SeedVideo AI
Seedream 5.5: Edit the Same Image, Round After Round

Seedream 5.5: Edit the Same Image, Round After Round

Seedream 5.5 is ByteDance’s newest image model: steadier multi-round editing, native transparent backgrounds, cleaner small text and more natural photos. Try Seedream 5.5 with free sign-up credits.

Seedance 2.5

Up to 30s clips with image, video and audio references.

Kling 4.0

Kuaishou's newest model: 3–30s clips at up to 1080p.

Kling 4.0 Flash

Kling 4.0's fast tier: 720p clips with sound for fewer credits.

Wan 3.0

Up to 30s clips with native audio and lip-synced dialogue.

GPT Image 2.6 example

GPT Image 2.6

Generate and edit images with OpenAI's newest model.

GPT Image 2.5 example

GPT Image 2.5

Generate and edit images from 1 credit.

Nano Banana 2.1 example

Nano Banana 2.1

Google's image model: sharper detail and cleaner text.

Seedance 2.0

Multi-shot cinematic video with native audio and lip sync.

Seedream 5.5 Example Images from ByteDance Seed

Subway platform with motion blur
Subway platform with motion blurByteDance Seed example · Photo
Candid street portrait
Candid street portraitByteDance Seed example · Photo
Two diners in a bistro
Two diners in a bistroByteDance Seed example · Photo
Saguaro desert at dusk
Saguaro desert at duskByteDance Seed example · Landscape
Race car in heavy rain
Race car in heavy rainByteDance Seed example · Photo
Try Your Own Prompt

Seedream 5.5 Features at a Glance

What Is Seedream 5.5

Seedream 5.5 is the image generation and editing model ByteDance Seed announced on November 9, 2026. It follows Seedream 5.0 Pro and changes four things: edits stay stable when you keep working on the same image, images can be generated with a real alpha channel, densely set small text holds together, and photos look less glossy and overexposed.

In ByteDance’s own launch evaluation, severe text corruption fell to 0.4% and minor corruption to 1.7% across Chinese and English tests that include dense small text, and image-to-image realism scored +55.62% against Seedream 5.0 Pro in side-by-side review. Its headline demo edits one portrait 100 times, feeding each result back in as the next input. These are vendor numbers; independent benchmarks have not been published yet.

What Is Seedream 5.5

Seedream 5.5 Photorealistic Images

Flash at night, window light, wind in hair, wet streets. Seedream 5.5 was tuned for natural lighting, materials and skin, with less of the gloss and blown highlights that mark an image as generated.

Seedream 5.5 Photorealistic Images

Seedream 5.5 Small Text Rendering

Newspaper columns, labels, menus and captions. Put every word in quotes and say where it goes; the model handles dense small type and complex glyphs better than Seedream 5.0 Pro.

Give titles, numbers and punctuation exactly, in quotes, and state alignment and line breaks. Read small text in the result before you publish it.

Seedream 5.5 Small Text Rendering

Seedream 5.5 Bilingual Infographics

Mix Chinese and English in one layout with numbered modules, callouts and arrows. Prompts are also accepted in 14 more languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Arabic.

Seedream 5.5 Bilingual Infographics

Seedream 5.5 Character and Brand Boards

Lay out one character with variants, turnarounds, expressions and accessories on a single sheet, then reuse the sheet as a reference for new scenes.

Seedream 5.5 Character and Brand Boards

Seedream 5.5 Multi-Round Image Editing with up to 10 References

Add the last result as the reference, describe one change, and repeat. The model does not remember earlier rounds, so each round needs the previous image and a prompt that says what must stay. Unedited areas are designed to stay pixel-stable with no color drift.

Upload as many as 10 reference images, up to 30 MB each, and say what each one is for: subject, product detail, pose, style or layout. Each run returns one image at 1K, 1.5K or 2K.

Name the object, its current state and the state you want. Then repeat what must not change: the text, the texture, the framing, the background.

Each round is one generation. On SeedVideo AI a Seedream 5.5 edit with one reference image costs 2 credits at 1K, 2 credits at 1.5K and 3 credits at 2K. In our six-round test on November 12, 2026, a 2K edit on Seedream 5.5 took a median of 61 seconds, against 97 on Seedream 5.0 Pro.

Seedream 5.5 Transparent PNG Output

Set Background to transparent to get a PNG with an alpha channel, from text alone or from reference images. Seedream 5.0 Pro could only return transparency when you edited one image that already had an alpha channel.

A transparent background and a see-through object are different requests. Describe the empty area and the glass, water or veil separately.

Seedream 5.5 Settings and Limits

Seedream 5.5’s request limits as the API reference lists them, read November 10, 2026. The pixels behind each ratio and tier are in the size table further down.

Output size1K, 1.5K or 2KNo 3K or 4K tier. The widest preset is 3136 × 1344 (21:9 at 2K); the one with the most pixels is 2816 × 1584 (16:9 at 2K).
Aspect ratioAuto or 11 ratios1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 3:2, 2:3, 16:9, 9:16, 4:5, 5:4, 21:9, 9:21.
Exact pixel size921,600 to 4,624,220 total pixelsAny width and height in that range, up to 16:1 or 1:16.
Images per run1No batch setting. For another round, add the result back as the reference.
Reference imagesUp to 10
Prompt4,000 tokens in the APIThe prompt box in this generator stops at 2,600 characters.
BackgroundOpaque or transparentTransparent returns a PNG with an alpha channel.
Not in the generatorLayer splittingA separate model in the family returns a base image plus transparent PNG layers.

Where Seedream 5.5 Fits

The model is aimed at work where one image goes through many revisions before it ships.

  • Product Images That Go Through Revisions: Change the background, the colorway or the prop one request at a time while the product’s shape, logo and material stay put.
  • Posters, Labels and Localized Layouts: Build the layout once, then swap the copy for another language and keep the rest of the design as it was.
  • Stickers, Icons and Cut-Outs: Generate assets on a transparent background and drop them straight onto any design without a separate background-removal step.
  • Storyboards and Starting Frames: Keep a character consistent across panels, then send the frame you like to an image-to-video model.

Seedream 5.5 vs Seedream 5.0 and Other Image Models

Run the same prompt and references on two models before you settle on one. These are the differences that are documented.

Seedream 5.5 is one of the models in SeedVideo AI’s AI image generator: the same prompt works on every image model there.

Seedream 5.5 compared with other image models
FeatureSeedream 5.5Seedream 5.0 ProSeedream 5.0 LiteGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNano Banana 2.1
Output sizes1K, 1.5K, 2K1K, 1.5K, 2K2K, 3K, 4K1K, 2K, 4K1K, 2K, 4K
Aspect ratios1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 3:2, 2:3, 16:9, 9:16, 4:5, 5:4, 21:9, 9:211:1, 4:3, 3:4, 3:2, 2:3, 16:9, 9:16, 4:5, 5:4, 21:9, 9:211:1, 4:3, 3:4, 3:2, 2:3, 16:9, 9:16, 4:5, 5:4, 21:9, 9:211:1, 1:2, 2:1, 1:3, 3:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 9:16, 16:9, 9:21, 21:91:1, 1:4, 4:1, 1:8, 8:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 9:16, 16:9, 21:9
Reference images1010141614
Images per run1115101
Prompt limit, characters2,6002,6002,60032,0002,000
Cheapest image1 credit · 1K2 credits · 1K2 credits · 2K1 credit · 1K low2 credits · 1K
Dearest image2 credits · 2K3 credits · 2K2 credits · 4K33 credits · 4K max7 credits · 4K
Best forRepeated edits to one image, transparent PNGs and dense small text1K to 2K images with up to 10 references3K and 4K output, up to 14 references and up to 15 images per runThe cheapest drafts, in batches of up to 104K output, ultra-wide strips and up to 14 references

Limits are read from the image model settings on SeedVideo AI. Credits are for one image with no reference images, at the setting named in the cell, and are the same on every plan.

Seedream 5.5 Pros and Cons

From ByteDance’s launch material and the API reference, read November 10, 2026.

Strengths

  • Stable edits: Built to leave unedited areas unchanged when the same image is edited again and again.
  • Transparent output: A PNG with an alpha channel from text alone or from reference images.
  • Small text: ByteDance reports 0.4% severe and 1.7% minor text corruption in its launch evaluation.
  • References: Up to 10 reference images per run.
  • Formats: 11 ratios plus auto, and exact pixel sizes up to 4,624,220 total pixels.

Limits

  • No 4K: Tops out at 2K; the preset with the most pixels is 2816 × 1584 (16:9 at 2K). Seedream 5.0 Lite goes to 4K.
  • One image per run: No batch setting. Seedream 5.0 Lite returns up to 15.
  • No session memory: Each round needs the previous image added as the reference, and each round is a generation.
  • Vendor numbers only: The evaluation figures are ByteDance’s own; independent benchmarks have not been published yet.
  • Layer splitting: A separate model in the family; not in the SeedVideo AI generator.

Seedream 5.5 Output Sizes

Seedream 5.5 has three quality tiers and tops out at 2K. Several pages list 4K for this model; the published API contract does not include it. Custom sizes are accepted between 921,600 and 4,624,220 total pixels.

Aspect ratio1K1.5K2K
1:11024 × 10241536 × 15362048 × 2048
2:3832 × 12481248 × 18721664 × 2496
3:21248 × 8321872 × 12482496 × 1664
3:4864 × 11521344 × 17921776 × 2368
4:31152 × 8641792 × 13442368 × 1776
4:5896 × 11201344 × 16801792 × 2240
5:41120 × 8961680 × 13442240 × 1792
9:16800 × 14241152 × 20481584 × 2816
16:91424 × 8002048 × 11522816 × 1584
21:91568 × 6722352 × 10083136 × 1344
9:21672 × 15681008 × 23521344 × 3136

  • Largest preset

    3136 × 1344 (21:9 at 2K)

  • Custom size range

    0.92–4.62 megapixels

  • Aspect ratio limits

    1:16 to 16:1

Sizes are the values in the API reference, read November 10, 2026.

Seedream 5.5 on SeedVideo AI: Credits, Cost and Our Own Test

The credits and dollars are what the generator charges for Seedream 5.5 today. The test is our own: 38 requests on November 12, 2026, with the same prompts sent to Seedream 5.5, Seedream 5.0 Pro and Seedream 5.0 Lite. Seedream 5.5 is too new here for wait and refusal statistics, so those tables are Seedream 5.0 Pro’s: 577 jobs from 176 accounts that reached the model from October 12, 2026 to November 10, 2026.

A Seedream 5.5 image with no reference images costs 1 credit at 1K, 1 credit at 1.5K and 2 credits at 2K, which is $0.073, $0.073 and $0.145 on Pro billed yearly. In our test a 2K image on Seedream 5.5 took a median of 47 seconds and a 2K edit 61 seconds.

How many credits is a Seedream 5.5 image?

What the generator charges today, on every plan. A run returns one image, and each reference image counts toward the price.

Output sizePrompt onlyWith reference images
1K12 from 1 reference, 3 from 3 references, 4 from 6 references, 5 from 8 references
1.5K12 from 1 reference, 3 from 3 references, 4 from 6 references, 5 from 8 references
2K23 from 1 reference, 4 from 4 references, 5 from 7 references, 6 from 9 references

What does a Seedream 5.5 image cost in dollars?

The prompt-only credits above at each plan’s price per credit. See pricing for the plans.

PlanYou pay1K1.5K2K
Lite, monthly$14.90 a month · 100 credits a month$0.149$0.149$0.298
Pro, monthly$29 a month · 200 credits a month$0.145$0.145$0.29
Premium, monthly$149 a month · 1,300 credits a month$0.115$0.115$0.229
Lite, billed yearly$156 a year · 100 credits a month$0.13$0.13$0.26
Pro, billed yearly$174 a year · 200 credits a month$0.073$0.073$0.145
Premium, billed yearly$1,188 a year · 1,300 credits a month$0.076$0.076$0.152
Starter pack$29.90 once · 200 credits$0.15$0.15$0.299
Creator pack$49.90 once · 375 credits$0.133$0.133$0.266
Studio pack$79.90 once · 600 credits$0.133$0.133$0.266
Max pack$199 once · 1,500 credits$0.133$0.133$0.265
Agency pack$999 once · 8,000 credits$0.125$0.125$0.25

How did Seedream 5.5 do in our own test?

One request per model at a time, at 2K. The same-prompt test in the guides below has the images.

MeasuredSeedream 5.5Seedream 5.0 ProSeedream 5.0 Lite
Text to image, median of 8 runs47 s43 s27 s
Edit with one reference, median of 6 rounds61 s97 sNot tested
Color shift of a wall no edit touched, round 2 to round 6 (0 is none)3.517.3Not tested

How long does a Seedream 5.0 Pro image take?

From pressing generate to a finished image, by output size.

Output sizeFinished jobsMedian wait9 in 10 within
1K821 min 15 s2 min 2 s
1.5K3021 min 8 s1 min 51 s
2K841 min 29 s1 min 54 s

How often does Seedream 5.0 Pro refuse a job?

Jobs the model’s content check stopped. A stopped job gives its credits back.

InputJobsStoppedShare stopped
Text only257218.2%
With input images32000%

Which Seedream 5.0 Pro sizes do people pick?

Output sizeShare of images
1.5K54.3%
1K30.6%
2K15.1%

Which Seedream 5.0 Pro aspect ratios do people pick?

Aspect ratioShare of images
Auto55.9%
16:911.9%
4:38.1%
9:166.5%
3:45.8%
1:15.8%
Other ratios and exact sizes6.1%

How to Use Seedream 5.5 on SeedVideo AI

  1. Step 1

    Write the Prompt

    Describe the subject, composition and lighting. Put any text that must appear in quotes, with its position and line breaks.

  2. Step 2

    Add References If You Are Editing

    Upload up to 10 images and say what each one controls. For an edit, name the one thing to change and the details to keep.

  3. Step 3

    Choose Size, Tier and Background

    Pick a ratio or leave it on Auto, choose 1K, 1.5K or 2K, and switch Background to transparent when you need a cut-out.

  4. Step 4

    Generate, Then Edit Again

    Download the result, or add it back as the reference and ask for the next change.

Create with Seedream 5.5

More Image Models on SeedVideo AI

Seedream 5.0GPT Image 2.5Nano Banana 2.1GPT Image 2.6AI Image Generator

Seedream 5.5 Alternatives: Tests and Guides

From the SeedVideo AI blog.

Seedream 5.5 vs Seedream 5.0: the same-prompt testGPT Image 2.6 vs GPT Image 2.5
Nano Banana 2.1 vs Nano Banana 2: the same-prompt testImage to video guide
All guides

More Seedream 5.5 Examples in Portrait Formats

Five more of ByteDance Seed’s Seedream 5.5 examples, shown uncropped.

Official Seedream 5.5 example: a graffiti collage poster reading “PRINT PLAY!”
Official Seedream 5.5 example: a six-step “From Seed to Salad” infographic poster
Official Seedream 5.5 example: a gouache picture-book scene of animals building a glider
Official Seedream 5.5 example: wet paving stones reflecting a golden building
Official Seedream 5.5 example: water droplets spelling “seedream” above a miniature pool

Frequently Asked Questions About Seedream 5.5

When was Seedream 5.5 released?

ByteDance Seed announced Seedream 5.5 on November 9, 2026. It began rolling out the same day in Jimeng, Doubao and the Volcengine Ark experience center, and Volcengine said the API would follow that week.

Does Seedream 5.5 support 4K?

No. The API offers 1K, 1.5K and 2K, and custom sizes are capped at 4,624,220 total pixels, about 4.6 megapixels. The largest preset is 3136 × 1344 at 21:9. For 3K or 4K, use Seedream 5.0 Lite.

Can Seedream 5.5 make transparent PNGs?

Yes. With Background set to transparent it returns a PNG with an alpha channel, from a text prompt or from reference images that have no transparency themselves. Seedream 5.0 Pro could do this only when editing a single image that already had an alpha channel.

Can I really edit the same image 100 times?

100 rounds is ByteDance’s demo, not a limit in the product: one portrait edited 100 times, each round using the previous output. There is no session memory, so on SeedVideo AI you add the last result as the reference for the next request. Expect each round to cost a generation.

How is Seedream 5.5 different from Seedream 5.0 Pro?

The sizes and the 10-reference limit are the same. Seedream 5.5 adds transparent output from text, holds unedited areas steadier across repeated edits, and renders dense small text more reliably. Volcengine also describes it as nearly 40% faster.

How much does Seedream 5.5 cost?

On SeedVideo AI the credit cost is shown on the Generate button before you run. Upstream, Volcengine’s price list charges ¥0.13 per output image up to 2.61 megapixels (the 1K and 1.5K sizes) and ¥0.23 above that (2K), plus ¥0.05 per input image; prompt text is not billed. A 2K square edit with one input image comes to ¥0.28.

Is Seedream 5.5 free?

New SeedVideo AI accounts get free credits at sign-up, which you can spend on Seedream 5.5. After that, images use credits from a plan or a credit pack.

Can Seedream 5.5 split an image into layers?

The model family includes a separate layer-splitting model that returns a base image plus transparent PNG layers with their stacking order and positions; Volcengine says up to 100 layers. That mode is not in the SeedVideo AI generator yet. Text-to-image, editing and transparent output are.

Which languages can I prompt in?

Chinese and English, plus Russian, Arabic, Filipino, Thai, Turkish, Korean, Malay, Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian, French, German, Vietnamese and Japanese.

Is there a Seedream 5.5 Pro?

Not yet. ByteDance’s launch post says a Pro version of the Seedream 5.5 series will follow and gives no date.

How long does Seedream 5.5 take to generate an image on SeedVideo AI?

In our test on November 12, 2026, a 2K Seedream 5.5 image from text took a median of 47 seconds over 8 runs, with single runs from 19 to 65 seconds, and a 2K edit with one reference image took 61 seconds. Seedream 5.5 is too new here for site-wide waits. For Seedream 5.0 Pro, half of the images from October 12, 2026 to November 10, 2026 finished within 1 min 11 s and 9 in 10 within 1 min 53 s.

What does a Seedream 5.5 image cost in dollars on SeedVideo AI?

A 2K Seedream 5.5 image with no reference images is 2 credits, which is $0.145 on Pro billed yearly, $0.29 on Pro monthly and $0.299 from a Starter credit pack. Reference images add to the Seedream 5.5 price. A Seedream 5.0 Pro image costs 2 credits at 1K, 2 at 1.5K and 3 at 2K, with or without reference images.

How often does Seedream 5.0 Pro refuse a prompt?

From October 12, 2026 to November 10, 2026, the model’s content check stopped 3.6% of Seedream 5.0 Pro jobs on SeedVideo AI. All of them were text-only prompts, 8.2% of those; none of the 320 jobs with input images was stopped. A stopped job gives its credits back.
Make an Image, Then Keep Editing It

Make an Image, Then Keep Editing It

Generate from text or references, switch on a transparent background when you need a cut-out, and refine one change at a time.

Create with Seedream 5.5