Seedream 4.0

Introduction

seedream 4.0 is a new-generation image creation model developed by ByteDance's Seed team. It integrates image generation and image editing capabilities into a single, unified architecture. This allows it to handle complex multimodal tasks, including knowledge-based generation, complex reasoning, and reference consistency. The target users for seedream 4.0 are creatives, marketers, designers, and developers who require advanced image generation for ad visuals, product concept art, character design, and customized illustrations. One of its core features is the ability to generate high-definition images up to 4K resolution with a much faster inference speed than its predecessors. Another key aspect is its multimodal input capability, allowing users to combine text prompts with multiple reference images to guide the creation process. The model utilizes a Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture to achieve its fast performance.

Features

Unified Generation and Editing

seedream 4.0 combines text-to-image generation and image editing into a single model. This unified architecture streamlines the creative workflow by eliminating the need to switch between different tools for creation and modification.

Natural Language Editing

Users can modify images using simple text descriptions. This includes a wide range of edits such as:

• Background Replacement: Change the background of an image to a different setting, like a forest or a specific type of room.

• Object Manipulation: Add, remove, or alter objects within an image.

• Style Transformation: Convert photos into various artistic styles, such as watercolor or cyberpunk.

• Attribute Adjustment: Modify colors, lighting, textures, and materials of objects in the image.

• Text Editing: Change fonts, sizes, and positions of text within an image, making it useful for updating marketing materials or creating mockups.

High-Resolution and Speed

The model is capable of producing images at up to 4K resolution (4096x4096 pixels). It is designed for speed, with the ability to generate 2K resolution images in approximately 1.8 seconds. This performance is attributed to its advanced Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture.

Multimodal and Multi-Image Capabilities

seedream 4.0 supports a variety of input types, going beyond simple text prompts.

Multi-Image Referencing

Users can upload multiple reference images (up to 6 or 10, depending on the platform) to guide the AI's output. This allows for:

• Style and Composition Blending: Combine elements and styles from different source images.

• Reference-Based Generation: Ensure the generated image adheres to specific visual references.

Batch Generation

The model can generate multiple images simultaneously from a single prompt. Some platforms support generating up to 9 or 15 images at once. This is useful for creating variations of a concept or a series of related images.

Consistency and Coherence

A significant focus of seedream 4.0 is maintaining consistency across generated images.

Character Consistency

The model can render the same character with consistent facial features, clothing, and style across multiple images and in different poses or settings. This is a key feature for storytelling, creating comic strips, or developing IP-driven content.

Scene and Style Consistency

When generating a series of images, seedream 4.0 can maintain a consistent style, lighting, and overall aesthetic.

Advanced Capabilities

seedream 4.0 includes features that cater to professional and specialized use cases.

Knowledge-Driven Generation

Powered by reasoning capabilities, the model can generate accurate educational illustrations, charts, and professional images based on knowledge-based prompts. For example, it can draw a timeline of historical dynasties or illustrate a system of linear equations.

Text Rendering

The model demonstrates improved accuracy in rendering legible text within images, a common challenge for many image generation models. This is beneficial for creating posters, marketing graphics, and other designs that include typography.

Virtual Try-On

The tool can be used for virtual clothing try-ons, accurately fitting garments onto a model. It maintains the consistency of the clothing design and details.

Flexible Aspect Ratios

seedream 4.0 supports a wide range of aspect ratios, from square (1:1) to ultrawide (21:9), making it suitable for various formats like social media posts, prints, or widescreen displays.

Review

• One user noted that while the model is powerful, it still struggles with generating accurate maps. Source

• A Reddit user highlighted the model's lack of censorship compared to competitors, allowing for the generation of a wider range of content, including political themes and violence, though noting it wasn't trained for explicit details in NSFW content. Source

• Another user praised the model for being less censored, artistically superior, and having better prompt adherence than alternatives. They also pointed out the 4K resolution, support for up to 10 reference images, and lack of a watermark as significant advantages. Source

• A discussion comparing seedream 4.0 to a competitor noted that a seedream-generated image of a city skyline was perceived as more accurate by a local resident, despite some minor inaccuracies. However, another user in the same thread pointed out that the image had a blurriness issue, resembling a bad camera focus. Source

• A user expressed that seedream 4.0 is better than competitors but criticized ByteDance for what they perceive as restrictive API practices similar to large American corporations. Source

Advantages

• High Speed: Generates 2K resolution images in as little as 1.8 seconds.

• High Resolution: Supports image generation up to 4K resolution.

• Unified Architecture: Integrates image generation and editing into a single model, streamlining workflows.

• Multi-Image Capabilities: Supports multiple reference images for input and can generate batches of images at once.

• High Consistency: Maintains character and style consistency across multiple generated images.

• Advanced Editing: Allows for precise image modifications through natural language prompts.

• Superior Text Rendering: Accurately renders text within images.

• Versatile Styles: Can generate images in a wide variety of professional styles.

Disadvantages

• Users may experience occasional delivery delays.

• Achieving optimal results may require adapting prompt wording.

• Credit consumption for high-resolution tasks can vary.

• The model may still struggle with specific, complex tasks like accurately generating maps.

• Some users find the API to be restrictive.

Pricing

Pricing for seedream 4.0 can vary depending on the platform providing access to the model. Here are some reported price points:

• Directly from ByteDance / BytePlus: The official API is priced at $0.03 per image, with a free trial of 200 images. Another source mentions a price of $30 for 1,000 image generations.

• On Pollo AI: seedream 4.0 is noted to be cheaper than some competitors, offering approximately 33 images per dollar.

• On WaveSpeed AI: The cost is listed as $0.027 per run, which allows for approximately 37 runs for $1.

• On other API services: One Reddit user mentioned a price of $0.036 per image with no hidden fees.

• Some platforms offer free credits for new users to try the service. For example, Flux.1 AI provides 10 free credits upon signing up.

FAQ

What is seedream 4.0?

seedream 4.0 is an advanced AI image generation model from ByteDance. It integrates both image creation and editing functionalities into one system, supporting tasks like text-to-image generation, multi-image composition, style transfer, and edits using natural language prompts, with outputs of up to 4K resolution.

How does seedream 4.0 differ from earlier versions or other tools?

seedream 4.0 significantly improves upon previous versions with its unified architecture, much faster generation speed, and higher resolution capabilities (up to 4K). It sets itself apart from other tools with its strong performance in maintaining subject consistency, better text accuracy, and the ability to use multiple reference images.

What kind of input formats does seedream 4.0 support?

seedream 4.0 supports a range of inputs, including text prompts, single images for editing, or a combination of text and multiple reference images for more complex tasks like reference-based generation and image blending.

Can I create 4K images with seedream 4.0?

Yes, seedream 4.0 supports the generation of images at resolutions up to 4K (4096x4096 pixels).

How many images can seedream 4.0 generate at once?

The model is capable of batch generation, creating multiple images from a single prompt. Depending on the platform, it can generate up to 9 or even 15 matching images simultaneously, which is ideal for creating image series or product variations with visual consistency.