/IMAGE/Seedream/seedream-5-0-lite

Image

ByteDance

Released February 13, 2026

Seedream 5.0 Lite API

Use Seedream 5.0 Lite to generate an image from text or edit references at 2K, 3K or 4K. Start with one composition and check the result before repeating it across a product range.

Text to image
Image editing

Use cases and alternatives Cost examples and getting started

Try model Get API Key Documentation

Starting at

$0.033

per generation

5% cheaper than fal.ai

6 parameters · 1 price options

Seedream 5.0 Lite API pricing

Option	Price per generation	fal.ai	Your savings
Standard	$0.033	$0.035	−5%

Quick start

Full API reference →

1curl -X POST https://api.api-stock.com/api/v1/generation/create \
2  -H "Authorization: Bearer $API_STOCK_KEY" \
3  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
4  -d '{
5    "model": "seedream-5-0-lite",
6    "input": {
7      "prompt": "Studio product photo of a red running shoe on a pale grey seamless background, soft side lighting, sharp fabric texture, no text.",
8      "resolution": "2K",
9      "size": "1:1",
10      "outputFormat": "jpeg"
11    }
12  }'

Choose this model for

Explore several campaign compositions: Create separate requests for alternate backgrounds, layouts or lighting. Keep the brief and resolution fixed when comparing costs; a new request produces a new image rather than enlarging a previous one.
Prepare a larger image for inspection: Choose 3K or 4K when the delivery needs a larger output. Inspect edges, small lettering and reference details at full size before exporting final artwork.

Alternatives

Seedream 5.0 Pro: Try Pro when 1K is enough for an initial concept or you want to test its separate generation route at 2K. Account for Pro's additional-reference charges; compare the same brief before choosing on quality.

What does a complete Seedream Lite request cost?

USD examples from the current catalog for one output image per request, with no reference images. Resolution-specific tariffs take priority over the default tariff. Ten attempts are ten separate requests, not a measured number of usable images.

Request configuration	Cost (USD)
One 2K image, no references	$0.03325
One 4K image, no references	$0.03325
Ten separate 2K requests, no references	$0.3325

Get your first result

Create an account and API key. Keep the key on your server, outside browser code.
Top up your balance to cover the request price.
Use the playground or the API quick start above. Begin with the text-only example above at 2K. For editing, add source images in input.urls and describe the change. Compare the output with the original before paying for a series.

Check progress with the returned taskId. Creating a new task charges for another request.

1curl https://api.api-stock.com/api/v1/task/status/YOUR_TASK_ID \
2  -H "Authorization: Bearer $API_STOCK_KEY"

The task response reference covers results, errors and webhooks.

Limits and test notes

Lite offers 2K, 3K and 4K here, not Pro's 1K option. Larger output does not establish faithful text or unchanged product details.
The first-image and additional-reference surcharge formula shown for Pro is specific to Pro. Review this model's own tariff and the playground estimate.
No recorded Lite-versus-Pro output test is presented here. Run a small comparison on your own source before projecting how many results a campaign will need.

Reference-image editing workflows

Parameters

Name	Type	Required	Default	Description
`prompt`	string	Yes	—	Text description for image generation
`urls`	string[]	No	—	Reference images as complete HTTP(S) URLs or base64 data:image URIs for image-to-image mode
`size`	string	No	1:1	Image aspect ratioOne of: 1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16, 3:2, 2:3, 21:9, 9:21, auto
`resolution`	string	No	2K	Image resolutionOne of: 2K, 3K, 4K
`outputFormat`	string	No	jpeg	Output image format (Seedream 5.0 Lite / Pro / Flash only; ignored by other models)One of: jpeg, png
`promptOptimizeMode`	string	No	standard	Prompt optimization mode (seedream-4-5 only; ignored by other models)One of: standard, fast

Frequently asked questions

How much does Seedream 5.0 Lite cost?

Seedream 5.0 Lite starts at $0.033 per generation on API Stock. The final charge depends on the selected settings.

When was Seedream 5.0 Lite released?

Seedream 5.0 Lite was released on February 13, 2026 and is available through API Stock.

How do I get an API key for Seedream 5.0 Lite?

Create an account and API key on API Stock, then fund your balance. The same key works with Seedream 5.0 Lite and other catalog models.

How do I call the Seedream 5.0 Lite API?

POST to https://api.api-stock.com/api/v1/generation/create with your API key and model "seedream-5-0-lite". Use the returned task id for polling or receive a webhook.

What input parameters does Seedream 5.0 Lite accept?

Seedream 5.0 Lite accepts 6 input parameters, including the required field(s) prompt. See their types, defaults and allowed values above.

What happens if a Seedream 5.0 Lite request fails?

API Stock automatically retries the request on a reserve provider. If every provider fails, the charge is refunded to your balance.

Can I use Seedream 5.0 Lite with the same API key as other models?

Yes. Use your API Stock API key and balance for Seedream 5.0 Lite and other catalog models.