Availability update — August 8, 2026: MiniMax H3 and Seedance 2.5 are both available through Poyo.ai's production API. This article has been rewritten to replace its pre-launch assumptions with the current model IDs, limits, and pricing.
MiniMax H3 and Seedance 2.5 now solve different production priorities. H3 delivers native 2K in shorter 5-15 second clips. Seedance 2.5 extends a single generation to 30 seconds and accepts a much larger reference set, but currently outputs 480p or 720p.
The short answer: choose MiniMax H3 when native 2K output matters most; choose Seedance 2.5 when duration, reference capacity, or optional synchronized audio matters more. Neither is a universal quality winner without testing the same prompts and assets.
API Comparison
| Feature | MiniMax H3 | Seedance 2.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Poyo model ID | hailuo-03 | seedance-2.5 |
| Availability | Available | Available |
| Duration | 5-15 seconds | 4-30 seconds |
| Resolution | Native 2K | 480p or 720p |
| First/last frames | Up to 2 images | Up to 2 images |
| Reference images | Up to 9 | Up to 30 |
| Reference videos | Up to 3 | Up to 10 |
| Reference audio | Up to 3 | Up to 10 |
| Total reference cap | 15 by per-type limits | 50 files |
| Audio control | Accepts audio references | Audio references plus optional generate_audio |
| Aspect ratios | Seven supported ratios | Seven supported ratios |
Both APIs keep first/last-frame mode separate from multimodal reference mode. Audio references require at least one image or video reference.
Pricing
MiniMax H3 costs 21 credits ($0.105) per billed second. Without reference video, billed seconds equal output duration. With reference video, the reference-video duration is added. The first five reference images are free; each additional image costs 6.4 credits ($0.032).
Seedance 2.5 pricing depends on resolution and whether the request includes reference video:
| Seedance 2.5 mode | Credits | USD equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 480p with reference video | 17 per billed second | $0.085 |
| 480p without reference video | 28 per second | $0.14 |
| 720p with reference video | 38 per billed second | $0.19 |
| 720p without reference video | 63 per second | $0.315 |
For both models, a reference-video request is billed on output duration plus reference-video duration. Compare the total job cost, not only the lower per-second rate.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Choose MiniMax H3 for native 2K delivery, short premium shots, product detail, cinematic hero clips, or workflows that need a predictable 21-credit base rate.
Choose Seedance 2.5 for 16-30 second scenes, reference-heavy character or product work, first/last-frame transitions, and workflows that benefit from optional synchronized audio.
Choose neither on specifications alone when identity, motion, prompt adherence, or usable-shot cost is critical. Run several seeds with identical inputs and retain failed as well as successful outputs.
Verdict
Seedance 2.5's launch changes the old conclusion: it is no longer a watchlist model. It is a production option with documented 4-30 second output and up to 50 references. MiniMax H3 remains the stronger fit when native 2K is the deciding constraint. The practical winner depends on whether your project values resolution or workflow range more.
Try MiniMax H3, try Seedance 2.5, or read the Seedance 2.5 launch announcement.
FAQ
Is Seedance 2.5 available now?
Yes. Use seedance-2.5 in the Poyo.ai playground or asynchronous generation API.
Does Seedance 2.5 support 4K?
Not through the current Poyo production API. The verified output resolutions are 480p and 720p. MiniMax H3 currently offers native 2K.
Which model supports longer videos?
Seedance 2.5 supports 4-30 seconds, while MiniMax H3 supports 5-15 seconds.