Volcengine, ByteDance’s cloud and AI services platform, has launched the Seedance Premium AI Drama Incentive Program, according to ifeng.com Tech in a report cited by ChainCatcher on Oct. 19. The program offers funding incentives for premium AI animated short dramas made with Seedance and released on the Hongguo Short Drama app.
Eligibility and production requirements
The program does not cover live-action productions with real actors. It is limited to AI-generated formats, including AI animated dramas and AI simulated live-action dramas. Submitted video content must be produced entirely with Seedance, and Seedance 2.5 must account for more than 50% of total usage. Works created through either APIs or tool platforms are eligible.
To apply, a project must rank in the Top 50 AI dramas for the application month based on Hongguo popularity scores and must also pass review. Applicants may be either companies or individuals, and they are required to ensure that all submitted information is true and complete.
Incentive tiers and payout structure
The monthly incentive is divided into three tiers:
- No. 1 to No. 10: 200,000 yuan per title
- No. 11 to No. 20: 100,000 yuan per title
- No. 21 to No. 50: 50,000 yuan per title
The payout structure is 50% cash and 50% equivalent vouchers. At the time of application, applicants can choose one of three voucher options: equivalent Volcengine Ark API tokens, equivalent access rights to "JuChuang," or equivalent access rights to the "Manju Creation Tool."
Verification and deadline
Selected works must cooperate with verification of both the project and its generation records. If necessary, applicants must submit original generated materials. Any work that fails verification or involves false declarations will lose eligibility for the incentive.
The deadline for the first round of applications is Jan. 31, 2027.