Seedance 2.5: Create, Edit & Extend

Seedance 2.5 (sometimes branded SeeDance in marketing) is BytePlus's latest video model in AI Animation. It goes beyond simple text-to-video: you can create new clips from rich references, edit an existing video in place, or extend a clip forward or backward.

Use it from the Asset Library → Create workspace in the Shot Director generator at the bottom of the screen.

Part of: Asset Library (Create) · The Generator

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Where to find it

1. Open a project folder in Create (Asset Library).
2. Switch the generator to Video (V tab).
3. Open the model picker and choose Seedance 2.5.
4. A Task row appears above the prompt with three modes.

If the model is greyed out or missing, your workspace may not be on the allowlist yet.

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Three task modes

When Seedance 2.5 is selected, pick a Task before generating:

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Seedance 2.5 vs Seedance 2.0

Both models share the BytePlus reference pipeline, but 2.5 is the newer generation with longer output and task modes.

Use 2.5 when you need longer clips, heavier reference stacks, or edit/extend workflows. Use 2.0 when your workspace still routes premium 4K output through that model.

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Create — new video from references

Create is the default task. It works like an advanced image-to-video / multimodal generator:

References you can attach

• Start frame and end frame images (when not in a pure edit/extend task)
• Additional images — style, character, composition
• Video references — motion or scene guides (2–30 seconds each on 2.5)
• Audio references — dialogue, music, or ambience (2–30 seconds each)
• Production components — approved character sheets, locations, and style guides from your project

Drag assets from the gallery, uploads lane, or ask Ani to set generator references from your selection.

Duration and resolution

• Pick a fixed length from 4 to 30 seconds, or choose Automatic where offered
• Resolution: 480p, 720p, or 1080p
• Aspect ratio: standard presets or Adaptive when your reference media defines the frame shape

Prompt tips

Describe subject, action, camera, and audio clearly. Reference assets in plain language (for example, "match the lighting in reference image 2" or "follow the camera move in Video 1").

See also: Writing Effective Prompts · Video Generation Best Practices

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Edit video — change an existing clip

Edit video transforms a source recording instead of generating from scratch.

Setup checklist

1. Select Seedance 2.5 and task Edit video
2. Add your source video as the first video reference (Video 1)
3. Set aspect ratio to Adaptive (required — matches the source frame)
4. Set duration to Automatic (required for edit tasks)
5. Write a prompt describing what to change, not the whole scene from scratch

Example prompts

• "Change the sky to golden hour. Keep the character's walk the same."
• "Remove the logo on the jacket. Preserve motion and framing."
• "Make the scene rainier and add wet reflections on the pavement."
• "Shift the colour grade to teal and orange. Do not change the action."

Add extra image references when you want a target look (wardrobe, background, grade) the model should match.

What Edit is good for

• Local fixes on an almost-right generation
• Colour, weather, or wardrobe changes on existing footage
• Iterating on a Seedance output without re-prompting the entire scene

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Extend video — continue forward or backward

Extend video adds new seconds after or before your source clip — useful for longer sequences and seamless continuations.

Setup checklist

1. Select Seedance 2.5 and task Extend video
2. Add the source video as Video 1
3. Set aspect ratio to Adaptive
4. Choose forward or backward:
   • Forward — new content continues after the last frame
   • Backward — new content plays before the first frame
5. Set output duration (or Automatic where available)
6. Prompt what should happen next (or previously)

Example prompts

• Forward: "Continue the walk down the corridor. Same pace and camera distance."
• Forward: "The character turns the corner and enters the lit room."
• Backward: "Add two seconds before the jump — show the character crouching to prepare."
• Backward: "Extend earlier: establish the empty street before the car enters frame."

Quick path from the gallery

On a completed video in the gallery, open the reuse menu and choose Extend video. AI Animation loads Seedance 2.5 in Extend mode with the clip as Video 1 and a starter prompt such as continuing forward from the source.

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Reference limits (Seedance 2.5)

Keep each reference within duration limits for reliable results:

Production components and governance

Seedance can use production component references from your project library. Some reference media — especially video containing real people — may require Seedance setup or approved BytePlus assets before generation succeeds. If you see Seedance setup required or a real-person block, swap the reference or complete setup; see Common Issues.

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Credits and cost

Seedance 2.5 uses token-based pricing: cost depends on output duration, resolution, aspect ratio, and whether a reference video is attached. Longer source videos and 1080p output cost more than short 720p creates.

Before generating:

1. Check the credit indicator next to the model picker (Models & Credits)
2. Confirm personal vs project pool credit source
3. Use shorter draft lengths while experimenting; increase duration for finals

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Workflow summary

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Troubleshooting

More help: Common Issues · Video Generation Best Practices

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Related guides

The Generator (Shot Director)

Models & Credits

Video Best Practices