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Fast generation, intelligent interpretation
Seedream v5 Lite introduces something new to the Seedream family: deep thinking — a multi-step chain-of-thought reasoning capability that infers creative intent from short, abstract, or ambiguous prompts like a human designer would. Combined with optional real-time web search, the model can ground generations in current information, trending subjects, and real-world accuracy. At 3–5 seconds per image, it’s the fastest way to explore the full creative space before committing to Seedream v4.5 for the final production output.
Capabilities
Real-time web search
Toggle-able internet access grounds generations in current information, trending products, and real-world subjects without detailed descriptions.
Up to 4K output
Generates from 1440px to 4096px on any axis — supports standard and custom aspect ratios for web, social, and intermediate-quality print work.
Visual reasoning
Handles logic puzzles, assembly sequences, and information visualizations — the reasoning capability enables outputs that require step-by-step compositional thinking.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base model | Compressed Seedream 5.0 |
| Resolution | 1440px–4096px (any axis) |
| Generation speed | 3–5 seconds |
| Reasoning | Chain-of-thought (multi-step) |
| Web search | Yes (toggle-able) |
| Speed vs. v4.5 | 2–4× faster |
| Released | February 13, 2026 |
How to use
Write your prompt
Short, directional prompts work well — the deep thinking capability will expand them intelligently. Enable web search for prompts involving current subjects or real-world references.
Iterate quickly
At 3–5 seconds per image, generate multiple variations to explore your creative direction. The cost is low enough to generate at volume.
Move to v4.5 for production
Once you’ve locked a composition and style, run the same prompt on Seedream v4.5 for the production-quality deliverable.
Prompting tips
- Short prompts are fine — The reasoning capability handles vague inputs. “A campaign hero shot for a premium running shoe, energetic, outdoors” will be interpreted and expanded automatically.
- Enable web search for branded work — For prompts referencing specific products, events, or current subjects, web search grounding produces more accurate results.
- Use it before v4.5 — The standard workflow: iterate on v5 Lite to nail composition and style, then generate the final on v4.5.
Example prompts
A startup pitch deck hero image: ambitious, forward-looking, modern, technology theme.
Product launch visual for a new wireless earbud — minimal, white background, premium feel.
Compare models
| Model | Speed | Text rendering | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedream v5 Lite | 3–5s | Good (titles) | Rapid iteration, exploration |
| Seedream v4.5 | 8–14s | Excellent (dense) | Production deliverables |
| Seedream v4 | Moderate | Good | Standard commercial |