xAI expanded its Grok Batch API to support image generation, image editing, and video generation alongside the existing chat completions. The update also introduces Grok 4.20, the latest generation of language models with 2 million token context windows.

What Happened

The Batch API previously only supported text-based chat completions. It now accepts mixed JSONL file uploads containing image generation, image editing, and video generation requests in a single batch. All batch requests run asynchronously within 24 hours and receive a 50% discount on standard API rates.

Image generation through Grok Imagine costs $0.02 per image at the standard tier and $0.07 per image at the pro tier. Video generation runs $0.05 per second. With the batch discount, those drop to $0.01, $0.035, and $0.025 respectively.

Why It Matters

Batch processing at half price makes Grok Imagine the most transparent cost option for high-volume creative production. A creator generating 1,000 product images through the batch API pays $10 at standard quality or $35 at pro quality, undercutting most competitors on per-unit pricing.

The ability to mix text, image, and video requests in a single batch file simplifies workflows that need multiple output types. A social media team could submit copy, thumbnails, and short video clips in one request rather than managing separate API calls.

Key Details

  • Batch API now supports image generation, editing, and video in mixed JSONL uploads
  • Image: $0.02/image standard, $0.07/image pro (50% off in batch)
  • Video: $0.05/second (50% off in batch)
  • Grok 4.20 models: 2 million token context, reasoning and non-reasoning variants
  • Generated image and video URLs expire after 1 hour, requiring immediate download
  • Full model list at docs.x.ai

What to Do Next

Developers can access the Batch API through xAI's Files API endpoint. Upload a JSONL file with your image, video, and text requests, then poll for results. The 1-hour URL expiration on generated assets means you need to build an automatic download step into any production pipeline. Check the full pricing breakdown to compare costs against your current image and video generation provider.