Seedance 2.5 pricing can look confusing because Melies, fal.ai, and BytePlus use different billing units. Melies quotes credits before generation. fal.ai publishes an approximate dollar cost per generated second. BytePlus bills tokens and also sells resource plans.
Quick answer: in Melies, Seedance 2.5 has a base cost of 50 credits per second at 720p and about 25 credits per second at 480p. A 10-second video costs 500 credits at 720p or about 250 credits at 480p. Generated audio does not add a surcharge. Seedance 2.5 is a premium model available on Pro and Max plans.
The exact quote can move slightly with aspect ratio. Always treat the quote shown in the Melies AI Video Generator as the final cost before you generate.
Seedance 2.5 Price in Melies
Melies uses duration-based pricing for Seedance 2.5. Every whole-second duration from 4 to 30 seconds is available.
| Duration | 720p base price | 480p approximate price |
|---|---|---|
| 4 seconds | 200 credits | 100 credits |
| 5 seconds | 250 credits | 125 credits |
| 8 seconds | 400 credits | 200 credits |
| 10 seconds | 500 credits | 250 credits |
| 15 seconds | 750 credits | 375 credits |
| 20 seconds | 1,000 credits | 500 credits |
| 30 seconds | 1,500 credits | 750 credits |
These are base figures. The current model configuration applies small aspect-ratio adjustments of up to about five percent, so a quoted total can differ from the simple table.
The pricing formula
For a quick estimate:
720p base credits = duration in seconds × 50
480p base credits = duration in seconds × 25
For example:
12 seconds at 720p = 12 × 50 = 600 credits
12 seconds at 480p = 12 × 25 = 300 credits
You select the duration and resolution in the tool. Do not put them only in the prompt. The generation settings determine the quote.
What Changes the Seedance 2.5 Cost?
Four settings matter in Melies.
1. Duration
Duration is the largest cost factor. A 20-second video costs twice as much as a 10-second video at the same resolution and aspect ratio.
There is no bulk discount for one longer generation. Three 10-second generations and one 30-second generation have the same 1,500-credit base cost at 720p. Choose the 30-second version for continuous action or performance. Choose shorter clips when you need independent camera angles, easier revisions, or tighter editorial control.
2. Resolution
The 480p option uses a 0.5 pricing multiplier. It is useful for motion tests, blocking, timing, and prompt iteration. The 720p option is the higher-quality output available for Seedance 2.5 in Melies.
Moving from 480p to 720p doubles the base credit quote. It does not change the duration or prompt limit.
3. Aspect ratio
Seedance 2.5 supports 21:9, 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, and 9:16 in Melies. The provider computes slightly different token loads for different frame shapes. Melies reflects those differences with small quote adjustments.
The adjustment is minor compared with duration and resolution. Pick the aspect ratio required by the film or delivery platform. Do not crop a shot into the wrong composition only to save a few credits.
4. Generated audio
Generated audio currently has a 1.0 multiplier for Seedance 2.5. Turning on synchronized dialogue, ambience, sound effects, or music does not increase the Melies credit quote.
Audio still affects the creative difficulty of a generation. A crowded 10-second dialogue scene can require more attempts than a silent camera move, even when each attempt has the same price.
Do Input Modes Have Different Prices?
In Melies, the current Seedance 2.5 input modes share the same credit formula:
- text-to-video;
- image-to-video;
- multi-image reference-to-video;
- first-and-last-frame generation.
Adding image references does not create a separate reference fee in the Melies quote. The model supports up to 30 image inputs, but using more references does not guarantee a better result. Give every reference a narrow role and use only the assets needed for the shot.
Melies does not currently expose Seedance 2.5 video references, audio references, editing, or extension. Direct provider workflows can use different billing formulas, especially when input video is charged together with output video.
Which Melies Plan Includes Seedance 2.5?
Seedance 2.5 is tagged as a premium model. It is available with Pro and Max, which include access to the complete enabled model roster.
| Plan | Monthly price | Included monthly credits | Seedance 2.5 access | Approximate 720p capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 0 | No | 0 seconds |
| Starter | $9 | 500 | No, premium models excluded | 0 seconds |
| Pro | $49 | 5,000 | Yes | 100 seconds |
| Max | $99 | 15,000 | Yes | 300 seconds |
The capacity column assumes every included credit is spent on Seedance 2.5 at its 720p base rate. At 480p, the approximate capacity doubles to 200 seconds on Pro and 600 seconds on Max.
Annual plans grant the advertised annual credit allowance when the yearly invoice is paid:
| Annual plan | Annual charge | Annual credits | Approximate Seedance 2.5 capacity at 720p |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $468 | 60,000 | 1,200 seconds, or 20 minutes |
| Max | $948 | 180,000 | 3,600 seconds, or 60 minutes |
This is generation capacity, not guaranteed finished-film duration. AI video is probabilistic. Tests, rejected takes, alternate performances, and safety failures can affect the amount of usable footage you obtain.
What Does One Seedance 2.5 Video Cost in Dollars?
Melies does not sell Seedance 2.5 as a separate cash purchase. You spend credits included with a subscription. A useful planning estimate is to divide the plan price by its credit allowance, but this is an effective allocation value, not an extra charge made at generation time.
| Plan and billing period | Effective value of 500 credits | Equivalent 10-second 720p allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Pro monthly | $4.90 | 500 credits |
| Pro annual | $3.90 | 500 credits |
| Max monthly | $3.30 | 500 credits |
| Max annual | $2.63 | 500 credits |
The subscription also includes other models, the filmmaking workspace, cloud features, storage, exports, and plan-specific entitlements. This table should not be read as a standalone retail price for one video.
Seedance 2.5 API Pricing on fal.ai
As of August 20, 2026, fal.ai lists the following approximate prices for its Seedance 2.5 text-to-video and image-to-video endpoints:
| fal.ai output | Approximate API price per generated second | 10-second estimate | 30-second estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 480p | $0.2205 | $2.21 | $6.62 |
| 720p | $0.4730 | $4.73 | $14.19 |
fal.ai describes these as approximate figures because the request is billed from model tokens. Its direct API price pays for inference. It does not include a Melies subscription, shared project workspace, timeline, model switching, or the other product features around generation.
The direct reference-to-video endpoint can use another formula when video references are present. fal.ai states that input and output video duration can both contribute to the bill. Melies currently accepts image references for Seedance 2.5, not video references, so that direct-API rule does not apply to the current Melies workflow.
Seedance 2.5 Pricing on BytePlus
BytePlus ModelArk uses token-based billing. It supports three deduction methods:
- prepaid model resource packs;
- AI Savings Plans;
- pay-as-you-go charges from the account balance.
BytePlus does not publish one permanent per-second price that applies to every Seedance 2.5 task. Resolution, input media, output duration, and token calculation affect the charge.
BytePlus is running a limited 1080p pay-as-you-go promotion from August 14, 2026 at 14:00 UTC+8 through September 17, 2026 at 14:00 UTC+8. Its campaign table lists:
| BytePlus Seedance 2.5 1080p | List price per million tokens | Promotional price per million tokens |
|---|---|---|
| With video input | $7.00 | $5.04 |
| Without video input | $11.70 | $8.42 |
The promotion does not apply to 480p or 720p, and prepaid resource-pack usage is not eligible. BytePlus says the list price resumes after the campaign. Verify the official billing page before committing a production budget.
These token prices are not directly comparable with Melies credits or the approximate fal.ai per-second price. A fair comparison requires the same resolution, duration, input types, failure policy, and product services.
Is Seedance 2.5 Free?
Seedance 2.5 is not available on the Melies Free or Starter plans. You need Pro or Max access and enough credits for the requested duration.
Providers can advertise free tokens, trial balances, launch campaigns, or prepaid discounts. Those offers can be limited by region, account verification, expiration date, output resolution, or billing method. A promotional balance does not establish a permanent free tier.
If you only want to understand the model before subscribing, use the examples in the Seedance 2.5 prompt guide
Seedance 2.5 Prompt Guide: Better AI Video PromptsLearn how to write Seedance 2.5 prompts for 30-second video, image references, camera movement, native audio, editing, and consistent characters. to prepare your shot offline. Then start with one short 480p generation after confirming the current plan and quote.
How to Reduce Seedance 2.5 Costs
The cheapest generation is the one that answers a useful question. Do not spend 1,500 credits on a 30-second clip while the identity, camera, or dialogue is still uncertain.
Test one risk at a time
Use a short generation to test the hardest part of the shot:
- identity and wardrobe continuity;
- a difficult orbit or tracking move;
- prop ownership and position;
- dialogue length and lip sync;
- the transition between first and last frames.
A four-second 480p test starts near 100 credits. Once that risk is controlled, increase duration or resolution.
Use 480p for blocking
At 480p, you can test about twice as many seconds with the same credit budget. It is usually enough to judge event order, motion direction, camera path, and prompt clarity.
Move to 720p when texture, faces, fine wardrobe detail, or final delivery quality becomes the main question.
Keep long prompts executable
More instructions can create more conflicts. For a long video, give every stage one main event and a visible end state. Remove decorative instructions that compete with identity, product geometry, dialogue, or camera continuity.
Compare retries with shorter shot design
One 30-second generation and three 10-second generations have the same base price. The shorter workflow is often cheaper to revise because one failed beat does not require replacing the complete sequence. The longer workflow is valuable when an uninterrupted performance or physical transition is the point of the shot.
Use the quote, not a remembered price
Model prices, provider contracts, and promotional discounts can change. Review the displayed Melies quote immediately before generation. For direct API use, check the provider pricing notice and billing unit on the exact endpoint.
Seedance 2.5 Budget Examples
One social clip
Duration: 8 seconds
Resolution: 720p
Base quote: 400 credits
This is enough for one focused action, a short product reveal, or one dialogue line with a reaction.
A three-shot scene
Shot 1: 6 seconds × 50 = 300 credits
Shot 2: 8 seconds × 50 = 400 credits
Shot 3: 6 seconds × 50 = 300 credits
Total 720p base budget: 1,000 credits
Add a test allowance before production. A 25 percent reserve would bring this working budget to 1,250 credits.
One continuous 30-second performance
480p rehearsal: about 750 credits
720p final attempt: 1,500 credits
Working budget before retries: about 2,250 credits
Do not assume the first 30-second output will be usable. If the performance can be divided without harming the scene, test its most difficult section first.
Seedance 2.5 Pricing Checklist
Before generating, verify:
- your plan includes premium model access;
- the selected duration is between 4 and 30 seconds;
- 480p or 720p matches the purpose of this attempt;
- the aspect ratio matches the final delivery format;
- the prompt fits the current 2,500-character limit;
- every reference has a clear role;
- dialogue fits inside the available time;
- the displayed credit quote matches your budget;
- you have reserved credits for at least one useful revision.
The Melies credit pricing guide
Credits & Pricing: How Melies Credits WorkUnderstand how Melies credits work for AI image and video generation. See costs per model, resolution pricing, and tips to optimize your budget. explains the wider credit system. The Seedance 2.5 prompt guideSeedance 2.5 Prompt Guide: Better AI Video PromptsLearn how to write Seedance 2.5 prompts for 30-second video, image references, camera movement, native audio, editing, and consistent characters. covers reference syntax, 30-second continuity, camera direction, performance, and audio prompting.