# Virtual models

A virtual model is a private, named routing configuration. The app sends its name in `model`, and ZRouter routes to the provider models it lists. It does not host a new model.

- Names are private to the account, so two accounts can both use `auto`.
- Virtual models appear in `/v1/models` for the account's keys.
- Strategies: `round_robin`, `failover`, `cost`, `adaptive`, [`super_intelligence`](/docs/super-intelligence-routing.md), and [`schedule`](/docs/scheduled-routing.md). Which ones appear depends on workspace settings. Targets can also use weights and session keeping.
- The initial credit reservation covers all possible targets, so it can be higher than the final charge.

Create one:

```bash
zctl models list
zctl routers create support-bot --target PROVIDER/MODEL --strategy round_robin
```

Or with MCP: `virtual_models_upsert`. The dashboard calls them **Virtual models**; `zctl` calls them **routers**.

Agent guidance: if the account owner gives you a virtual model name, use it instead of a concrete model. The owner can then change providers without changing your configuration.