
- Skills can be triggered by name to repeat complex workflows with new inputs
User experience transformation:
Work remains on local machine for focus-intensive tasks while agent handles automations in background Access agent capabilities from mobile device for on-the-go task management Persistent memory eliminates repetitive explanations of workflows and preferences Natural language interaction replaces learning multiple tool-specific interfaces
Going further
After mastering basic Hermes Agent setup and usage, explore these advanced capabilities:
- Custom Tool Integration – Extend Hermes Agent with additional APIs and services specific to your workflow
- Multi-Agent Orchestration – Connect multiple specialized agents for complex, distributed task handling
- Advanced Prompt Engineering – Optimize instructions for more accurate and efficient skill execution
- Monitoring and Logging – Set up comprehensive logging for debugging and optimization of agent behaviors
- Workflow Chaining – Create sequences where one skill's output automatically feeds into another
- Cost Optimization – Balance model selection, fast mode usage, and VPS resources for budget efficiency
- Security Hardening – Implement additional authentication layers and API key rotation practices
Related automation concepts:
- AI Agent Architecture – Understanding the underlying design patterns of modern AI agents
- Local LLM Integration – Running models like Whisper locally to reduce API costs
- Video Processing Pipelines – Extending beyond captions to full video editing automation
- Task Memory Systems – How agents maintain context across sessions
Related concepts
- OpenClaw
- AI Agents
- OpenAI API
- Telegram Bot Development
- Docker Containerization
- VPS Management
- Workflow Automation
- Speech-to-Text with Whisper
- Video Editing Automation
- Cloud Computing
Key timestamps
- 00:00 — Introduction to Hermes Agent as a successor to OpenClaw
- 01:27 — Recommendation and setup of Hostinger VPS
- 04:12 — Launching Hermes Agent via Docker on VPS
- 05:38 — Accessing the Hermes Agent User Interface
- 06:35 — Integrating OpenAI API with Hermes Agent
- 08:13 — Verifying OpenAI integration and selecting models
- 09:40 — Setting up Telegram bot for agent interaction
- 11:04 — Demonstration: Automating video captioning
- 12:50 — Saving workflows as reusable 'skills'
- 13:00 — Concluding remarks and Hostinger recommendation