New: Nano Banana 2.1Try the model
API Stock
All models

ByteDance

Seedream API

ByteDance's Seedream image line, with prompt-optimisation modes and JPEG or PNG output.

At a glance

From
$0.033 / generation
Modes
Text to image, Image to image
Resolutions
2K, 3K, 4K, 1K
Aspect ratios
1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16, 3:2, 2:3, 21:9, 9:21, auto

Models in this family

ModelFromModesOpen
Seedream 5.0 LiteFast image generation and editing from text and reference images.$0.033/ generationText to image, Image to imageOpenDocs
Seedream 4.5Generate and edit detailed images from prompts and reference images.$0.036/ generationText to image, Image to imageOpenDocs
Seedream 5.0 ProQuality-focused image generation and editing with up to 2K output.$0.04/ generationText to image, Image to imageOpenDocs

Pricing

ModelOptionPrice
Seedream 5.0 LiteStandard$0.033/ generation
Seedream 4.5Standard$0.036/ generation
Seedream 5.0 Pro1K$0.04/ generation
Seedream 5.0 Proreference_image$0.004/ generation
Seedream 5.0 Pro2K$0.079/ generation

Which one to pick

  • Seedream 5.0 Lite

    The cheapest tier, and the only one that reaches 3K as well as 2K and 4K.

  • Seedream 4.5

    The previous generation, at 2K or 4K, when you want its rendering rather than 5.0's.

  • Seedream 5.0 Pro

    Quality-focused work at 1K or 2K, with reference images billed separately and cheaply.

Strengths

  • Prompt-optimisation mode is exposed as a parameter, so you can turn the model's own prompt rewriting off when you want literal control.
  • Output format is selectable — PNG when you need lossless, JPEG when you need small.
  • An adaptive aspect ratio that lets the model pick the framing for the subject.
  • On 5.0 Pro, reference images are billed at a fraction of a generation.

Limitations

  • 5.0 Pro tops out at 2K, so the highest resolutions come from the older 4.5 or from Lite.
  • Resolution ceilings differ per tier (1K/2K, 2K/4K, 2K/3K/4K), which makes swapping tiers less transparent than it looks.
  • Prices are close together, so there is no genuinely cheap tier for volume drafting.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Seedream API cost?

API Stock bills per use from one prepaid balance, with no subscription. Current prices: Seedream 5.0 Lite — from $0.033 per generation; Seedream 4.5 — from $0.036 per generation; Seedream 5.0 Pro — from $0.04 per generation.

Which Seedream model is the cheapest?

Seedream 5.0 Lite is the cheapest at $0.033 per generation. The most expensive tier, Seedream 5.0 Pro, costs $0.04 per generation.

How do I get an API key for Seedream?

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

The vendor's own description of this line: ByteDance Seed — Seedream

Guides