Seedream 4.5 Image Generation on inference.sh

ByteDance's Seedream 4.5 generates 2K and 4K images from text prompts with minimal configuration. It is the simplest high-resolution image generator on inference.sh - four parameters total, clean outputs, and a flat $0.04 per image regardless of resolution. If you want quality images at high resolution without tuning diffusion parameters, this is the most direct path. Available at app.inference.sh/apps/bytedance/seedream-4-5.

what it does

Seedream 4.5 generates images from text descriptions using ByteDance's proprietary architecture, accessed through the BytePlus ARK API. It supports both text-to-image generation and image-to-image transformation where you provide a reference image alongside your prompt.

The model outputs at 2K (2560x1440) or 4K (3840x2160) resolution natively. These are not upscaled outputs from a lower-resolution generation - the model produces high-resolution detail directly. The result is images suitable for print, large displays, and professional applications where pixel density matters.

The design philosophy is simplicity. Where other models expose dozens of parameters for fine-tuning the generation process, Seedream 4.5 gives you prompt, optional reference image, resolution choice, and watermark toggle. The model handles everything else internally. This makes it fast to integrate, predictable to use, and easy to explain to non-technical stakeholders.

key features

Native high resolution - 2K (2560x1440) and 4K (3840x2160) output without upscaling. Detail is generated at the target resolution, not interpolated from smaller images.

Image-to-image - Provide a reference image alongside your prompt. The model uses it as a starting point for generation, enabling style transfer, variation creation, and guided composition.

Minimal interface - Four parameters beyond the prompt. No guidance scale, no step count, no scheduler selection. The model makes quality decisions internally.

Fast generation - The streamlined architecture produces results quickly. No parameter optimization needed means fewer failed generations and faster iteration.

Flat pricing - $0.04 per image at any resolution. 4K costs the same as 2K, making high-resolution output economically accessible.

use cases

Print materials - Posters, brochures, magazine spreads, and large-format prints that require genuine high-resolution source material. 4K output provides enough pixels for A3+ print at 300 DPI.

Digital signage - Content for large displays, video walls, and high-density screens where standard 1K generators produce visibly pixelated output.

Product photography - E-commerce hero images, catalog photography, and marketing materials at resolutions that support cropping and zooming without quality loss.

Architecture and interior design - Visualization of spaces, material options, and design concepts at resolutions where texture and material detail remain visible.

Stock imagery - Generate licensable visual content at resolutions that meet commercial stock photography requirements.

Image-to-image styling - Transform photographs or existing images into different styles, seasons, or moods using the reference image input.

how to run

belt CLI

Basic text-to-image at 2K:

1belt app run bytedance/seedream-4-5 --prompt "Aerial photograph of terraced rice paddies in Bali during golden hour, lush green vegetation, water reflecting the sunset sky, mist in the valleys between terraces"

4K resolution for print:

1belt app run bytedance/seedream-4-5 --prompt "Still life painting in the Dutch Golden Age style, ornate silver vase with white tulips, half-peeled lemon, crushed velvet tablecloth, dramatic chiaroscuro lighting" --size 4K

Image-to-image transformation:

1belt app run bytedance/seedream-4-5 --prompt "Transform into a Studio Ghibli animation style, maintain the composition and color palette, add whimsical details" --image "https://example.com/landscape-photo.jpg" --size 2K

Without watermark:

1belt app run bytedance/seedream-4-5 --prompt "Minimalist product shot, single white sneaker on reflective black surface, gradient studio background, commercial photography lighting" --size 4K --watermark false

API

1from inference import Client23client = Client()4result = client.run("bytedance/seedream-4-5", {5    "prompt": "Hyperrealistic close-up of a mechanical watch movement, intricate gears and jewel bearings visible, warm workshop lighting reflected in polished metal surfaces, shallow depth of field",6    "size": "4K"7})

Image-to-image:

1result = client.run("bytedance/seedream-4-5", {2    "prompt": "Same scene in heavy snowfall, winter atmosphere, everything covered in fresh snow, cold blue-white color temperature",3    "image": "https://example.com/autumn-street.jpg",4    "size": "2K"5})

input parameters

output

The app returns an image field containing a single generated image file reference. The output_meta field provides structured processing metadata.

Note that unlike some other generators, Seedream 4.5 returns a single image per request (the image field is singular, not an array). Run multiple requests for variations.

pricing

$0.04 per image, flat rate. Resolution does not affect pricing - 4K costs the same as 2K.

This makes Seedream 4.5 the cheapest path to 4K image generation on the platform. For comparison:

• Gemini 3 Pro at 4K: $0.30 per image
• Seedream 4.5 at 4K: $0.04 per image

At standard resolution, it competes with FLUX Dev LoRA ($0.035/megapixel, roughly $0.04 at 1MP) while outputting at significantly higher native resolution.

when to use seedream 4.5 vs alternatives

Choose Seedream 4.5 when you need high-resolution output (2K-4K), want the simplest possible interface, or need the best cost-per-pixel ratio. Ideal for print, signage, and applications where resolution matters.

Choose Gemini 3 Pro when you need image editing with reference images, Google Search grounding, or language-model-level prompt understanding.

Choose FLUX Dev LoRA when you need custom style adaptation through LoRA weights or want granular control over the diffusion process.

Choose Qwen Image 2 Pro when text rendering, infographic layouts, or fine detail in faces and materials is the priority.

Choose Grok Imagine Pro when you need batch generation up to 10 images per request or minimal-cost image editing workflows.

FAQ

What is the actual output resolution?

2K outputs are 2560x1440 pixels. 4K outputs are 3840x2160 pixels. Both are widescreen (16:9) format. The model does not currently support custom aspect ratios or arbitrary dimensions.

Can I generate multiple images per request?

No. Seedream 4.5 generates one image per request. For variations, run multiple requests with the same prompt (results will differ due to random seeding) or modify the prompt slightly between requests.

How does image-to-image work?

Provide a URL to a reference image in the image parameter alongside your prompt. The model uses the reference as a visual starting point - the output will reflect the composition, color palette, or subject of the input image modified according to your text instructions. Useful for style transfer, seasonal changes, and guided generation.

Is there a newer version?

Yes. Seedream 5 Lite is available with additional capabilities including multi-image input, batch generation, web-connected retrieval, and enhanced instruction following. Seedream 4.5 remains available as a simpler, cost-effective option for straightforward high-resolution generation.

What about the watermark?

By default, a watermark may be added to generated images. Set watermark to false to disable it. For commercial use, you typically want watermarks disabled.