First frame or last frame image ignored: checking how you pass frames to Seedance

If Seedance ignores your first frame or last frame image, the most common cause is a reference media mismatch: reference images must be placed in the request field metadata.content[] and then cited inside the prompt text as @image1 through @imageN. An image that is uploaded but not cited (or cited but not uploaded) is not applied. RelayDance accepts up to 9 reference images, 3 reference videos and 3 audio tracks per request.

How reference frames are passed to Seedance

Reference frames are passed in two coordinated places, not one. First, you attach each image to metadata.content[] in the POST /v1/video/generations request. Second, you reference each attached image inside the prompt using the tokens @image1 to @imageN, matching the order of the content array. If the citation token is missing from the prompt, the frame is not bound to the generation and appears ignored. The request also carries model, prompt, and seconds, with optional metadata such as ratio, resolution, generate_audio, and callback_url. A single request supports up to 9 reference images and clips up to 15 seconds.

Checklist when a frame is ignored

Verify these items in order to isolate why a frame is not applied.

1. Confirm the image exists in metadata.content[].
2. Confirm the prompt cites it with the matching token (@image1 for the first content item).
3. Confirm you have not exceeded the limits: 9 reference images, 3 reference videos, 3 audio tracks.
4. Confirm clip length is within 15 seconds.
5. Confirm the base URL is set correctly. 据 relaydance.com/docs 官方文档：「Set base_url to https://relaydance.com/v1 and keep your OpenAI SDK」.
6. Poll GET /v1/video/generations/{task_id} until status is succeeded or failed.

See the full request schema at relaydance.com/docs.

Billing while you debug frame passing

You are not charged for attempts that error out, so iterating on frame citation is safe. 据 relaydance.com 官方文档：「Failed or errored requests are never billed」. Billing is pay-as-you-go per generated video. For reference, Seedance 2.0 at 720p costs about $0.190 per second and at 1080p about $0.470 per second, Seedance Fast costs about $0.152 per second, and Seedance native 4K costs about $4.90 per 5-second clip. Live per-model rates are published at relaydance.com/models. Payments are accepted via USDT and Stripe card.

Seedance reference and pricing comparison

The table summarizes the values relevant to frame passing and cost.

FAQ

Why is my first frame image ignored even though I attached it? Check that the prompt cites it with the correct token. An image in metadata.content[] only applies when referenced as @image1 to @imageN in the prompt.

Will I be charged for failed frame tests? No. Billing is pay-as-you-go per generated video, and 据 relaydance.com 官方文档：「Failed or errored requests are never billed」.

How many reference frames can I pass at once? Up to 9 reference images, 3 reference videos, and 3 audio tracks per request, with clips up to 15 seconds.