Seedance 2.0 API vs Kling 3.0 vs Sora 2: Pricing, Access & Comparison (2026)
Each API takes a fundamentally different approach to video generation, and picking the wrong one for your project means wasted tokens and disappointing results.
This Seedance 2.0 API comparison breaks down where each model actually shines — specs, pricing, API access, and real use cases — so you can choose the best AI video generation API for your workflow.
- Quick Comparison
- Seedance 2.0 API: Best for Creative Control
- Kling 3.0: Best for Natural Motion
- Sora 2: Best for Physics Accuracy
- Full Feature Comparison
- Which API Is Best for Your Use Case?
- Access All Three Through One API Key
- FAQ
Quick Comparison
| Seedance 2.0 | Kling 3.0 | Sora 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | ByteDance | Kuaishou | OpenAI |
| Max Duration | 15 seconds | 15s (3–15s) | Up to 12s (4/8/12s) |
| Max Resolution | Up to 2K | 1080p | 1792×1024 |
| Native Audio | Stereo | Multilingual | Full audio |
| Core Strength | @ references, editing, beat-sync | Motion Brush, multi-shot, character lock | Physics, temporal consistency |
| Input Types | Text + 9 img + 3 vid + 3 audio | Text + image | Text + image |
| API Pricing | TBA (late February) | Varies by platform | $0.10–$0.50/s |
| Best For | Creative control | Action + budget | Physics + VFX |
Seedance 2.0 API: Best for Creative Control and Multimodal Video Production
How the @ Reference System Works
Think of it like tagging assets in a group chat. You write your prompt, then @ specific files to tell the model exactly what to reference. Want a character from image #3 to walk through the scene in video #2, set to the rhythm of audio #1? You tag each asset with @ and the model weaves them together.
- Template replication — Feed it a reference video and it reproduces the style, pacing, and composition with new content
- Beat-synced editing — Drop in an audio track and the model cuts to the rhythm
- Video modification — Edit existing videos rather than generating from scratch
Resolution goes up to 2K with stereo audio output, according to ByteDance's official blog on seed.bytedance.com.
Where the Seedance 2.0 API Falls Short
The Reddit community isn't shy about the pain points:
- Steep learning curve. The @ reference system is powerful, but it's not intuitive. "Most people can't do this with Seedance 2.0" is a common refrain — getting great results requires great reference materials.
- Face censorship. Real human faces trigger stricter content moderation. Several users report frustration when realistic portrait generations get blocked.
- Access outside China. Direct API currently available in China. International developers can access via third-party API platforms like EvoLink, which will offer the model starting in late February.
Best Use Cases for the Seedance 2.0 API
- Recreating a client's reference video in a new style
- Music videos and beat-synced content
- Complex multi-asset compositions (product + background + audio)
- Video editing and modification workflows
Kling 3.0: Best for Natural Motion and Cost-Effective Video Generation
If Seedance 2.0 is the director's chair, Kling 3.0 is the action camera. Kuaishou's latest model is built for fluid, natural movement — and it's the most approachable option for teams producing content at scale.
Motion Brush and Multi-Shot Storyboarding
Kling V3 vs Kling O3
- V3 is prompt-driven — you describe what you want in text and the model figures out the visuals
- O3 is reference-driven — you feed it images or video references plus voice control for more precise output
Both support up to 15 seconds of video (worth noting: many competitor articles incorrectly list Kling's max at 10 seconds — that was the old limit). Native audio includes multilingual support with dialect options.
Best Use Cases for Kling 3.0
- Batch e-commerce product videos (Motion Brush + multi-shot = fast pipeline)
- Social media short-form content
- Quick storyboarding and pre-visualization
- Teams on a budget who need volume
Sora 2: Best for Physics Accuracy and Photorealistic Output
Physics Simulation That Actually Holds Up
Where other models fake physics with pattern matching, Sora 2 generates video with genuine physical coherence. Gravity pulls objects at the right rate. Water splashes realistically. Glass refracts light correctly. Fabric drapes based on material weight.
Sora 2 Pricing (Official, Verified)
OpenAI published official API pricing as of February 19, 2026 (source: openai.com/api/pricing):
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| sora-2 | $0.10/second (720×1280 or 1280×720) |
| sora-2-pro | $0.30/second (720×1280) or $0.50/second (1024×1792) |
Best Use Cases for Sora 2
- Film and VFX pre-visualization
- Architectural walkthroughs and interior design visualization
- Product demos where physics must be flawless (liquid, fabric, glass)
- High-end commercial content requiring photorealism
Seedance 2.0 API vs Kling 3.0 vs Sora 2: Full Feature Comparison
Quality & Capability Ratings
| Feature | Seedance 2.0 | Kling 3.0 | Sora 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motion Naturalness | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ Best | ★★★★☆ |
| Physics Accuracy | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ Best |
| Temporal Consistency | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ Best |
| Cinematic Quality | ★★★★★ w/refs | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
Input & Feature Support
| Feature | Seedance 2.0 | Kling 3.0 | Sora 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Reference | ✅ Up to 3 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Audio Reference | ✅ Up to 3 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Image Reference | ✅ Up to 9 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Motion Brush | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Multi-Shot | ❌ | ✅ 6 shots | ✅ Keyframe |
| Video Editing | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Beat-Sync | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Character Lock | Via @ refs | ✅ Elements | Moderate |
Specs & Access
| Feature | Seedance 2.0 | Kling 3.0 | Sora 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Duration | 15s | 15s | Up to 12s (4/8/12s) |
| Max Resolution | Up to 2K | 1080p | 1792×1024 |
| API Pricing | TBA (late February) | Varies by platform | $0.10–$0.50/s |
| International Access | Via third-party | Available | Available (limited) |
| Learning Curve | High | Low–Medium | Low |
Which AI Video API Is Best for Your Use Case?
Skip the theory — here's what to pick based on what you're actually building:
- Batch e-commerce product videos → Kling 3.0. Motion Brush + multi-shot storyboarding, lowest cost per video.
- "Make something like this reference video" → Seedance 2.0. The @ reference system was literally built for this.
- Product demos where physics can't be wrong → Sora 2. Liquid pouring, fabric falling, light refracting through glass.
- Limited budget, just getting started → Kling 3.0. Best value for teams scaling up their first video pipeline.
- Music videos or rhythm-synced content → Seedance 2.0. Drop audio as @ reference, model edits to the beat.
- Photorealistic lighting and materials → Sora 2. Nothing else matches yet for realism.
Access the Seedance 2.0 API, Kling 3.0, and Sora 2 Through One API Key
Switching between three different API dashboards gets old fast. EvoLink solves this with a unified API gateway — one API key, 40+ models, including all three video generators covered in this article.
- Kling 3.0 and Kling O3 — Live
- Sora 2 and Sora 2 Pro — Live
- Seedance 1.5 Pro — Live
- Seedance 2.0 API — Launching in late February, day-one availability with launch pricing
Code Example: Switch Models in One Line
model="kling-3.0" to model="sora-2" or model="seedance-2.0". No SDK changes. No credential juggling. Just swap the model name.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Seedance 2.0 API, Kling 3.0, and Sora 2?
The Seedance 2.0 API specializes in multimodal creative control using text, images, video, and audio as combined references. Kling 3.0 excels at natural motion with Motion Brush and multi-shot storyboarding. Sora 2 leads in physics simulation and photorealism. All three support 15-second generation with native audio.
When does the Seedance 2.0 API launch?
The Seedance 2.0 API release date is late February 2026, based on consistent reports from third-party platforms and community sources. Multiple API providers (including EvoLink) have confirmed day-one availability.
Which AI video API is cheapest?
Kling 3.0 is generally the most cost-effective. Sora 2 is the most expensive at $0.10/second standard and up to $0.50/second Pro (verified on openai.com/api/pricing). Seedance 2.0 API pricing not yet announced.
Which model is best for e-commerce product videos?
Kling 3.0. Motion Brush gives precise control over product motion, multi-shot chains up to 6 scenes, Elements system keeps product appearance consistent. Lower price makes it viable for high-volume production.
Can I switch between Seedance 2.0 API, Kling, and Sora without changing code?
Yes — with a unified API gateway like EvoLink. One API key, one endpoint. Switching is a single parameter change. No separate SDKs or auth flows needed.
How do I access the Seedance 2.0 API outside China?
Direct API available in China via Volcengine. International developers use third-party platforms. EvoLink offers cheapest Seedance 2.0 API access starting in late February 2026.
What is the maximum video length for each model?
All three support 15 seconds max. Kling 3.0 selectable from 3–15s. Note: older articles listing Kling at 10s are outdated — that was the previous version limit.
