Keeping a consistent style in Seedance: references and a recurring character

The main problem when generating a video series is inconsistency: in every clip the character, color and light come out slightly different. Seedance solves this with references: you fix the look, style and motion once, and the model carries them into all subsequent shots.

Locking the character and product

Upload one or two images of the character or product and mention them in the prompt as @Image1. The model will keep the appearance from those files instead of inventing it anew in every clip. For product series this gives the same product in every shot — no "drifting" packaging or color.

Transferring style and motion

Style is set by a reference clip: upload a short video with the color grade, lighting or shooting manner you want and mention @Video1. The model takes the visual signature from it and applies it to the new scene. That way a series gets a common tone even when the stories differ.

Building a single reference set

It is convenient to prepare a "style pack" once: an image of the character, an image of the environment and a short clip with the camera motion you want. Then in every new request you just attach this pack and change only the text prompt. The result is a series that looks like one project.

A practical example

Say you run a blog with a recurring host. Upload their photo as @Image1, a clip with your signature camera move as @Video1, and write: "@Image1 — the host, @Video1 — the shooting style, scene: the host talks about a new product at the desk." Every new clip keeps both the face and the shooting manner. You can try it on the Seedance 2.5 page.

FAQ

How many references do I need for a stable style?

2–4 files are usually enough: the character, the environment and one clip with motion or lighting.

Are references mandatory?

No, but without them the model regenerates the style every time and the series comes out inconsistent.

Can I change the style between clips?

Yes, just attach a different reference set — the model switches to the new style.