MAI Image 2.6 Flash
Microsoft · AI imageMAI-Image-2.6 Flash is Microsoft AI's lower-latency, lower-cost member of the MAI-Image-2.6 family. It targets high-throughput production image generation and editing at quality comparable to the precision tier, with support for multi-reference generation and common aspect ratios including 9:16.
On VidMachine it runs through OpenRouter and is billed at 5 credits per image.
Key features and benefits
Fast production stills
Built for latency-sensitive workflows—scene start frames, thumbnails, and high-volume iteration—while staying in the MAI Image family aesthetic.
Multi-reference continuity
Attach up to five reference images with your prompt for generation and continuity. VidMachine passes project and segment references when available.
Aspect ratios
Supports 1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16, 3:2, and 2:3. VidMachine defaults to 9:16 for shorts and start frames.
OpenRouter routing
Runs only through OpenRouter on VidMachine (not Replicate). Requires OPENROUTER_API_KEY; billing uses VidMachine credits.
Technical specifications
ProviderMicrosoft AI (Azure)
OpenRouter modelmicrosoft/mai-image-2.6-flash
Aspect ratios1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16, 3:2, 2:3
Reference imagesUp to 5
Credits5 per image
Use cases and applications
Use MAI Image 2.6 Flash when you want Microsoft image quality at a lower credit cost for volume scene stills and start frames.
Prefer it for throughput-heavy pipelines; MAI Image 2.5 remains available if already selected on a project.
Why this model
Choose 2.6 Flash for cheaper, faster MAI generation with native vertical ratios and multi-reference continuity.
MAI Image 2.5 is retired from new selection but still runs on projects that already use it.
How VidMachine uses it
Internal model id: mai-image-2-6-flash. Generation uses the OpenRouter Images API (POST /api/v1/images) with aspect_ratio (default 9:16).
Up to five reference images are sent as input_references when available.
Billed at 5 credits per generated image.
What you should know
How is this different from MAI Image 2.5?
2.6 Flash is the newer, lower-latency / lower-cost MAI tier on OpenRouter. On VidMachine it costs 5 credits per image. MAI Image 2.5 is hidden from new selection but still works if already chosen.
Does it support 9:16?
Yes. VidMachine uses 9:16 by default for scene and start-frame generation.
How much does MAI Image 2.6 Flash cost?
5 credits per generated image on VidMachine.