Short answer
OpenRouter is removing ByteDance Seed 1.6 on November 11, 2026. Its model list API gives that expiration date for three models: bytedance-seed/seed-1.6, bytedance-seed/seed-1.6-flash and bytedance-seed/seed-2.0-code. OpenRouter hasn't published a reason. After that date, requests to those IDs will stop working.
You have two ways forward:
- Stay on OpenRouter with a newer Seed model it still lists:
seed-2.0-lite,seed-2.0-miniorseed-2-1-turbo. - Switch to TeamoRouter and call ByteDance's newer models, Doubao Seed 2.1 Pro (
doubao-seed-2.1-pro) and Doubao Seed 2.1 Lite (doubao-seed-2.1-lite), both with a 1M-token context. It's the same OpenAI-compatible API, so you change the base URL, the key and the model ID.
New accounts start with a $0 balance — top up before your first request. Top up from $5. If a request returns 402 (400 on the OpenAI format) with "wallet balance is insufficient", your balance is empty — your base URL and key are fine. Top up and retry.
Get an API key for Doubao Seed 2.1
What's being removed
From OpenRouter's model list, checked November 10, 2026:
| OpenRouter model ID | Expiration date |
|---|---|
bytedance-seed/seed-1.6 |
November 11, 2026 |
bytedance-seed/seed-1.6-flash |
November 11, 2026 |
bytedance-seed/seed-2.0-code |
November 11, 2026 |
bytedance-seed/seed-2.0-lite, seed-2.0-mini, seed-2-1-turbo |
No expiration listed |
Switch with a one-line change
Before (OpenRouter):
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(base_url="https://openrouter.ai/api/v1", api_key="sk-or-...")
resp = client.chat.completions.create(model="bytedance-seed/seed-1.6", messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}])
After (TeamoRouter):
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(base_url="https://api.teamorouter.com/v1", api_key="sk-teamo-your-key")
resp = client.chat.completions.create(
model="doubao-seed-2.1-pro", # or "doubao-seed-2.1-lite" for lighter calls
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}],
)
print(resp.choices[0].message.content)
Note the model IDs have no bytedance-seed/ prefix on TeamoRouter. More on moving code over: Migrate from OpenRouter.
Which model to pick
| You used | Try |
|---|---|
| Seed 1.6, Seed 2.0 Code | Doubao Seed 2.1 Pro (model page) |
| Seed 1.6 Flash | Doubao Seed 2.1 Lite (model page) |
Prices are on each model page and the pricing page. Run a few of your real prompts before moving production traffic: a newer model can answer differently from Seed 1.6.
FAQ
When does Seed 1.6 stop working on OpenRouter?
OpenRouter's model list sets the expiration date to November 11, 2026.
Why is OpenRouter removing it?
OpenRouter hasn't said. The model list only shows the expiration date.
Can I keep using the same code?
Yes. TeamoRouter speaks the same OpenAI-compatible API. Change the base URL, the key and the model ID.