Nano Banana Pro Batch Discount: Complete Guide to 50% API Savings (2025)

Yes, there is a batch discount for Nano Banana Pro API. Google offers a 50% reduction through their Batch API, cutting the standard $0.134 per image down to $0.067. This discount applies to all resolutions—including 4K generation, which drops from $0.24 to $0.12 per image. The trade-off is asynchronous processing with delivery windows up to 24 hours, though results typically arrive within 2-6 hours.

Beyond the official batch discount, additional savings options exist. Enterprise volume commitments can unlock 10-40% additional discounts, while third-party providers offer flat-rate pricing as low as $0.05 per image regardless of resolution. This guide covers every discount option available, how to implement them, and which approach makes sense for different use cases.

1. Understanding the Batch API

The Nano Banana Pro Batch API represents Google's solution for high-volume image generation at reduced cost. Rather than processing requests synchronously with immediate responses, the batch system queues your jobs and processes them during optimal resource availability windows. This efficiency allows Google to offer the same output quality at half the price.

The fundamental difference lies in processing expectations. Standard API calls return results within 8-20 seconds, making them suitable for interactive applications where users wait for outputs. Batch processing targets a 24-hour completion window—though in practice, jobs frequently complete within 2-6 hours—making it ideal for background content creation, overnight processing runs, or scheduled asset production where immediate results aren't required.

From a technical perspective, batch requests use Vertex AI's batch prediction endpoint rather than the standard online prediction API. The request format remains identical; only the endpoint changes. This means existing code requires minimal modification to capture batch savings. You submit requests through JSONL files uploaded to Google Cloud Storage, with support for batches up to 200,000 requests and files up to 2GB in size.

The Batch API supports all Nano Banana Pro capabilities including 4K resolution, text rendering, and multi-image composition. Output quality is identical to standard API calls—the only variable is delivery timing. For workflows that can accommodate flexible completion times, this represents the most straightforward path to 50% cost reduction through official Google channels.

2. Batch Discount Pricing Breakdown

Understanding the complete pricing structure helps identify the optimal approach for different volume levels. The batch discount applies uniformly across all resolution tiers, maintaining a consistent 50% reduction from standard rates.

The pricing uses a token-based calculation internally. Standard 1K/2K images consume 1,120 tokens at $120 per million tokens, while 4K images consume 2,000 tokens. Batch processing applies a flat 50% reduction to these rates regardless of image complexity or prompt length—the discount is straightforward and predictable.

For context on real-world savings, consider a team generating 1,000 images monthly at 2K resolution. Standard API pricing totals $134 per month. Switching entirely to batch processing reduces this to $67—saving $67 monthly or $804 annually from a simple workflow change. Scale this to 10,000 images and the annual savings reach $8,040.

The batch discount stacks with Google Cloud's free tier credits. New accounts receive $300 in credits valid for 90 days, which can cover approximately 4,500 batch-processed 2K images or 2,500 batch-processed 4K images during the evaluation period.

For detailed per-image pricing across all resolutions, see our Nano Banana Pro API pricing guide.

3. How to Use the Batch API

Implementing batch processing requires minimal code changes from standard API usage. The key difference is submitting requests through Vertex AI's batch prediction infrastructure rather than real-time endpoints.

Here's a working Python implementation for batch image generation:

hljs python复制
# Nano Banana Pro Batch API Implementation
# Achieves 50% discount through asynchronous processing

from google.cloud import storage
from google.cloud import aiplatform
import json

def create_batch_request(prompts: list, output_bucket: str):
    """
    Submit batch image generation requests for 50% discount
    Processing typically completes within 2-6 hours (max 24 hours)
    """

    # Prepare JSONL batch file
    batch_requests = []
    for i, prompt in enumerate(prompts):
        request = {
            "custom_id": f"image_{i}",
            "model": "gemini-3-pro-image-preview",
            "contents": [{"parts": [{"text": prompt}]}],
            "generationConfig": {
                "responseModalities": ["IMAGE"],
                "imageConfig": {
                    "aspectRatio": "1:1",
                    "imageSize": "2K"
                }
            }
        }
        batch_requests.append(json.dumps(request))

    # Upload to Cloud Storage
    client = storage.Client()
    bucket = client.bucket(output_bucket)
    blob = bucket.blob("batch_requests.jsonl")
    blob.upload_from_string("\n".join(batch_requests))

    # Submit batch job
    aiplatform.init(project="your-project-id", location="us-central1")

    batch_job = aiplatform.BatchPredictionJob.create(
        job_display_name="nano-banana-batch",
        model_name="publishers/google/models/gemini-3-pro-image-preview",
        gcs_source=f"gs://{output_bucket}/batch_requests.jsonl",
        gcs_destination_prefix=f"gs://{output_bucket}/results/",
    )

    return batch_job.resource_name

# Example: Generate 100 images at $6.70 (vs $13.40 standard)
prompts = [f"Professional product photo #{i}" for i in range(100)]
job_id = create_batch_request(prompts, "my-batch-bucket")
print(f"Batch job submitted: {job_id}")
# Cost: $0.067 × 100 = $6.70 (50% savings)

The batch workflow follows these steps: prepare your prompts as JSONL, upload to Cloud Storage, submit the batch job, and poll for completion. Results appear in your specified output bucket as base64-encoded image data. For complete API documentation and additional examples, refer to our Nano Banana Pro API documentation guide.

4. Enterprise Volume Discounts

Beyond the standard 50% batch discount, Google offers additional pricing tiers for high-volume enterprise customers. These discounts require direct engagement with Google Cloud sales and typically involve annual commitments with minimum spend guarantees.

Enterprise discount tiers scale with monthly commitment levels. Based on community reports and enterprise discussions, the structure approximately follows this pattern:

These enterprise rates combine with batch processing eligibility, meaning a company with a $100K monthly commitment using batch processing could achieve effective rates approaching $0.04 per image—a 70% reduction from list pricing.

Enterprise agreements typically include additional benefits beyond pricing: dedicated support engineers, custom SLAs with guaranteed uptime commitments, priority access during capacity constraints, and compliance certifications for regulated industries. For organizations processing millions of images monthly, these enterprise arrangements often represent the most cost-effective official Google pathway.

The qualification process requires contacting Google Cloud sales directly. Pricing isn't publicly listed, and rates are negotiated based on commitment level, use case, and strategic value to Google. Organizations seriously considering enterprise tiers should budget 4-8 weeks for the sales and contracting process.

5. Third-Party Alternatives

While Google's batch API offers substantial savings, third-party providers present an alternative approach—particularly valuable for users who need immediate responses rather than batch processing, or who prefer simpler pricing without enterprise negotiations.

laozhang.ai provides Nano Banana Pro access at $0.05 per image flat rate, regardless of resolution. This represents 63% savings versus standard 2K pricing and 79% savings versus official 4K rates. Unlike batch processing, responses are immediate—typically 8-20 seconds—making it suitable for interactive applications.

The technical implementation mirrors standard API usage with a different endpoint:

hljs python复制
# Third-Party API - Real-time at $0.05/image
import requests
import base64

API_KEY = "sk-YOUR_API_KEY"  # From laozhang.ai
API_URL = "https://api.laozhang.ai/v1beta/models/gemini-3-pro-image-preview:generateContent"

headers = {
    "Authorization": f"Bearer {API_KEY}",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

payload = {
    "contents": [{"parts": [{"text": "Professional product photography, studio lighting"}]}],
    "generationConfig": {
        "responseModalities": ["IMAGE"],
        "imageConfig": {"aspectRatio": "1:1", "imageSize": "2K"}
    }
}

response = requests.post(API_URL, headers=headers, json=payload, timeout=180)
image_data = response.json()["candidates"][0]["content"]["parts"][0]["inlineData"]["data"]

with open("output.png", "wb") as f:
    f.write(base64.b64decode(image_data))
# Cost: $0.05 per image, immediate delivery

The trade-off with third-party access is support structure. Official Google APIs include enterprise support, SLA guarantees, and direct escalation paths. Third-party providers typically offer self-service support models. For development, prototyping, and production workloads where enterprise support isn't critical, third-party pricing offers significant value.

For additional third-party options and detailed comparisons, see our Nano Banana Pro third-party API guide.

6. Choosing the Right Discount Option

The optimal discount strategy depends on three factors: volume requirements, timing constraints, and support needs. Different combinations point to different solutions.

Choose Standard API when:

• Volume is under 500 images monthly (discount impact minimal)
• Real-time generation is required for user-facing applications
• You need official Google support and SLA guarantees
• Budget allows $0.134/image for convenience

Choose Batch API when:

• Processing 1,000+ images monthly (meaningful savings)
• Results can wait 2-24 hours
• Workloads are predictable and schedulable
• You want official Google infrastructure with 50% savings

Choose Third-Party (laozhang.ai) when:

• Need real-time responses at volume pricing
• Budget sensitivity exceeds support requirements
• Already using third-party providers for other APIs
• Want flat-rate pricing regardless of resolution

Choose Enterprise Agreement when:

• Spending exceeds $25K monthly on image generation
• Require enterprise SLA and dedicated support
• Need compliance certifications (SOC2, HIPAA)
• Willing to commit annually for maximum discounts

A hybrid approach often proves most effective. Many production workflows route urgent, user-facing requests through standard or third-party APIs for immediate delivery, while queuing background asset generation—marketing materials, content libraries, training data—through batch processing to capture 50% savings on the bulk of volume.

7. FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Does the batch discount apply to 4K images?

Yes, the 50% batch discount applies uniformly to all resolutions. 4K images drop from $0.24 to $0.12 per image through batch processing. This makes batch processing particularly attractive for 4K workflows where the absolute savings per image is larger—$0.12 saved per 4K image versus $0.067 saved per 2K image.

How long does batch processing actually take?

Google targets 24-hour completion, but real-world processing typically finishes within 2-6 hours. The timing varies based on current system load and batch size. Jobs can expire if processing extends beyond 48 hours, though this is rare under normal conditions. For time-sensitive batches, submitting during off-peak hours (evenings, weekends) often yields faster completion.

Can I combine batch discount with enterprise discounts?

Yes, enterprise volume discounts stack with batch processing eligibility. A company with negotiated 30% enterprise pricing using batch processing would achieve an effective 65% total discount—30% from enterprise tier plus 50% from batch applied to the reduced rate. This is how the largest customers achieve sub-$0.04 per-image rates.

Is third-party API access reliable for production?

Third-party providers like laozhang.ai maintain production-grade infrastructure with high uptime. The key difference from official APIs is the support model—typically self-service rather than enterprise support agreements. For applications where cost savings outweigh the need for dedicated support contracts, third-party access is a viable production option used by many development teams.

What's the minimum volume for batch processing?

There's no minimum—you can submit a batch with a single image. However, the operational overhead of setting up batch jobs (Cloud Storage, JSONL preparation, result retrieval) means batch processing is most practical starting around 100+ images per job. Below that threshold, the complexity often outweighs the 50% savings unless you've automated the workflow.

8. Conclusion

Nano Banana Pro offers multiple discount pathways beyond standard pricing. The official Batch API delivers a straightforward 50% reduction at $0.067 per 2K image, requiring only asynchronous processing tolerance. Enterprise agreements unlock additional 10-40% discounts for high-commitment customers. Third-party providers offer immediate responses at $0.05 per image for cost-sensitive workloads.

For most users, the decision comes down to timing requirements. If batch processing's 2-24 hour delivery window fits your workflow, the official 50% discount represents the simplest optimization with full Google support. If real-time responses are essential but cost matters, third-party access through laozhang.ai at $0.05 per image delivers competitive pricing without the batch processing trade-off. For enterprise-scale operations exceeding $25K monthly, direct engagement with Google Cloud sales can unlock the deepest discounts—potentially approaching $0.03-0.04 per image with combined enterprise and batch pricing.

The most cost-effective approach often combines multiple options: batch processing for schedulable background work, standard or third-party APIs for real-time needs, and enterprise agreements once volume justifies the commitment. Understanding all available discounts—batch, enterprise, and third-party—enables informed decisions aligned with your specific volume, timing, and support requirements.

For additional cost optimization strategies and per-image pricing details, explore our Nano Banana Pro cost analysis guide.