Seedance 2.0 vs Kling 3.0 vs Sora 2 vs Veo 3.1: The Ultimate Video Generation Comparison

The AI video generation landscape has reached a new level of maturity with four models competing for the lead: Seedance 2.0 from ByteDance, Kling 3.0 from Kuaishou, Sora 2 from OpenAI, and Veo 3.1 from Google. Each takes a fundamentally different approach to video generation—from multimodal control to physics simulation to cinematic quality. This comparison breaks down where each model excels and which one fits your workflow.

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Seedance 2.0	Kling 3.0	Sora 2	Veo 3.1
Developer	ByteDance	Kuaishou	OpenAI	Google
Max Duration	15s	10s	12s	8s
Max Resolution	1080p	1080p	1080p	1080p
Native Audio	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Image Inputs	Up to 9	1-2	1	1-2
Video Inputs	Up to 3	No	No	1-2
Audio Inputs	Up to 3	No	No	No
Key Strength	Multimodal control	Motion quality	Physics accuracy	Cinematic quality
API Availability	Full	Full	Limited	Full

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Seedance 2.0: The Multimodal Director

ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0 represents a paradigm shift in video generation. Rather than relying on text prompts alone, it accepts images, videos, audio, and text as inputs—giving creators unprecedented control over every aspect of generation.

Key Specifications

• Max Duration: 15 seconds (4-15s selectable)
• Resolution: Up to 1080p
• Inputs: 9 images + 3 videos + 3 audio files + text (12 files max)
• Audio: Native sound effects, music, and dialogue
• Frame Rate: 24fps

Unique Capabilities

Multimodal Reference System

Seedance 2.0’s defining feature is its ability to extract and combine elements from multiple reference files:

@Image1 as the character, reference @Video1 for camera movement,
use @Audio1 for background rhythm, @Image2 for the environment

No other model offers this level of compositional control.

Motion and Camera Replication

Upload a reference video and Seedance 2.0 extracts:

• Camera movements (dolly, orbit, tracking)
• Action choreography
• Editing rhythm and pacing
• Visual effects and transitions

Video Editing

Modify existing videos without regenerating from scratch:

• Character replacement
• Scene extension
• Style transfer
• Narrative changes

Template Replication

Reference an advertisement, film clip, or creative template—Seedance 2.0 replicates the style with your content.

Strengths

• Unmatched control: The @ reference system allows precise direction
• Creative flexibility: Combine multiple modalities in one generation
• Longest duration: 15 seconds beats most competitors
• Production workflows: Edit and extend existing content
• Beat-synced editing: Generate music-video-style cuts

Limitations

• Complexity: More inputs means more to manage
• Learning curve: Mastering the @ system takes practice
• Reference-dependent: Best results require good reference materials

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "bytedance/seedance-v2.0/multimodal",
    {
        "prompt": "@Image1 as first frame, reference @Video1 camera movement",
        "images": ["https://example.com/character.jpg"],
        "videos": ["https://example.com/reference.mp4"],
        "duration": 10
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Kling 3.0: The Motion Master

Kuaishou’s Kling 3.0 builds on its predecessor’s reputation for exceptionally smooth, natural motion. While it lacks Seedance 2.0’s multimodal inputs, it excels at generating physically plausible movement from simple prompts.

Key Specifications

• Max Duration: 10 seconds
• Resolution: Up to 1080p at 30fps
• Inputs: Text + optional image(s)
• Audio: Native generation with dialogue support
• Modes: Text-to-video, Image-to-video, Motion Brush

Unique Capabilities

Motion Brush

Kling 3.0’s motion brush allows users to paint motion paths directly onto source images, specifying exactly where and how elements should move.

Professional Mode

A dedicated mode for complex prompts that processes longer and delivers higher fidelity results.

Multi-Subject Handling

Strong performance with multiple characters interacting in the same scene, maintaining distinct identities and natural interactions.

Strengths

• Natural motion: Industry-leading smoothness and physical accuracy
• Simple workflow: Straightforward prompt-to-video without reference complexity
• Asian content: Particularly strong with Asian subjects and environments
• Consistent quality: Reliable output across different prompt types
• Motion Brush: Unique tool for precise motion control
• Fast iteration: Quick generation times enable rapid prototyping

Limitations

• No video reference: Cannot learn motion from reference videos
• No audio input: Cannot sync to uploaded audio
• Shorter duration: 10 seconds vs 15 for Seedance 2.0
• Less compositional control: Fewer inputs means less precision

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "kuaishou/kling-3.0/text-to-video",
    {
        "prompt": "A dancer performs fluid movements in a sunlit studio, camera slowly orbiting",
        "duration": 10
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Sora 2: The Physics Engine

OpenAI’s Sora 2 remains the benchmark for physics-accurate video generation. Objects move with realistic weight, momentum, and collision—making it the choice for content where physical plausibility is critical.

Key Specifications

• Max Duration: 12 seconds (4s, 8s, or 12s tiers)
• Resolution: Up to 1080p
• Inputs: Text + optional image
• Audio: Comprehensive (dialogue, foley, ambient)
• Frame Rate: Variable (24-30fps)

Unique Capabilities

Physics Simulation

Sora 2’s understanding of physical laws is unmatched:

• Gravity and momentum
• Collision and deformation
• Fluid dynamics
• Material properties

Temporal Consistency

Objects maintain identity across the entire video—no morphing, no disappearing, no flickering.

Comprehensive Audio

Single-pass generation of:

• Lip-synced dialogue
• Sound effects tied to actions
• Ambient environmental audio
• Background music

Storyboard Mode

Generate sequential scenes that maintain character and style consistency across multiple clips.

Strengths

• Physics accuracy: The most realistic motion and interaction
• Temporal stability: Objects don’t morph or disappear
• Complete audio: Dialogue, effects, and ambient in one pass
• Quality benchmark: The reference standard for evaluation
• 3D understanding: Infers depth and parallax from 2D images

Limitations

• Limited API access: Restricted availability compared to alternatives
• Premium pricing: 2x the cost of most competitors
• Fixed duration tiers: Only 4s, 8s, or 12s—no granular control
• Slower generation: Higher quality takes longer
• No multimodal reference: Cannot reference existing videos or audio

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "openai/sora-2/text-to-video",
    {
        "prompt": "A glass marble rolls across a wooden table, bounces off a book, and falls to the floor with realistic physics",
        "duration": 8
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Veo 3.1: The Cinematographer

Google’s Veo 3.1 prioritizes cinematic quality—the kind of polished, broadcast-ready output you’d expect from professional production.

Key Specifications

• Max Duration: 8 seconds (4s, 6s, or 8s tiers)
• Resolution: 1080p native
• Frame Rate: 24fps (cinema standard)
• Inputs: Text + optional images
• Audio: Native support (ambient, dialogue, music)

Unique Capabilities

Cinematic Quality

Veo 3.1’s output has a distinct “film” quality:

• Natural color grading
• Professional depth of field
• Realistic lighting transitions
• Cinema-standard 24fps

Frame Interpolation

Supports two-frame steering—provide start and end frames for controlled transitions.

Contextual Understanding

Strong interpretation of both image content and prompt intent, resulting in coherent scene construction.

Strengths

• Broadcast quality: Output looks professionally produced
• True 24fps: Cinema-standard frame rate
• High fidelity: Exceptional detail and realism
• Google ecosystem: Integration with other Google AI tools
• Reliable API: Consistent access and performance

Limitations

• Shortest duration: 8 seconds maximum
• Highest cost: Premium pricing, especially with audio
• Fixed tiers: Only 4, 6, or 8 second options
• Longer generation: 2-3 minutes for 8s at 1080p
• No multimodal reference: Text and image only

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "google/veo3.1/text-to-video",
    {
        "prompt": "Cinematic shot of morning light streaming through forest canopy, camera gently rising",
        "duration": 6
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Head-to-Head Comparisons

Input Flexibility

Model	Text	Images	Videos	Audio
Seedance 2.0	Yes	Up to 9	Up to 3	Up to 3
Kling 3.0	Yes	1-2	No	No
Sora 2	Yes	1	No	No
Veo 3.1	Yes	1-2	No	No

Winner: Seedance 2.0 — The only model accepting video and audio as reference inputs.

Duration Capabilities

Model	Max Duration	Control Granularity
Seedance 2.0	15s	User-selectable 4-15s
Sora 2	12s	Fixed tiers (4/8/12s)
Kling 3.0	10s	Flexible
Veo 3.1	8s	Fixed tiers (4/6/8s)

Winner: Seedance 2.0 — Longest duration with flexible control.

Motion and Physics

Model	Motion Quality	Physics Accuracy	Temporal Consistency
Sora 2	Excellent	Best	Excellent
Kling 3.0	Excellent	Very Good	Very Good
Veo 3.1	Very Good	Good	Excellent
Seedance 2.0	Very Good	Good	Very Good

Winner: Sora 2 — Unmatched physics simulation and consistency.

Cinematic Quality

Model	Visual Polish	Color Grading	Professional Feel
Veo 3.1	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Sora 2	Excellent	Very Good	Very Good
Seedance 2.0	Very Good	Good	Good
Kling 3.0	Very Good	Good	Good

Winner: Veo 3.1 — Broadcast-ready output with cinema-standard frame rate.

Audio Capabilities

Model	Dialogue	Sound Effects	Music	Custom Audio Input
Seedance 2.0	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (upload)
Sora 2	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Veo 3.1	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Kling 3.0	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Winner: Seedance 2.0 — Only model supporting audio reference input.

Creative Control

Model	Reference System	Motion Brush	Video Editing	Template Replication
Seedance 2.0	@ mentions (12 files)	No	Yes	Yes
Kling 3.0	Basic	Yes	Limited	No
Sora 2	Basic	No	Remix mode	Limited
Veo 3.1	Two-frame	No	No	No

Winner: Seedance 2.0 — The @ reference system provides unmatched compositional control.

Cost Efficiency (10s, 1080p, with audio)

Model	Approximate Cost	Value Rating
Seedance 2.0	~$0.60	Good
Kling 3.0	~$0.50	Very Good
Sora 2	~$1.00	Moderate
Veo 3.1	~$2.50	Low

Winner: Kling 3.0 — Best value for straightforward generation.

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Use Case Recommendations

Choose Seedance 2.0 if:

• You need to reference existing videos for motion or style
• Audio synchronization is important (beat-synced content)
• You’re editing or extending existing video content
• You want to replicate a specific template or creative style
• Complex multi-asset compositions are your workflow
• Longer duration (10-15s) is required
• You have specific reference materials to leverage

Best for: Advertising agencies, content remixing, music videos, template-based production, video editing workflows.

Choose Kling 3.0 if:

• Simple prompt-to-video workflow is preferred
• Natural motion quality is the priority
• Asian subjects and content are the focus
• Rapid iteration and prototyping is needed
• Cost efficiency matters
• Motion Brush control is valuable
• You don’t need reference video inputs

Best for: Social media content, quick concept visualization, Asian market content, budget-conscious production.

Choose Sora 2 if:

• Physics accuracy is non-negotiable
• Temporal consistency is critical (no morphing/flickering)
• Comprehensive audio in one pass is needed
• Quality benchmark is the goal
• The content involves complex physical interactions
• Budget is less constrained

Best for: Product demonstrations, scientific visualization, premium commercial production, action sequences.

Choose Veo 3.1 if:

• Cinematic, broadcast-quality output is required
• True 24fps cinema standard matters
• Visual polish is the top priority
• Shorter clips (under 8s) fit your workflow
• Google ecosystem integration is valuable
• Premium quality justifies premium cost

Best for: Film production, broadcast content, high-end commercials, professional cinematography.

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The Verdict: Different Tools for Different Jobs

Unlike previous generations where one model clearly led, these four represent genuine specialization:

Model	Core Strength	Trade-off
Seedance 2.0	Control	Complexity
Kling 3.0	Simplicity	Less control
Sora 2	Physics	Cost and access
Veo 3.1	Cinematic quality	Duration and cost

For maximum creative control: Seedance 2.0’s multimodal reference system is unmatched. If you have specific reference materials—a motion style to replicate, a rhythm to sync to, a template to follow—no other model comes close.

For straightforward generation: Kling 3.0 delivers excellent results from simple prompts without the complexity of managing multiple reference files.

For physical realism: Sora 2 remains the benchmark. When objects need to move with convincing weight and momentum, it’s the choice.

For cinematic polish: Veo 3.1 produces the most broadcast-ready output with its cinema-standard frame rate and professional color science.

The right choice depends on your specific workflow. Many production teams use multiple models—Seedance 2.0 for template-based work and remixing, Kling 3.0 for rapid prototyping, and Sora 2 or Veo 3.1 for final high-quality deliverables.

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Try These Models on WaveSpeedAI

All four models are available through the WaveSpeedAI API:

• Seedance 2.0
• Kling 3.0
• Sora 2
• Veo 3.1