Live3 models

Seedream 5.5 API — Photorealistic Image Generation, Editing & Layers

Seedream 5.5 is ByteDance's newest image model, focused on photographic realism and visual aesthetics. Call it through one Muapi API key for text-to-image, multi-reference image editing and layer decomposition, with native transparent-background output and 1K, 1.5K and 2K tiers.Pricing is pay-per-generation from $0.02 per image, with no subscription. Looking for the spicy angle? Read the moderation FAQ below before you build.

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🆕 Seedream 5.5

Photorealism, transparent backgrounds, up to 2K — live now3 models

T2INew

5.5

Seedream 5.5

Text-to-image with improved photographic realism, 8 aspect ratios, native transparent backgrounds and 1K, 1.5K or 2K output.

1K–2K

$0.025–$0.045/image

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EditNew

5.5

Seedream 5.5 Edit

Edit or compose images from up to 10 references, preserving unedited areas across repeated edits, with transparent cut-out output.

1K–2K

From $0.035/image

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LayersNew

5.5

Seedream 5.5 Layer Decomposition

Split one image into a base image plus transparent PNG layers for compositing, asset extraction and layered design.

1K–2K

From $0.75 (30 images)

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What is the Seedream 5.5 API?

The Seedream 5.5 API is Muapi's REST interface to ByteDance's Seedream 5.5 image model. It exposes three endpoints under one authentication flow and one asynchronous task lifecycle: text-to-image, image editing with up to 10 reference images, and layer decomposition.

Seedream 5.5 targets photographic realism and aesthetics, adds native transparent-background output for stickers and product cut-outs, and supports 8 aspect ratios from 9:16 to 21:9 at 1K, 1.5K and 2K.

Muapi prices every call per generation, so you pay for the resolution you use. For the earlier generations see the full [Seedream family](/seedream).

Seedream 5.5 API capabilities

Photographic realism

Natural detail, lighting and skin and material rendering for product, lifestyle and portrait imagery.

Native transparent backgrounds

Set background to transparent with png output to get an alpha channel for stickers, icons and cut-outs.

8 aspect ratios

From 1:1 and 4:3 to 9:16 vertical and 21:9 cinematic, plus auto aspect on edits.

Multi-reference editing

Edit or combine up to 10 reference images while preserving unedited areas across repeated edits.

Layer decomposition

Split a flat image into a base image and transparent PNG layers, with optional prompt-guided grouping.

1K, 1.5K and 2K tiers

Iterate cheaply at 1K and render finals at 2K from the same endpoint.

Seedream 5.5 use cases

Stickers and design assets

Generate characters, icons and objects with real transparency, ready to place on any background.

Product and ecommerce imagery

Create photorealistic product scenes and edit backgrounds or styling while keeping the product intact.

Campaign and social creative

Produce posters and social graphics with readable in-image text.

Layered design workflows

Turn flat posters and ads into editable layers for compositing and retouching.

Seedream 5.5 endpoints and pricing

Endpoint	Input	Price	Best for
Seedream 5.5 (text-to-image)	Prompt	$0.02/image at 1K and 1.5K; $0.035 at 2K	Photorealistic images and transparent assets
Seedream 5.5 Edit	Prompt + up to 10 images	Output price + $0.008 per input image	Edits, cut-outs, multi-reference composition
Seedream 5.5 Layer Decomposition	Image (+ optional prompt)	$0.02/image slot at 1K; default 30 slots = $0.60	Layer separation and asset extraction

Quick start — Seedream 5.5 API code examples

Submit a request, receive a request ID immediately, and poll the result endpoint until the task completes.

Generate an image

curl -X POST https://api.muapi.ai/api/v1/seedream-5.5 \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"prompt":"A sticker of a smiling red panda holding a coffee cup, clean outline","aspect_ratio":"1:1","resolution":"2K","output_format":"png","background":"transparent"}'

# Response: {"request_id":"REQUEST_ID"}

Text-to-image with a transparent background at 2K.

Edit an image

curl -X POST https://api.muapi.ai/api/v1/seedream-5.5-edit \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"prompt":"Extract the sneaker on its own, remove the backdrop and floor shadow","images_list":["https://example.com/sneaker.jpg"],"background":"transparent"}'

# Response: {"request_id":"REQUEST_ID"}

Edit or extract a subject from up to 10 reference images.

Decompose into layers

curl -X POST https://api.muapi.ai/api/v1/seedream-5.5-layer \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"image_url":"https://example.com/poster.png","prompt":"Separate the headline, the photo and the border","resolution":"1K","max_images":6}'

# Response: {"request_id":"REQUEST_ID"}
# You are charged for max_images, so set it to the layers you need plus one.

Split an image into a base image plus transparent layers.

Poll the result

curl https://api.muapi.ai/api/v1/predictions/REQUEST_ID/result \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"

# Poll until status is completed, then read the image URL(s) from the response.

Poll until the task is completed, then read the image URL(s) from the response.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Seedream 5.5 API?

It is Muapi's REST API for ByteDance's Seedream 5.5 image model, with text-to-image, image editing and layer decomposition endpoints under one API key.

How much does the Seedream 5.5 API cost?

Text-to-image costs $0.02 per image at 1K and 1.5K and $0.035 at 2K. Edits add $0.008 per input image. Layer decomposition is charged per image slot up to max_images, $0.60 at the default of 30 at 1K.

Is there a Seedream 5.5 spicy mode?

No. The Seedream 5.5 API runs with standard content-safety moderation, so explicit adult output is not guaranteed and flagged prompts are rejected and refunded. For a relaxed-moderation tier on Muapi, see [Seedance 2.5 Spicy](/seedance-2.5-spicy) for video.

Can Seedream 5.5 generate transparent backgrounds?

Yes. Set background to transparent with output_format png to receive an alpha channel.

How many reference images does Seedream 5.5 Edit accept?

Up to 10 images in images_list. Leave aspect_ratio empty to keep the first image's aspect ratio.

What does layer decomposition return?

A base image followed by transparent PNG layers. You are charged for max_images, the most images the request can return, even if fewer come back.

Is Seedream 5.5 available through the API now?

Yes. All three endpoints are live on Muapi, and sandbox keys return mock results with no credits deducted.

All Seedream models →Compare Seedream 5.0 Pro, 5.0 Lite, 4.5, 4.0 and 3.0.Seedance Spicy API →Relaxed-moderation Seedance video generation.Create an API key →Start calling Seedream 5.5 through Muapi.

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