Seedream 4.0
Seedream 4.0 is a multimodal image generation model from ByteDance. It natively accepts text, single-image, and multi-image inputs, returns either a single image or a consistent set, and renders up to 4K resolution at $0.03 per image.
import { experimental_generateImage as generateImage } from 'ai';
const result = await generateImage({ model: 'bytedance/seedream-4.0', prompt: 'A red balloon on a wooden table.'});Playground
Try out Seedream 4.0 by ByteDance. Usage is billed to your team at API rates. Free users (those who haven't made a payment) get $5 of credits every 30 days.
Providers
Route requests across multiple providers. Copy a provider slug to set your preference. Visit the docs for more info. Using a provider means you agree to their terms, listed under Legal.
P50 throughput on live AI Gateway traffic, in tokens per second (TPS). Visit the docs for more info.
P50 time to first token (TTFT) on live AI Gateway traffic, in milliseconds. View the docs for more info.
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| 256K | 1.1s | 122tps | $0.25/M | $2.00/M | Read: $0.05/M Write: — | — | — | | 09/01/2025 | ||||
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About Seedream 4.0
Seedream 4.0 was released August 28, 2025 as a multimodal image creation model from ByteDance. It extends beyond text-to-image generation by accepting text, single-image, and multi-image inputs natively in a single endpoint, then returning either one image or a set of related images with consistent subjects.
Multi-image input opens workflows that earlier text-to-image models couldn't cover in one call. You can blend several reference images, edit a source photograph with prompt-driven changes, or generate a series of frames that hold a subject's identity across scenes. ByteDance positions this as the foundation for catalog generation, batch editing, and reference-consistent series production.
Output resolution reaches up to 4K, which suits print layouts, hero imagery, and high-resolution editorial use without a separate upscaling step. ByteDance reports a per-image generation time near 1.8 seconds in published examples, a meaningful step up from earlier Seedream releases.
Seedream 4.0 is a dedicated image model. Call it through the AI SDK's generateImage function with the model set to bytedance/seedream-4.0. AI Gateway handles authentication and provider routing.
What To Consider When Choosing a Provider
- Configuration: Image-generation pricing on AI Gateway is per image, listed at $0.03 for Seedream 4.0. Resolution and aspect ratio choices affect downstream usage but not the per-image rate. Review N/A when planning batch workflows.
- Zero Data Retention: AI Gateway does not currently support Zero Data Retention for this model. See the documentation for models that support ZDR.
- Authentication: AI Gateway authenticates requests using an API key or OIDC token. You do not need to manage provider credentials directly.
When to Use Seedream 4.0
Best For
- Multi-Image Composition: Blend several reference images into a single coherent output in one call
- Catalog and Batch Generation: Produce many related images that hold subject identity across the set
- High-Resolution Output: Up to 4K resolution removes a separate upscaling step for print and editorial use
- Fast Iteration Loops: Roughly 1.8-second generation suits interactive design tools and prompt exploration
Consider Alternatives When
- Video Output: Seedance 2.0 or Seedance 2.0 Fast cover text-to-video and image-to-video workflows
- Edit-Consistency Workloads: Seedream 4.5 improves portrait detail, small-text rendering, and color preservation
- Web-Grounded Generation: Seedream 5.0 Lite adds web-connected retrieval for real-time context
Conclusion
Seedream 4.0 unifies text and image inputs in one image generation endpoint, with 4K output and fast turnaround. For multi-reference workflows and consistent image series, it's a practical starting point in the Seedream line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What input types does Seedream 4.0 support?
Text prompts, a single reference image, or multiple reference images in the same request. You can combine modalities to guide composition and subject consistency in one call.
Can Seedream 4.0 return more than one image per request?
Yes. Seedream 4.0 can output a single image or a set of related images that maintain subject consistency, which suits catalog generation and frame-series workflows.
What output resolution does Seedream 4.0 support?
Up to 4K. That removes a separate upscaling step for print layouts, hero imagery, and editorial use.
How fast is Seedream 4.0 per image?
ByteDance reports generation around 1.8 seconds per image in published examples. See live metrics on this page for current throughput across providers.
How do I call Seedream 4.0 through AI Gateway?
Set the model to
bytedance/seedream-4.0and call it through the AI SDK'sgenerateImagefunction. AI Gateway routes the request through bytedance using your API key or OIDC token.What does Seedream 4.0 cost per image?
Seedream 4.0 is listed at $0.03 per image. See N/A for the full pricing breakdown.
Does Vercel AI Gateway support Zero Data Retention for Seedream 4.0?
Zero Data Retention is not currently available for this model. Zero Data Retention is offered on a per-provider basis. See https://vercel.com/docs/ai-gateway/capabilities/zdr for details.