ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant that owns TikTok, has launched a new AI video generator called Seedance 2.0. The company says it marks a major leap in how realistic AI-made videos can look and sound.
Within hours of its release, the tool was praised for its quality but also criticised by Hollywood’s Motion Picture Association (MPA) over copyright concerns.
What is Seedance 2.0, and why is it different?
Seedance 2.0 is an artificial intelligence system that creates videos using multiple types of input. Unlike older AI tools that mostly relied on short text prompts, this model can combine text, images, video clips and audio files, according to Forbes.
ALSO READ | Who is Rishab Rikhiram Sharma? The ‘Shiv Kailash’ sitarist facing questions over his Ravi Shankar connection
Users can upload multiple references at once. The AI then blends them into a single, polished video, the outlet further said in its report. In simple terms, it works more like a digital director than a basic prompt-based generator.
The company claims the tool fixes common problems seen in earlier AI videos, such as unrealistic movement, floating objects and awkward physics. Demo clips show figure skaters performing complex jumps with natural motion, fabric moving correctly while someone hangs laundry and lighting shifting realistically. The audio also appears closely synced to the action.
Truth is, game was rigged from the start.
— Tyyle (@tyyleai) February 15, 2026
Seedance 2.0 Omni Ref pic.twitter.com/S0hN9SaG1W
Why is Hollywood raising concerns?
Seedance 2.0 allows users to upload references like paintings for visual style, dance clips for movement or soundtracks for mood. This added control could help advertising agencies, gaming studios, social media creators and independent filmmakers cut production time and costs.
However, the Motion Picture Association criticised the tool, warning it could lead to large-scale copyright infringement. Soon after launch, social media users posted AI-generated clips referencing famous franchises such as Spider-Man, Titanic and Lord of the Rings. One widely shared clip showed actors resembling Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a rooftop fight scene.
The debate echoes concerns raised during the release of OpenAI’s Sora model last year. Supporters say tools like Seedance 2.0 democratise filmmaking, while critics fear disruption to creative industries and copyright violations.
