ByteDance

Seedream 5.0 Lite

Name: Seedream 5.0 Lite
Brand: ByteDance
Price: 0.035 USD
Availability: InStock

AI Image Editing Model

Mode:

Image Featured #5 Image-to-Image

ByteDance's image generation model with built-in reasoning, example-based editing, and deep domain knowledge, supporting up to 3K resolution

Seedream 5.0 Lite generated image of A high-resolution, long-exposure photograph of a cascading waterfall deep wit...

Seedream 5.0 Lite generated image of A hyper-realistic cinematic close-up of a weathered, vintage leather traveler...

Try Model Benchmark examples

3072 x 3072

Max Resolution

Supported Modes

Text to Image Image Edit

Active

Details

Model ID

seedream-5-lite

Also known as: seedream-5.0-lite

Creator

ByteDance

Family

seedream

Released

February 2026

Max Input Images

Ready to integrate?

Access seedream-5-lite via our unified API.

Create Account

Available at 3 providers

Starting from

$0.035 /image via BytePlus, fal.ai, Replicate

Prices shown are in USD

See all providers

Provider Performance

Fastest generation through fal at 37,009ms median latency with 100.0% success rate.

Aggregated from real API requests over the last 30 days.

Generation Time

fal

p95: 51,317ms

replicate

p95: 63,823ms

Success Rate

fal

100.0%

20 / 20 requests

replicate

92.6%

25 / 27 requests

Time to First Byte

fal

37,359ms

p95: 51,062ms

replicate

47,079ms

p95: 64,236ms

Provider Rankings

#	Provider	p50 Gen Time	p95 Gen Time	Success Rate	TTFB (p50)
1	fal	37,009ms	51,317ms	100.0%	37,359ms
2	replicate	47,079ms	63,823ms	92.6%	47,079ms

Data updated every 15 minutes. Based on all API requests through Lumenfall over the last 30 days.

Providers & Pricing (3)

Seedream 5.0 Lite is available from 3 providers, with per-image pricing starting at $0.035 through BytePlus.

BytePlus

Text to Image Image Edit

byteplus/seedream-5-lite

Provider Model ID: seedream-5-0-lite

$0.035 /image

View pricing details

fal.ai

Image Edit

fal/seedream-5-lite-edit

Provider Model ID: fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v5/lite/edit

$0.035 /image

View pricing details

Replicate

Text to Image Image Edit

replicate/seedream-5-lite

Provider Model ID: bytedance/seedream-5-lite

$0.035 /image

View pricing details

seedream-5.0-lite API OpenAI-compatible

Lumenfall provides an OpenAI-compatible API to generate 3K resolution images and perform example-based image editing using Seedream 5.0 Lite. This unified integration allows developers to programmatically access ByteDance's text-to-image and image-to-image capabilities with a single endpoint.

Base URL

https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1

Model

seedream-5-lite

Code Examples

Image Edit

/v1/images/edits

curl -X POST \

  https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1/images/edits \

  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LUMENFALL_API_KEY" \

  -F "model=seedream-5-lite" \

  -F "[email protected]" \

  -F "prompt=Add a starry night sky to this image" \

  -F "size=1024x1024"

# Response:

# { "created": 1234567890, "data": [{ "url": "https://...", "revised_prompt": "..." }] }

import OpenAI from 'openai';

import fs from 'fs';

const client = new OpenAI({

  apiKey: 'YOUR_API_KEY',

  baseURL: 'https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1'

});

const response = await client.images.edit({

  model: 'seedream-5-lite',

  image: fs.createReadStream('source.png'),

  prompt: 'Add a starry night sky to this image',

  size: '1024x1024'

});

// { created: 1234567890, data: [{ url: "https://...", revised_prompt: "..." }] }

console.log(response.data[0].url);

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(

    api_key="YOUR_API_KEY",

    base_url="https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1"

response = client.images.edit(

    model="seedream-5-lite",

    image=open("source.png", "rb"),

    prompt="Add a starry night sky to this image",

    size="1024x1024"

# { created: 1234567890, data: [{ url: "https://...", revised_prompt: "..." }] }

print(response.data[0].url)

Parameter Reference

Required Supported Not available

Core Parameters

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`prompt`	string	Required. Text prompt for image generation	T2I Edit

Size & Layout

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`size`	string	Image dimensions as WxH pixels (e.g. "1024x1024") or aspect ratio (e.g. "16:9") WxH determines both shape and scale (aspect_ratio and resolution are ignored when size is provided). W:H format is equivalent to aspect_ratio.	T2I Edit
`aspect_ratio`	string	Aspect ratio of the output image (e.g. "16:9", "1:1") Controls shape independently of scale. Use with resolution to control both. If size is also provided, size takes precedence. Any ratio is accepted and mapped to the nearest supported value.	T2I Edit
`resolution`	string	Output resolution tier (e.g. "1K", "4K") `auto` `1K` Controls scale independently of shape. Higher tiers produce larger images and cost more. If size is also provided, size takes precedence for scale. Any tier is accepted and mapped to the nearest supported value.	T2I Edit

Output	`size`		`aspect_ratio` + `resolution`
Flexible
Auto	`"auto"`	—	Model chooses optimal dimensions
Custom 1–14142px per side	`"WxH"`	—	Any pixel dimensions within model constraints

1K 8 sizes

Output	`size`		`aspect_ratio` + `resolution`
1183 × 887	`"1183x887"`	or	`"4:3"` + `"1K"`
1024 × 1024	`"1024x1024"`	or	`"1:1"` + `"1K"`
887 × 1182	`"887x1182"`	or	`"3:4"` + `"1K"`
836 × 1254	`"836x1254"`	or	`"2:3"` + `"1K"`
1254 × 836	`"1254x836"`	or	`"3:2"` + `"1K"`
768 × 1365	`"768x1365"`	or	`"9:16"` + `"1K"`
1365 × 768	`"1365x768"`	or	`"16:9"` + `"1K"`
1563 × 670	`"1563x670"`	or	`"21:9"` + `"1K"`

How these parameters work

size

Exact pixel dimensions

"1920x1080"

aspect_ratio

Shape only, default scale

"16:9"

resolution

Scale tier, preserves shape

"1K"

Priority when combined

size › aspect_ratio + resolution › aspect_ratio › resolution

size is most specific and always wins. aspect_ratio and resolution control shape and scale independently.

How matching works

Shape matching – we pick the closest supported ratio. Ask for 7:1 on a model with 4:1 and 8:1, you get 8:1.

Scale matching – providers use different tier formats: K tiers (0.5K 1K 2K 4K) or megapixel tiers (0.25 1). If the exact tier isn't available, you get the nearest one.

Dimension clamping – if a model has pixel limits, we clamp dimensions to fit and keep the aspect ratio intact.

Media Inputs

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`image`	file	Required. Input image(s) to edit Supports PNG, JPEG, WebP. Up to 14 images per request.	T2I Edit

Output & Format

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`response_format`	string	How to return the image `url` `b64_json` Default: `"url"`	T2I Edit
`output_format`	string	Output image format `png` `jpeg` `gif` `webp` `avif` Gateway converts to requested format if provider doesn't support it natively.	T2I Edit
`output_compression`	integer	Compression level for lossy formats (JPEG, WebP, AVIF)	T2I Edit
`n`	integer	Number of images to generate Default: `1` Gateway generates multiple images in parallel even if provider only supports 1.	T2I Edit

Additional Parameters

Provider-specific passthrough fields, available only when the request is routed to the listed provider.

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
fal
`enable_safety_checker`	boolean	If set to true, the safety checker will be enabled.	T2I Edit
`sync_mode`	boolean	If `True`, the media will be returned as a data URI and the output data won't be available in the request history.	T2I Edit
replicate
`sequential_image_generation`	string	Group image generation mode. 'disabled' generates a single image. 'auto' lets the model decide whether to generate multiple related images (e.g., story scenes, character variations). `disabled`	T2I Edit

Parameter Normalization

How we handle parameters across different providers

Not every provider speaks the same language. When you send a parameter, we handle it in one of four ways depending on what the model supports:

Behavior	What happens	Example
`passthrough`	Sent as-is to the provider	style, quality
`renamed`	Same value, mapped to the field name the provider expects	prompt
`converted`	Transformed to the provider's native format	size
`emulated`	Works even if the provider has no concept of it	n, response_format

Parameters we don't recognize pass straight through to the upstream API, so provider-specific options still work.

Full API Reference Authentication, endpoints, and more

Seedream 5.0 Lite Benchmarks

Seedream 5.0 Lite holds the #8 rank for image editing with a 1215 Elo and the #15 rank for text-to-image generation with a 1239 Elo. These rankings reflect its strength in modifying existing visuals while maintaining competitive performance in general image creation.

Lumenfall Arena

#19

Text-to-Image

1240 Elo

Lumenfall Arena

Image Editing

1220 Elo

Image Editing Landscape

Elo vs Cost

1 model without pricing omitted

Elo vs Speed

1 model waiting for enough speed data

Competition Results

Image Editing

Photorealism

View leaderboard

Seedream 5.0 Lite edited result for Bald man challenge

Original image before Seedream 5.0 Lite editing

Before After

Bald man challenge

15 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

“Give the person a full, thick head of natural hair with realistic texture, density, and a natural hairline. Preserve facial features and lighting.”

Seedream 5.0 Lite edited result for Golden Hour Stroll

Before After

Golden Hour Stroll

13 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

“Add dynamic motion to this photo: make hair blow in the wind, add leaves flying, energetic and lively feel.”

#11

Man and Car in California

13 models

Image Editing

Source

Edit instruction

“Make a photo of the man driving the car down the California coastline”

Seedream 5.0 Lite edited result for Neutral Expression to Genuine Smile

Before After

Neutral Expression to Genuine Smile

14 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

{
  "action": "image_edit",
  "reference": "uploaded neutral portrait",
  "change": "Warm genuine Duchenne smile: lips curved up, slight natural teeth, soft eye crinkles, subtle cheek raise",
  "details": "Realistic smiling skin (dimples if present, soft cheek shadows), slightly brighter eyes; keep exact eye shape/color/iris",
  "preserve_exact": "Face identity/structure, eyes/nose/lips/eyebrows, hair, skin texture/pores/freckles, makeup, clothing, head pose, background, lighting, shadows, framing",
  "no_changes": "No face shape change, no new features, no gaze shift, no hair/clothing/lighting/background edits",
  "style": "Ultra-photorealistic 8K portrait, sharp face focus, natural soft lighting, realistic skin glow"
}

3 attempts – showing best result

Seedream 5.0 Lite edited result for Night Sky Transformation

Before After

Night Sky Transformation

16 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

“Change the scene to night: a deep, dark sky with subtle, glistening stars visible behind the mountain.”

3 attempts – showing best result

Image Editing

Anime

View leaderboard

Studio Ghibli Anime Style

14 models

Image Editing

Source

Edit instruction

“Transform this photo into a Studio Ghibli–inspired illustration. Use soft pastel colors, hand-painted textures, gentle lighting, dreamy backgrounds, and a warm, nostalgic mood”

Image Editing

Portrait

View leaderboard

Before After

Bald man challenge

15 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

“Give the person a full, thick head of natural hair with realistic texture, density, and a natural hairline. Preserve facial features and lighting.”

Before After

Neutral Expression to Genuine Smile

14 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

{
  "action": "image_edit",
  "reference": "uploaded neutral portrait",
  "change": "Warm genuine Duchenne smile: lips curved up, slight natural teeth, soft eye crinkles, subtle cheek raise",
  "details": "Realistic smiling skin (dimples if present, soft cheek shadows), slightly brighter eyes; keep exact eye shape/color/iris",
  "preserve_exact": "Face identity/structure, eyes/nose/lips/eyebrows, hair, skin texture/pores/freckles, makeup, clothing, head pose, background, lighting, shadows, framing",
  "no_changes": "No face shape change, no new features, no gaze shift, no hair/clothing/lighting/background edits",
  "style": "Ultra-photorealistic 8K portrait, sharp face focus, natural soft lighting, realistic skin glow"
}

3 attempts – showing best result

Uncategorized

Over-the-top cartoon caricature

13 models

Image Editing

Source

Edit instruction

“Create a caricature of me and my job. Make it exaggerated and humorous, incorporating my profession as a tv show anchor and my love for dogs and hockey.”

Pose & Character Mashup

14 models

Image Editing

Source

Edit instruction

“Use Image 1 as the exact pose reference and Image 2 as the character reference. Recreate the person/character from Image 2 in the exact dynamic pose and body position from Image 1. Keep the exact face, hair, clothing style/details, and expression from Image 2. Match the lighting and environment of Image 1. The final image must show the character from Image 2 performing the precise action/pose from Image 1 with perfect anatomy and natural integration.”

Top Matchups

See how Seedream 5.0 Lite performs head-to-head against other AI models, ranked by community votes in blind comparisons.

vs Nano Banana Pro

Challenge: Man and Car in California

50% W · 50% L

vs GPT Image 1 Mini

Challenge: Pose & Character Mashup

33% W · 67% L

vs Nano Banana 2

Challenge: Over-the-top cartoon caricature

50% W · 50% L

vs GPT Image 1.5

Challenge: Vintage Cafe Logo

50% W · 50% L

vs FLUX.2 [dev] Turbo

Challenge: Apollo 11: Journey to Tranquility

0% W · 100% L

Seedream 5.0 Lite is best for

See all Use Cases

Seedream 5.0 Lite excels in artistic categories, ranking #2 in Portrait with a 74.2% win rate and #3 in Anime with a 70.0% win rate. It shows lower competitive performance in photorealism, where it currently ranks #20 with a 20.0% win rate.

#3 of 15

Portrait

Edit · 73.6% win rate

#6 of 17

Photorealism

Edit · 52.9% win rate

Gallery

View all 8 images

Seedream 5.0 Lite FAQ

How much does Seedream 5.0 Lite cost?

Seedream 5.0 Lite starts at $0.035 per image through Lumenfall. Pricing varies by provider. Lumenfall does not add any markup to provider pricing.

How do I use Seedream 5.0 Lite via API?

You can use Seedream 5.0 Lite through Lumenfall's OpenAI-compatible API. Send requests to the unified endpoint with model ID "seedream-5-lite". Code examples are available in Python, JavaScript, and cURL.

Which providers offer Seedream 5.0 Lite?

Seedream 5.0 Lite is available through Replicate, BytePlus, and fal.ai on Lumenfall. Lumenfall automatically routes requests to the best available provider.

What is the maximum resolution for Seedream 5.0 Lite?

Seedream 5.0 Lite supports images up to 3072x3072 resolution.

Overview

Seedream 5.0 Lite is a diffusion-based image generation model developed by ByteDance that integrates logical reasoning with high-fidelity visual synthesis. Unlike standard text-to-image models, it features native support for example-based editing and is capable of producing outputs at resolutions up to 3K. Its primary distinction lies in its ability to process complex instructions that require deep domain knowledge, bridging the gap between creative prompting and technical accuracy.

Strengths

High-Resolution Output: Native support for generating images at up to 3K resolution, reducing the reliance on external upscalers for detailed assets.
Structured Reasoning: The model utilizes built-in reasoning capabilities to better interpret complex prompts, ensuring that spatial Relationships and multi-subject interactions remain consistent with the input text.
Example-Based Editing: Beyond simple text-to-image, the model excels at image-to-image tasks where an existing image serves as a structural or stylistic reference for modifications.
Domain-Specific Knowledge: Demonstrates a high degree of accuracy when rendering subjects that require specialized knowledge, such as technical diagrams, specific architectural styles, or culturally nuanced details.

Limitations

Computational Latency: Due to the internal reasoning steps and high-resolution output capabilities, inference times may be longer compared to more streamlined, lower-resolution diffusion models.
Lite vs. Full Tradeoffs: As a “Lite” version, this model is optimized for a specific balance of speed and cost; it may lack some of the extreme atmospheric nuance or compositional complexity found in larger, non-lite iterations of the Seedream family.
Consistency in Sequence: While strong at individual image generation and editing, maintaining strict character or environmental consistency across a long sequence of many disparate images can still require significant prompt engineering.

Technical Background

Seedream 5.0 Lite belongs to the Seedream family of multimodal models, utilizing an architecture that accepts both text and image inputs. A key technical decision in its development was the integration of a reasoning module that pre-processes prompts to ensure logical consistency before the diffusion process begins. This allows the model to handle “long-tail” knowledge prompts that typically challenge general-purpose generators.

Best For

Seedream 5.0 Lite is best suited for professional design workflows where resolution and adherence to specific references are critical, such as concept art, marketing assets, and iterative image editing. It is particularly effective for users who need to perform “resynthesis” or stylistic transfers using an example image as a baseline.

You can experiment with Seedream 5.0 Lite and integrate it into your production environment through Lumenfall’s unified API and playground, which provides a consistent interface for testing its 3K output and reasoning capabilities.

Try Seedream 5.0 Lite in Playground

Generate images with custom prompts — no API key needed.

Open Playground