Hollywood isn't happy about the new Seedance 2.0 video generator | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Anthony Ha

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Hollywood is showing strong opposition to ByteDance’s new AI video generator, Seedance 2.0, which has quickly gained notoriety for enabling copyright infringement. The Chinese company, known for its ownership of TikTok’s U.S. operations, launched the tool earlier this week. Similar to OpenAI’s Sora, Seedance allows users to create short videos (currently limited to 15 seconds) using text prompts. However, the lack of safeguards against unauthorized use of real people’s likenesses and intellectual property has sparked significant backlash from Hollywood studios and unions. The Motion Picture Association and other major Hollywood groups have condemned Seedance 2.0, accusing ByteDance of disregarding established copyright laws that protect creators and sustain millions of jobs. The Human Artistry Campaign, supported by Hollywood unions, called the tool an “attack on creators worldwide,” while SAG-AFTRA described it as enabling “blatant infringement.” Studios like Disney have taken legal action, with reports indicating they sent cease-and-desist letters accusing ByteDance of reproducing and distributing their characters without authorization. Despite Hollywood’s pushback, ByteDance appears to be moving forward with its global rollout. The tool is already available to Chinese users through Jianying and will soon launch on CapCut globally. While Disney has shown willingness to collaborate with AI companies—having signed a licensing deal with OpenAI—they view ByteDance’s actions as problematic, likening them to a “smash-and-grab” of their intellectual property. The controversy highlights the broader challenges AI tools pose to copyright laws and creative industries. As Seedance 2.0 gains traction, it raises questions about how tech companies can balance innovation with respect for existing IP rights. This legal battle between Hollywood studios and ByteDance could set a precedent for future AI-driven technologies, shaping the relationship between creativity and technology in the entertainment industry.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/14/2026