seedance2-api
hexiaochun/seedance2-api
End-to-end AI video generation from storyboard to final output using Seedream 4.5 and Seedance 2.0
What is seedance2-api?
Generate professional AI videos from concept to completion. This skill guides you through storyboarding, reference image creation with Seedream 4.5, and video generation with Seedance 2.0. It supports both MCP and standalone Python modes, automatically detecting availability and switching gracefully.
- Generate reference images using Seedream 4.5 text-to-image and image editing
- Submit video generation tasks to Seedance 2.0 with configurable aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 21:9, 4:3, 3:4) and durations (4-15 seconds)
- Support omni reference mode (up to 9 images, 3 videos, 3 audio files) and first/last frames mode for precise control
- Automatically detect MCP availability and fall back to standalone Python script execution
- Poll task status and retrieve generated video results
- Upload local images to get URLs for use in video generation
How to install seedance2-api
npx skills add https://github.com/hexiaochun/seedance2-api --skill seedance2-api- XSKILL_API_KEY environment variable set (get from https://www.xskill.ai/#/v2/api-keys)
- Python 3.x with requests library installed (pip install requests)
- MCP service (xskill-ai) optional but recommended for better integration
How to use seedance2-api
- 1.Determine execution mode by checking MCP availability (check mcps/user-xskill-ai/STATUS.md)
- 2.Collect user requirements: story concept, duration (4-15s), aspect ratio, visual style, and assets
- 3.Guide user through 5 dimensions: Content, Visuals, Camera, Motion, and Audio
- 4.Build storyboard structure breaking down shots along timeline with camera movements and actions
- 5.Generate reference images using Seedream 4.5 text-to-image or image editing if needed, then poll for results
- 6.Compose final prompt merging storyboard and reference images using @image_file_N syntax
- 7.Upload any local images to get URLs, then submit Seedance 2.0 video task with prompt, images, ratio, and duration
- 8.Poll the video task status until completion and retrieve the final video URL
Use cases
- Create cinematic product demos or marketing videos from concept sketches
- Generate character animation sequences with specific camera movements and visual styles
- Produce social media content with precise aspect ratios and durations
- Build storyboard-driven videos with reference images and audio synchronization
- Iterate on video generation using first and last frame control for predictable outputs
- Video creators and content producers
- Marketing and advertising teams
- Animation and VFX professionals
- Product demo creators
- Anyone building AI-generated video workflows
seedance2-api FAQ
Omni reference mode uses up to 9 reference images, 3 videos, and 3 audio files to guide the entire video generation. First & last frames mode uses 1-2 images to control the start and end frames, useful for precise motion control between two states.
Seedream 4.5 images typically complete in 1-2 minutes. Seedance 2.0 video generation time varies; use the poll command with --interval 10 --timeout 180 to check status every 10 seconds up to 3 minutes.
The skill automatically detects MCP unavailability and switches to standalone Python script mode using seedance_api.py. Ensure XSKILL_API_KEY is set and requests is installed.
Yes. Upload local images first using the upload command (--image-path option) to get a URL, then reference that URL in your video task parameters.
Aspect ratios: 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 21:9, 4:3, 3:4. Durations: 4-15 seconds. Choose image_size based on your target aspect ratio when generating reference images.
Full instructions (SKILL.md)
Source of truth, from hexiaochun/seedance2-api.
name: seedance2-api description: End-to-end AI video generation from storyboard concept to final output. Supports both MCP and standalone Python script modes; automatically detects availability and switches gracefully if MCP is unavailable. Generates reference images with Seedream 4.5 (text-to-image and image editing), then submits video tasks to Seedance 2.0 with configurable aspect ratios and durations. license: MIT
Seedance 2.0 Storyboard & Video Generation
End-to-end workflow from concept to final video: Storyboard → Reference images → Submit video task → Get results.
Step 0: Determine Execution Mode (MCP or Script)
Check MCP availability first:
- Check
xskill-aiMCP service status (readmcps/user-xskill-ai/STATUS.md) - If MCP is available → use
submit_task/get_taskand other MCP tools - If MCP is unavailable or returns errors → switch to Script Mode
Script mode prerequisites:
- Verify
XSKILL_API_KEYenvironment variable is set (runecho $XSKILL_API_KEY | head -c 10) - If not set, prompt the user:
Get your API Key: https://www.xskill.ai/#/v2/api-keysexport XSKILL_API_KEY=sk-your-api-key - Verify
requestsis installed (pip install requests)
Script path: Located under this skill's directory at scripts/seedance_api.py:
# Find via Glob tool
glob: .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py
In the following steps, each API call provides both MCP method and Script method. Choose one based on the Step 0 result.
Step 1: Understand the User's Idea
Collect the following information (proactively ask if anything is missing):
- Story concept: one-sentence summary of the video
- Duration: 4–15 seconds
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 / 9:16 / 1:1 / 21:9 / 4:3 / 3:4
- Visual style: realistic / animation / ink wash / sci-fi / cyberpunk, etc.
- Assets: existing images/videos/audio, or need AI generation
- Function mode: first & last frame control (
first_last_frames) or default omni mode (omni_reference)
Step 2: Deep Dive (5 Dimensions)
Guide the user through each dimension for richer detail:
- Content – Who is the subject? What are they doing? Where?
- Visuals – Lighting, color palette, texture, mood
- Camera – Push in / pull out / pan / tilt / track / orbit / crane
- Motion – Subject actions and pacing
- Audio – Music style, sound effects, dialogue
Step 3: Build Storyboard Structure
Break down shots along the timeline using this formula:
[Style] _____ style, _____ seconds, _____ ratio, _____ mood
0-Xs: [Camera movement] + [Visual content] + [Action description]
X-Ys: [Camera movement] + [Visual content] + [Action description]
...
[Audio] _____ music + _____ SFX + _____ dialogue
[References] @image_file_1 _____, @video_file_1 _____
See reference.md for detailed templates and examples.
Step 4: Generate Reference Images (If Needed)
If the user has no existing assets, use Seedream 4.5 to generate character art, scenes, first/last frames, etc.
Text-to-Image
Call submit_task tool:
model_id:fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v4.5/text-to-imageparameters:prompt: detailed image description (English works best)image_size: choose based on video aspect rationum_images: number needed (1–6)
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py submit \
--model "fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v4.5/text-to-image" \
--params '{"prompt":"An astronaut in a white spacesuit...","image_size":"landscape_16_9","num_images":1}'
Image Editing (Modify Existing Images)
Call submit_task tool:
model_id:fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v4.5/editparameters:prompt: editing instructions (use Figure 1/2/3 to reference images)image_urls: array of input image URLsimage_size: output size
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py submit \
--model "fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v4.5/edit" \
--params '{"prompt":"Change the background to a forest","image_urls":["https://..."],"image_size":"landscape_16_9"}'
Poll Image Results
Images typically complete in 1–2 minutes.
Call get_task tool to check status:
- First query after 30 seconds
- Then every 30 seconds
- Extract image URL when status is
completed
Single query:
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py query \
--task-id "TASK_ID_HERE"
Auto-poll (recommended for images, interval 10s, timeout 180s):
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py poll \
--task-id "TASK_ID_HERE" --interval 10 --timeout 180
image_size Reference
| Aspect Ratio | Recommended image_size | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | landscape_16_9 | Landscape |
| 9:16 | portrait_16_9 | Portrait |
| 4:3 | landscape_4_3 | Landscape |
| 3:4 | portrait_4_3 | Portrait |
| 1:1 | square_hd | Square |
| 21:9 | landscape_16_9 | Approximate ultrawide |
Step 5: Compose the Final Prompt
Merge the storyboard structure and reference images into the final prompt:
- Use
@image_file_1,@image_file_2, etc. to reference images in theimage_filesarray - Use
@video_file_1, etc. to reference videos in thevideo_filesarray - Use
@audio_file_1, etc. to reference audio in theaudio_filesarray
Reference syntax example:
@image_file_1 as character reference, follow @video_file_1 camera movement, with @audio_file_1 as background music
Important: The Nth URL in image_files maps to @image_file_N. video_files and audio_files are independently numbered.
Step 6: Submit Video Task
Handle asset URLs:
- Seedream-generated images: URL already available, use directly
- User-provided web images: use directly
- User-provided local images: upload first to get URL (see upload methods below)
Upload Local Images
Call upload_image tool: image_url or image_data
# Upload from URL
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py upload \
--image-url "https://example.com/image.png"
# Upload local file
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py upload \
--image-path "/path/to/local/image.png"
Submit Seedance 2.0 Task (Omni Reference Mode)
Call submit_task tool:
model_id:st-ai/super-seed2parameters:prompt: the full prompt from Step 5functionMode:omni_reference(default, can be omitted)image_files: reference image URL array (up to 9, order matches@image_file_1/2/3...)video_files: reference video URL array (up to 3, total duration ≤ 15s)audio_files: reference audio URL array (up to 3)ratio: aspect ratio (16:9/9:16/1:1/21:9/4:3/3:4)duration: integer length (4–15)model:seedance_2.0_fast(default, faster) orseedance_2.0(standard quality)
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py submit \
--model "st-ai/super-seed2" \
--params '{
"prompt": "Cinematic realistic sci-fi style, 15 seconds, 16:9...",
"functionMode": "omni_reference",
"image_files": ["https://img1.png", "https://img2.png"],
"ratio": "16:9",
"duration": 15,
"model": "seedance_2.0_fast"
}'
Submit Seedance 2.0 Task (First & Last Frames Mode)
Call submit_task tool:
model_id:st-ai/super-seed2parameters:prompt: video description promptfunctionMode:first_last_framesfilePaths: image URL array (0 = text-to-video, 1 = first frame, 2 = first & last frames)ratio: aspect ratioduration: integer lengthmodel:seedance_2.0_fastorseedance_2.0
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py submit \
--model "st-ai/super-seed2" \
--params '{
"prompt": "Camera smoothly transitions from first frame to last frame, fluid motion",
"functionMode": "first_last_frames",
"filePaths": ["https://first-frame.png", "https://last-frame.png"],
"ratio": "16:9",
"duration": 5,
"model": "seedance_2.0_fast"
}'
Step 7: Poll for Video Results
Video generation takes approximately 10 minutes.
Polling strategy:
- After submission, inform the user: "Video is generating, estimated ~10 minutes"
- First query after 60 seconds via
get_task - Then every 90 seconds
- Report status to the user after each query
Recommended: auto-poll (runs in foreground, interval 30s, timeout 600s):
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py poll \
--task-id "TASK_ID_HERE" --interval 30 --timeout 600
Progress is printed to stderr; final JSON result is printed to stdout when complete.
Manual single query:
python .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py query \
--task-id "TASK_ID_HERE"
Status reference:
pending→ "Queued..."processing→ "Generating..."completed→ Extract the video URL and present to the userfailed→ Report the error; suggest adjusting the prompt and retrying
Full Workflow Example
User says: "Make a video of an astronaut walking on Mars"
When MCP Is Available
1. Gather info → 15s, 16:9, cinematic sci-fi style, no existing assets
2. Generate astronaut + Mars scene images with Seedream 4.5
submit_task("fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v4.5/text-to-image", {...})
→ poll get_task → get image URLs
3. Compose prompt → submit video task
submit_task("st-ai/super-seed2", {...})
4. Poll get_task, ~10 min later → get video URL
When MCP Is Unavailable (Script Mode)
1. Gather info → 15s, 16:9, cinematic sci-fi style
2. Generate reference images:
python scripts/seedance_api.py submit \
--model "fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v4.5/text-to-image" \
--params '{"prompt":"An astronaut in white spacesuit on Mars...","image_size":"landscape_16_9"}'
→ get task_id
3. Poll for image results:
python scripts/seedance_api.py poll --task-id "xxx" --interval 10 --timeout 180
→ get image URL
4. Submit video task:
python scripts/seedance_api.py submit \
--model "st-ai/super-seed2" \
--params '{"prompt":"...storyboard prompt...","functionMode":"omni_reference","image_files":["IMAGE_URL"],"ratio":"16:9","duration":15,"model":"seedance_2.0_fast"}'
→ get task_id
5. Poll for video results:
python scripts/seedance_api.py poll --task-id "xxx" --interval 30 --timeout 600
→ get video URL
Model Parameters Quick Reference
Seedream 4.5 Text-to-Image
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
prompt | string | Yes | Image description |
image_size | string | No | auto_2K / auto_4K / square_hd / portrait_4_3 / portrait_16_9 / landscape_4_3 / landscape_16_9 |
num_images | int | No | 1–6, default 1 |
Seedream 4.5 Image Editing
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
prompt | string | Yes | Editing instructions, reference images as Figure 1/2/3 |
image_urls | array | Yes | Input image URL list |
image_size | string | No | Same as above |
num_images | int | No | 1–6, default 1 |
Seedance 2.0 Video (Omni Reference Mode)
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
prompt | string | Yes | Storyboard prompt, use @image_file_N / @video_file_N / @audio_file_N |
functionMode | string | No | omni_reference (default) |
image_files | array | No | Reference image URL array (up to 9) |
video_files | array | No | Reference video URL array (up to 3, total ≤ 15s) |
audio_files | array | No | Reference audio URL array (up to 3) |
ratio | string | No | 21:9 / 16:9 / 4:3 / 1:1 / 3:4 / 9:16 |
duration | integer | No | 4–15, default 5 |
model | string | No | seedance_2.0_fast (default) / seedance_2.0 |
Seedance 2.0 Video (First & Last Frames Mode)
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
prompt | string | Yes | Video description prompt |
functionMode | string | Yes | first_last_frames |
filePaths | array | No | Image URL array (0 = text-to-video, 1 = first frame, 2 = first & last) |
ratio | string | No | 21:9 / 16:9 / 4:3 / 1:1 / 3:4 / 9:16 |
duration | integer | No | 4–15, default 5 |
model | string | No | seedance_2.0_fast (default) / seedance_2.0 |
Tools Quick Reference
MCP Tools
| Action | Tool | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Submit task | submit_task | model_id, parameters |
| Query result | get_task | task_id |
| Upload image | upload_image | image_url or image_data |
| Check balance | get_balance | (none) |
Script Commands (When MCP Is Unavailable)
| Action | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Submit task | python scripts/seedance_api.py submit --model MODEL --params '{...}' | Returns task_id |
| Single query | python scripts/seedance_api.py query --task-id ID | Returns current status |
| Auto-poll | python scripts/seedance_api.py poll --task-id ID --interval N --timeout N | Blocks until done |
| Check balance | python scripts/seedance_api.py balance | Returns account balance |
| Upload image | python scripts/seedance_api.py upload --image-url URL or --image-path PATH | Returns image URL |
Script path note: The scripts/seedance_api.py path above is relative to .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/. Use the full path .cursor/skills/seedance2-api/scripts/seedance_api.py when executing, or cd into the skill directory first.
Seedance 2.0 Limitations
- Realistic human face uploads are not supported
- Maximum 12 files: images ≤ 9 + videos ≤ 3 + audio ≤ 3
- Total video/audio reference duration ≤ 15 seconds
- Video references consume more credits
More Resources
See reference.md for detailed storyboard templates, full examples, and camera movement glossary.
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