ByteDance Seedream 4.0
Seedream 4.0 — The Cheapest 4K Image Generator Here
ByteDance’s workhorse: every resolution from 1K to 4K at the same 25 credits.
Seedream 4.0 is ByteDance’s 2025 workhorse image model, and on Nano Banana AI it holds one unbeaten record: 25 credits per image at 1K, 2K, and 4K alike, making it the cheapest 4K generation on the platform. It unified text-to-image and editing into one system when it launched in September 2025, supports up to four reference images here, and remains the volume choice for high-resolution output.
What is Seedream 4.0?
Seedream 4.0 launched in September 2025 as ByteDance’s unified image system, merging the Seedream text-to-image line with the SeedEdit editing line into one architecture with a text-to-image model and an edit model that share behavior.
Its calling cards at release were speed and resolution: fast generations up to 4K with solid prompt adherence and multi-reference support. Two newer Seedream generations have since shipped (4.5 and 5.0), each stronger on typography and reasoning, but neither matches 4.0’s price here.
That price is the reason to pick it. We cost-probed the model live: Kie charges the same $0.025 per image at every resolution, so we pass through a flat 25 credits. Every other 4K-capable model costs more, from Seedream 5.0 Lite at 30 to Nano Banana Pro at 120.
On Nano Banana AI, Seedream 4.0 is on Premium (up to 2K) and Pro (4K), with five aspect ratios and up to four reference images for edits.
Seedream 4.0 features
25 credits at any resolution
1K, 2K, and 4K all cost the same. For 4K volume work, nothing on the platform is cheaper.
Unified generation and editing
The 4.0 release merged Seedream and SeedEdit: attach references and the edit model applies your change.
Built for volume
Fast generations and flat pricing make it the batch-work default for stores, catalogs, and content pipelines.
Proven workhorse
The 2025 generation that powered Seedream’s rise: stable, predictable output without flagship pricing.
Seedream 4.0 examples with prompts
Real, unretouched images generated with Seedream 4.0 (ByteDance Seedream 4.0). The caption under each image is the exact prompt used.
Seedream 4.0: before and after
The left image was generated with Seedream 4.0, then edited by Seedream 4.0 itself using this prompt: “Change the perfume bottle to frosted emerald green glass and switch the marble surface to dark slate, keep the same composition and lighting”.
How to use Seedream 4.0
- 1
Pick Premium or Pro
Premium runs Seedream 4.0 at 1K/2K; Pro unlocks 4K. Every tier costs 25 credits.
- 2
Select Seedream 4.0 in the composer
Open Create and choose Seedream 4.0. Five aspect ratios are available.
- 3
Prompt or attach references
Generate from text, or attach up to four reference images for an edit.
- 4
Always render at your plan’s max
Resolution is free here: 4K costs the same 25 credits, so take the pixels.
Seedream 4.0 specifications
| Developer | ByteDance (Seed research team) |
|---|---|
| Released | September 2025 |
| Modes | Text-to-image and a dedicated edit model, switched automatically |
| Pricing note | Cost-probed live: flat price at every resolution |
| Strengths | Price, speed, 4K output, multi-reference edits |
| Resolutions & credits | 25 credits (1K) · 25 credits (2K) · 25 credits (4K) |
| Aspect ratios | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4 |
| Reference images | Up to 4 |
| Included in plans | Premium, Pro |
Seedream 4.0 pricing: credits and images per month
Every plan uses one credit balance across all models. This is what Seedream 4.0 costs on each plan that includes it.
| Plan | Monthly credits | Credits per image | ≈ Seedream 4.0 images / month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium ($19.99/mo) | 4,000 | 25 (1K) / 25 (2K) | up to 160 |
| Pro ($29.99/mo) | 10,000 | 25 (1K) / 25 (2K) / 25 (4K) | up to 400 |
Seedream 4.0 vs similar models
| Model | Engine | Max resolution | Credits from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seedream 4.0 | ByteDance Seedream 4.0 | 4K | 25 | Volume work and the cheapest 4K renders on the platform. |
| Seedream 4.5 | ByteDance Seedream 4.5 | 4K | 35 | Posters and product families with clean typography, up to 4K at one flat price. |
| Seedream 5.0 Lite | ByteDance Seedream 5.0 Lite | 4K | 30 | Complex prompts and stable edits up to 4K at the lowest flat price. |
| Wan 2.7 | Alibaba Wan 2.7 | 4K | 25 | Brand-accurate colors, varied realistic faces, and planned multi-element layouts. |
What Seedream 4.0 is best at
Catalog and store imagery
Hundreds of consistent product renders at 25 credits each, up to 4K.
4K on a budget
Print-size output at the platform’s lowest 4K price by a wide margin.
Reference-based variants
Up to four references drive edits and consistent series without flagship pricing.
Draft-to-final in one model
Flat pricing means the draft and the 4K final cost the same, so you never budget around resolution.
Seedream 4.0 FAQ
What is Seedream 4.0?
Seedream 4.0 is ByteDance’s September 2025 image model that unified generation and editing. On Nano Banana AI it costs a flat 25 credits at 1K, 2K, and 4K, which makes it the cheapest 4K generator on the platform.
Is Seedream 4.0 free?
No. Nano Banana AI has no free tier. Seedream 4.0 is on Premium ($19.99/month, about 160 images) and Pro ($29.99/month, about 400 images).
Why is Seedream 4.0 so cheap at 4K?
Kie prices the model identically at every resolution ($0.025 per image, verified by live cost probe), and our credits mirror provider cost. Most models charge two to four times more for their top tier; Seedream 4.0 does not.
Seedream 4.0 vs Seedream 4.5: which should I use?
4.5 (35 credits) has better typography and cinematic lighting. 4.0 (25 credits) wins on price, especially at 4K. For posters with text, use 4.5; for volume 4K renders, 4.0.
Can Seedream 4.0 edit images?
Yes. Attach up to four reference images and the platform switches to the Seedream 4.0 edit model automatically.
Does Seedream 4.0 do 4K?
Yes, on the Pro plan, for the same 25 credits as 1K. That is the record-holder price for 4K here.
Which plan do I need for Seedream 4.0?
Premium unlocks it at 1K and 2K; Pro adds 4K. Both plans pay the same flat 25 credits per image.
Is Seedream 4.0 still worth using with 4.5 and 5.0 out?
For price-sensitive volume work, yes. The newer generations are better models, but at 25 credits flat with 4K included, 4.0 is the efficiency pick of the whole catalog.
Explore more
Pricing
Choose the perfect plan to unlock more creativity with premium AI-powered image generation.
Standard
Perfect for creators and content makers
- 1,500 Credits per month
- High-quality AI image generation
- Text-to-image & image-to-image
- Premium templates library
- Priority support
Premium
For professionals and power creators
- 4,000 Credits per month
- Ultra high-quality generations
- Advanced AI models & styles
- Priority processing & support
- Commercial usage rights
Pro
Most advanced models for premium visuals
- 10,000 Credits per month
- All models incl. Nano Banana PRO
- All resolutions (1K, 2K & 4K)
- Premium-quality generation & smart edits
- Priority processing & support
Need more credits?
All plans include the option to purchase additional credit packs when you need extra generating power. Scale your creativity without limits.
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