Agentic AI vs Generative AI

• Michael Willson
• April 21, 2025

As Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at lightning speed, two major branches are capturing the spotlight in 2025: Agentic AI and Generative AI. While both are rooted in large language models (LLMs) and machine learning, their capabilities, use cases, and long-term impact differ significantly.

If you’re wondering whether Agentic AI is just a buzzword or how it compares with Generative AI, you’re in the right place.

Quick Definition

Term	Definition
Generative AI	AI that creates content — text, images, code, music — based on training data and prompts.
Agentic AI	AI that can make decisions, take actions, and complete multi-step goals autonomously, often using Generative AI models as tools.

Core Difference

Feature	Generative AI	Agentic AI
Function	Generates content	Performs tasks and takes action
Autonomy	Passive (needs prompts)	Active (initiates, plans, executes)
Memory	Short-term or session-based	Persistent memory, context-aware
Multi-step Logic	No	Yes
Example	ChatGPT writing a blog	AI Sales Agent closing a deal end-to-end

Understanding Generative AI

Generative AI uses deep learning and LLMs to produce original outputs based on prompts. You might have already interacted with it via:

• Writing tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Jasper)
• Image generation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL·E)
• Music composition (e.g., Suno)
• Code assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot)

It’s powerful but reactive — it waits for instructions.

Best for: Content creation, coding help, summarization, chatbots.

What is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI takes Generative AI one step further. It doesn’t just generate — it thinks, decides, and acts.

An AI Agent:

• Has goals
• Uses memory to store knowledge
• Selects and applies tools
• Can reason, plan, and loop through tasks
• Often includes multi-agent collaboration

For example, an AI research agent can:

• Define a topic
• Search the web
• Read and summarize results
• Write a structured report
• Email it to your team

No human in the loop!

Best for: Business automation, autonomous research, crypto trading bots, sales agents, AI workflows.

Relationship Between Generative AI and Agentic AI

Agentic AI often uses Generative AI as a tool to complete tasks.

Example:

• An Agentic AI tool might use ChatGPT to summarize text
• It may then decide what to do with the summary (store, forward, edit)
• The agent manages the workflow; GenAI just creates

Think of Generative AI as the brain, and Agentic AI as the brain with hands and a to-do list.

Real-World Use Cases Comparison

Use Case	Generative AI	Agentic AI
Blog Writing	ChatGPT writes based on prompt	Agent outlines → researches → writes → SEO optimizes → publishes
Customer Support	Answers queries when asked	Proactively resolves tickets, routes issues, follows up
Crypto Trading	Suggests market trends	Executes trades based on rules, adapts to price changes
Lead Generation	Generates email copy	Scrapes leads, emails, follows up, books meetings
E-commerce	Writes product descriptions	Manages entire sales pipeline, inventory to checkout

Learn to Build AI Agents

Want to become an expert in this fast-growing field?

Explore these industry-ready certifications:

Agentic AI Expert™ for Beginners

Get introduced to the fundamentals of AI Agents, workflows, and real-world applications.

Agentic AI Developer™

Hands-on training in building multi-agent systems using LangChain, CrewAI, AutoGen, and more.

Bonus Skill:
Learn Python—the language of AI Agents:
Certified Python Developer – Global Tech Council

Market Trends: Agentic AI vs Generative AI in 2025

• Agentic AI is expected to power 70% of enterprise AI workflows by 2027.
• Startups combining both Agentic + Generative AI are receiving higher VC funding.
• Job roles like AI Workflow Architect and Agent Developer are rising in demand.

Web3 & Crypto Angle

Agentic AI agents are being deployed in Web3 ecosystems for:

• DAO governance
• Autonomous market making
• AI wallet assistants
• DeFi risk analysis

If you’re exploring this space, don’t miss the: ➡️ Certified Blockchain Expert™ – Blockchain Council

Final Thoughts

Question	Answer
Is Generative AI obsolete?	No – it powers creativity and content.
Is Agentic AI the future?	Yes – for task automation, autonomy, and true AI action.
Should I learn both?	Absolutely. They complement each other.

In short:

Generative AI writes.
Agentic AI  thinks and acts.

If you’re a business, developer, or tech enthusiast, mastering both can future-proof your career and give you a powerful edge in the new AI economy.