diff --git a/crates/api_clients/higgsfield_client/src/error/higgsfield_error.rs b/crates/api_clients/higgsfield_client/src/error/higgsfield_error.rs
index 58b36f5f..345d1f64 100644
--- a/crates/api_clients/higgsfield_client/src/error/higgsfield_error.rs
+++ b/crates/api_clients/higgsfield_client/src/error/higgsfield_error.rs
@@ -69,6 +69,21 @@ impl HiggsfieldError {
     }
   }
 
+  /// The server refused a job because a referenced media input is unknown
+  /// or unusable (`404 "Media input not found"` and its 400/422 cousins).
+  /// Happens when a previously uploaded reference has since been deleted or
+  /// flagged: forget the cached upload and upload afresh.
+  pub fn is_media_input_rejected(&self) -> bool {
+    let text = match self {
+      Self::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::NotFound { raw_http_body }) => raw_http_body,
+      Self::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::BadRequest { reason, .. }) => reason,
+      Self::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::UnprocessableEntity { reason, .. }) => reason,
+      _ => return false,
+    };
+    let text = text.to_ascii_lowercase();
+    text.contains("media") && (text.contains("not found") || text.contains("input"))
+  }
+
   /// Whether the session itself is the problem (expired token, dead session,
   /// bot protection, unusable cookies) — some form of re-authentication is
   /// needed before retrying. Union of [`Self::is_token_rejected`],
@@ -121,6 +136,18 @@ mod tests {
     assert!(timed_out.user_facing_rejection().unwrap().contains("didn't finish in time"));
   }
 
+  #[test]
+  fn media_input_rejections_are_recognised_by_status_and_body() {
+    let not_found = HiggsfieldError::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::NotFound { raw_http_body: r#"{"detail":"Media input not found"}"#.to_string() });
+    assert!(not_found.is_media_input_rejected());
+    let unprocessable = HiggsfieldError::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::UnprocessableEntity { reason: "Invalid media input".to_string(), raw_http_body: String::new() });
+    assert!(unprocessable.is_media_input_rejected());
+    let job_missing = HiggsfieldError::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::NotFound { raw_http_body: r#"{"detail":"Job not found"}"#.to_string() });
+    assert!(!job_missing.is_media_input_rejected(), "a missing job is not a media problem");
+    let dead = HiggsfieldError::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::NoActiveSession { raw_http_body: String::new() });
+    assert!(!dead.is_media_input_rejected());
+  }
+
   #[test]
   fn other_errors_are_not_user_facing_rejections() {
     let dead = HiggsfieldError::Api(HiggsfieldApiError::NoActiveSession { raw_http_body: String::new() });
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/common/higgsfield_generation.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/common/higgsfield_generation.rs
index 179c6b04..c317a600 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/common/higgsfield_generation.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/common/higgsfield_generation.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ use std::collections::HashMap;
 
 use artcraft_client::utils::api_host::ApiHost;
 use log::{error, info, warn};
-use router::api::asset_upload_cache::AssetUploadCache;
 use router::client::router_client::RouterClient;
 use router::client::router_higgsfield_client::RouterHiggsfieldClient;
 use router::errors::artcraft_router_error::ArtcraftRouterError;
@@ -16,16 +15,23 @@ use router::errors::provider_error::ProviderError;
 use router::generate::generate_image::generate_image_request_builder::GenerateImageRequestBuilder;
 use router::generate::generate_image::generate_image_response::GenerateImageResponse;
 use router::generate::generate_image::image_generation_draft_context::ImageGenerationDraftContext;
+use router::generate::generate_image::image_generation_draft::ImageGenerationDraftRequest;
 use router::generate::generate_image::image_generation_draft_or_request::ImageGenerationDraftOrRequest;
+use router::generate::generate_image::image_generation_request::ImageGenerationRequest;
 use router::generate::generate_video::generate_video_request_builder::GenerateVideoRequestBuilder;
 use router::generate::generate_video::generate_video_response::GenerateVideoResponse;
 use router::generate::generate_video::video_generation_draft_context::VideoGenerationDraftContext;
+use router::generate::generate_video::video_generation_draft::VideoGenerationDraftRequest;
 use router::generate::generate_video::video_generation_draft_or_request::VideoGenerationDraftOrRequest;
+use router::generate::generate_video::video_generation_request::VideoGenerationRequest;
 use sqlite_identifiers::ids::media_file_token::MediaFileToken;
+use tauri::AppHandle;
 
 use crate::commands::generate::generate_error::{CredentialProblemReason, GenerateError};
 use crate::commands::generate::generate_image::utils::map_media_files_to_urls::map_media_file_tokens_to_cdn_urls;
 use crate::credentials::auth_credential::AuthCredential;
+use crate::services::asset_uploads::asset_upload_ledger::AccountUploadCache;
+use crate::services::higgsfield::higgsfield_upload_notices::HiggsfieldUploadNotices;
 use crate::services::higgsfield::higgsfield_session_from_credential::higgsfield_session_from_credential;
 
 /// Batch job ids are stored on the task as one comma-separated
@@ -94,73 +100,140 @@ pub async fn higgsfield_media_url_map(tokens: &[MediaFileToken]) -> Result<HashM
 }
 
 /// Build, finalize (uploading references) and send an image request.
+///
+/// References the account already uploaded are reused from the ledger. If
+/// Higgsfield then rejects the job because a reused media id is no good
+/// (deleted or flagged since), those ledger entries are dropped and the
+/// request is finalized and sent once more with fresh uploads.
 pub async fn send_higgsfield_image_request(
+  maybe_app: Option<&AppHandle>,
   credential: &AuthCredential,
   builder: GenerateImageRequestBuilder,
   client: &RouterClient,
   media_url_map: &HashMap<MediaFileToken, String>,
-  upload_cache: &dyn AssetUploadCache,
+  upload_cache: &AccountUploadCache,
 ) -> Result<GenerateImageResponse, GenerateError> {
-  let request = match builder.build2().map_err(|err| {
+  let draft = match builder.build2().map_err(|err| {
     warn!("Could not build Higgsfield image request: {:?}", err);
     GenerateError::from(err)
   })? {
-    ImageGenerationDraftOrRequest::Request(request) => request,
-    ImageGenerationDraftOrRequest::Draft(draft) => {
-      info!("Higgsfield image request has references; uploading them first");
-      let context = ImageGenerationDraftContext {
-        client: Some(client),
-        media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(media_url_map),
-        asset_upload_cache: Some(upload_cache),
-      };
-      draft.finalize(context).await.map_err(|err| {
-        warn!("Could not upload references to Higgsfield: {:?}", err);
-        higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err)
-      })?
+    ImageGenerationDraftOrRequest::Request(request) => {
+      return request.send_request(client).await
+          .map_err(|err| higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err));
     }
+    ImageGenerationDraftOrRequest::Draft(draft) => draft,
   };
 
-  request.send_request(client).await.map_err(|err| {
-    warn!("Higgsfield image generation failed: {:?}", err);
+  info!("Higgsfield image request has references; uploading them first");
+  // Reuse flashes a notice; a real upload keeps a progress toast up until
+  // `notices` drops at the end of this function (retry included).
+  let notices = HiggsfieldUploadNotices::new(maybe_app);
+  let request = finalize_image_draft(credential, draft.clone(), client, media_url_map, upload_cache, &notices).await?;
+  match request.send_request(client).await {
+    Ok(response) => Ok(response),
+    Err(err) if should_retry_with_fresh_uploads(&err, upload_cache) => {
+      let forgotten = upload_cache.forget_reused().await;
+      warn!("Higgsfield rejected reused reference media ({:?}); forgot {} ledger entries and uploading afresh", err, forgotten);
+      let request = finalize_image_draft(credential, draft, client, media_url_map, upload_cache, &notices).await?;
+      request.send_request(client).await
+          .map_err(|err| higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err))
+    }
+    Err(err) => Err(higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err)),
+  }
+}
+
+async fn finalize_image_draft(
+  credential: &AuthCredential,
+  draft: ImageGenerationDraftRequest,
+  client: &RouterClient,
+  media_url_map: &HashMap<MediaFileToken, String>,
+  upload_cache: &AccountUploadCache,
+  notices: &HiggsfieldUploadNotices,
+) -> Result<ImageGenerationRequest, GenerateError> {
+  let context = ImageGenerationDraftContext {
+    client: Some(client),
+    media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(media_url_map),
+    asset_upload_cache: Some(upload_cache),
+    asset_upload_observer: Some(notices),
+  };
+  draft.finalize(context).await.map_err(|err| {
+    warn!("Could not upload references to Higgsfield: {:?}", err);
     higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err)
   })
 }
 
 /// Build, finalize (uploading keyframes and references) and send a video
-/// request.
+/// request. Reused uploads that Higgsfield rejects at enqueue time are
+/// forgotten and uploaded afresh, once — see [`send_higgsfield_image_request`].
 pub async fn send_higgsfield_video_request(
+  maybe_app: Option<&AppHandle>,
   credential: &AuthCredential,
   builder: GenerateVideoRequestBuilder,
   client: &RouterClient,
   media_url_map: &HashMap<MediaFileToken, String>,
-  upload_cache: &dyn AssetUploadCache,
+  upload_cache: &AccountUploadCache,
 ) -> Result<GenerateVideoResponse, GenerateError> {
-  let request = match builder.build2().map_err(|err| {
+  let draft = match builder.build2().map_err(|err| {
     warn!("Could not build Higgsfield video request: {:?}", err);
     GenerateError::from(err)
   })? {
-    VideoGenerationDraftOrRequest::Request(request) => request,
-    VideoGenerationDraftOrRequest::Draft(draft) => {
-      info!("Higgsfield video request has media; uploading it first");
-      let context = VideoGenerationDraftContext {
-        client: Some(client),
-        media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(media_url_map),
-        character_token_to_kinovi_id_map: None,
-        asset_upload_cache: Some(upload_cache),
-      };
-      draft.finalize(context).await.map_err(|err| {
-        warn!("Could not upload media to Higgsfield: {:?}", err);
-        higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err)
-      })?
+    VideoGenerationDraftOrRequest::Request(request) => {
+      return request.send_request(client).await
+          .map_err(|err| higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err));
     }
+    VideoGenerationDraftOrRequest::Draft(draft) => draft,
   };
 
-  request.send_request(client).await.map_err(|err| {
-    warn!("Higgsfield video generation failed: {:?}", err);
+  info!("Higgsfield video request has media; uploading it first");
+  // Reuse flashes a notice; a real upload keeps a progress toast up until
+  // `notices` drops at the end of this function (retry included).
+  let notices = HiggsfieldUploadNotices::new(maybe_app);
+  let request = finalize_video_draft(credential, draft.clone(), client, media_url_map, upload_cache, &notices).await?;
+  match request.send_request(client).await {
+    Ok(response) => Ok(response),
+    Err(err) if should_retry_with_fresh_uploads(&err, upload_cache) => {
+      let forgotten = upload_cache.forget_reused().await;
+      warn!("Higgsfield rejected reused reference media ({:?}); forgot {} ledger entries and uploading afresh", err, forgotten);
+      let request = finalize_video_draft(credential, draft, client, media_url_map, upload_cache, &notices).await?;
+      request.send_request(client).await
+          .map_err(|err| higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err))
+    }
+    Err(err) => Err(higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err)),
+  }
+}
+
+async fn finalize_video_draft(
+  credential: &AuthCredential,
+  draft: VideoGenerationDraftRequest,
+  client: &RouterClient,
+  media_url_map: &HashMap<MediaFileToken, String>,
+  upload_cache: &AccountUploadCache,
+  notices: &HiggsfieldUploadNotices,
+) -> Result<VideoGenerationRequest, GenerateError> {
+  let context = VideoGenerationDraftContext {
+    client: Some(client),
+    media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(media_url_map),
+    character_token_to_kinovi_id_map: None,
+    asset_upload_cache: Some(upload_cache),
+    asset_upload_observer: Some(notices),
+  };
+  draft.finalize(context).await.map_err(|err| {
+    warn!("Could not upload media to Higgsfield: {:?}", err);
     higgsfield_error_to_generate_error(credential, err)
   })
 }
 
+/// Retry with fresh uploads only when Higgsfield rejected a media input and
+/// this request actually reused something from the ledger; otherwise the
+/// media was uploaded just now and re-uploading would change nothing.
+fn should_retry_with_fresh_uploads(err: &ArtcraftRouterError, upload_cache: &AccountUploadCache) -> bool {
+  let media_rejected = matches!(
+    err,
+    ArtcraftRouterError::Provider(ProviderError::Higgsfield(higgsfield_err)) if higgsfield_err.is_media_input_rejected()
+  );
+  media_rejected && upload_cache.reused_count() > 0
+}
+
 /// One `provider_job_id` for a Higgsfield job set.
 pub fn join_higgsfield_job_ids(job_ids: &[String]) -> String {
   job_ids.join(&HIGGSFIELD_JOB_ID_SEPARATOR.to_string())
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/enqueue_image_generation.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/enqueue_image_generation.rs
index b018c30a..4edd361e 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/enqueue_image_generation.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/enqueue_image_generation.rs
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ pub async fn enqueue_image_generation(
     }
 
     GenerationSource::HiggsfieldCookies | GenerationSource::Higgsfield => {
-      enqueue_via_higgsfield(request, &credential, ledger).await
+      enqueue_via_higgsfield(Some(app), request, &credential, ledger).await
     }
 
     other => Err(credential_not_usable(
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/higgsfield/enqueue_via_higgsfield.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/higgsfield/enqueue_via_higgsfield.rs
index 258e2957..81249450 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/higgsfield/enqueue_via_higgsfield.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_image/higgsfield/enqueue_via_higgsfield.rs
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ use crate::commands::generate::task_enqueue_success::TaskEnqueueSuccess;
 use crate::commands::utils::api_adapters::models::image::tauri_image_model_to_generation_model::tauri_image_model_to_generation_model;
 use crate::commands::utils::api_adapters::models::image::tauri_image_model_to_router_model::tauri_image_model_to_router_model;
 use crate::credentials::auth_credential::AuthCredential;
+use tauri::AppHandle;
 use crate::services::asset_uploads::asset_upload_ledger::AssetUploadLedger;
 
 /// Enqueue via the router's first-party Higgsfield provider.
@@ -34,6 +35,7 @@ use crate::services::asset_uploads::asset_upload_ledger::AssetUploadLedger;
 /// re-uploads them. The returned task carries every job id of the
 /// Higgsfield job set so the poller can follow a batch.
 pub async fn enqueue_via_higgsfield(
+  maybe_app: Option<&AppHandle>,
   request: &TauriGenerateImageRequest,
   credential: &AuthCredential,
   ledger: &AssetUploadLedger,
@@ -73,7 +75,7 @@ pub async fn enqueue_via_higgsfield(
   let client = higgsfield_router_client(credential)?;
   // References this account already uploaded are reused by media id.
   let upload_cache = ledger.for_higgsfield_credential(&credential.id);
-  let response = send_higgsfield_image_request(credential, router_request, &client, &media_url_map, &upload_cache).await?;
+  let response = send_higgsfield_image_request(maybe_app, credential, router_request, &client, &media_url_map, &upload_cache).await?;
 
   let payload = response
       .get_higgsfield_payload()
@@ -162,7 +164,7 @@ mod live_higgsfield_image_tests {
       ..Default::default()
     };
 
-    let success = enqueue_via_higgsfield(&request, &credential, &ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
+    let success = enqueue_via_higgsfield(None, &request, &credential, &ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
     println!("[live] Higgsfield image enqueued: provider_job_id={:?}", success.provider_job_id);
     assert_eq!(success.provider, GenerationSource::Higgsfield);
     assert!(success.provider_job_id.is_some());
@@ -181,7 +183,7 @@ mod live_higgsfield_image_tests {
       ..Default::default()
     };
 
-    let success = enqueue_via_higgsfield(&request, &credential, &ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
+    let success = enqueue_via_higgsfield(None, &request, &credential, &ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
     println!("[live] Higgsfield image edit enqueued: provider_job_id={:?}", success.provider_job_id);
     assert!(success.provider_job_id.is_some());
   }
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/handle_credential_router.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/handle_credential_router.rs
index 0b20074b..8883ab28 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/handle_credential_router.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/handle_credential_router.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ use crate::commands::generate::generate_video::request::TauriGenerateVideoReques
 use crate::utils::services::artcraft_api_host::maybe_artcraft_api_host_for_service;
 use crate::credentials::auth_credential::AuthCredential;
 use core_types::enums::generation_source::GenerationSource;
-use crate::events::notice_events::progress_notice_event::ProgressNotice;
 use crate::services::asset_uploads::asset_upload_ledger::AssetUploadLedger;
 use crate::state::data_dir::app_data_root::AppDataRoot;
 use tauri::AppHandle;
@@ -45,15 +44,10 @@ pub async fn handle_credential_router(
     }
     GenerationSource::HiggsfieldCookies
     | GenerationSource::Higgsfield => {
-      // Reference media triggers Higgsfield's mandatory IP/likeness scan,
-      // which routinely takes 15-30s before the job can even enqueue. Keep
-      // a progress toast up for as long as the router call runs; the guard
-      // takes it down on success and failure alike.
-      let has_media = request.media_sources().iter().next().is_some();
-      let _ip_check_notice = maybe_app.filter(|_| has_media).map(|app| {
-        ProgressNotice::start(app, "Higgsfield is checking your media for Intellectual Property and Likeness")
-      });
-      handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(request, &credential, ledger).await
+      // Reference media is uploaded (with Higgsfield's 15-30s IP/likeness
+      // scan) or reused from the ledger; the notices for either come from
+      // the router's upload observer, so nothing is announced up front.
+      handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(maybe_app, request, &credential, ledger).await
     }
     other => Err(credential_not_usable(
       &credential,
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_video_via_router.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_video_via_router.rs
index 7bf51bc9..ccf84e96 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_video_via_router.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/commands/generate/generate_video/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_video_via_router.rs
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ use router::api::router_provider::RouterProvider;
 use router::client::request_mismatch_mitigation_strategy::RequestMismatchMitigationStrategy;
 use router::generate::generate_video::generate_video_request_builder::GenerateVideoRequestBuilder;
 use sqlite_identifiers::enums::task_type::TaskType;
+use tauri::AppHandle;
 
 use crate::commands::generate::common::higgsfield_generation::{
   higgsfield_media_url_map, higgsfield_router_client, join_higgsfield_job_ids, send_higgsfield_video_request,
@@ -32,6 +33,7 @@ use crate::services::asset_uploads::asset_upload_ledger::AssetUploadLedger;
 /// task carries every job id of the Higgsfield job set so the poller can
 /// follow a batch.
 pub async fn handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(
+  maybe_app: Option<&AppHandle>,
   request: &TauriGenerateVideoRequest,
   credential: &AuthCredential,
   ledger: &AssetUploadLedger,
@@ -69,7 +71,7 @@ pub async fn handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(
   let client = higgsfield_router_client(credential)?;
   // References this account already uploaded are reused by media id.
   let upload_cache = ledger.for_higgsfield_credential(&credential.id);
-  let response = send_higgsfield_video_request(credential, router_request, &client, &media_url_map, &upload_cache).await?;
+  let response = send_higgsfield_video_request(maybe_app, credential, router_request, &client, &media_url_map, &upload_cache).await?;
 
   let payload = response
       .get_higgsfield_payload()
@@ -142,7 +144,7 @@ mod live_higgsfield_video_tests {
       ..Default::default()
     };
 
-    let success = handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(&request, &credential, &test_ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
+    let success = handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(None, &request, &credential, &test_ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
     println!("[live] Higgsfield video enqueued: provider_job_id={:?}", success.provider_job_id);
     assert_eq!(success.provider, GenerationSource::Higgsfield);
     assert!(success.provider_job_id.is_some());
@@ -162,7 +164,7 @@ mod live_higgsfield_video_tests {
       ..Default::default()
     };
 
-    let success = handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(&request, &credential, &test_ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
+    let success = handle_higgsfield_video_via_router(None, &request, &credential, &test_ledger().await).await.expect("enqueue should succeed");
     println!("[live] Higgsfield image-to-video enqueued: provider_job_id={:?}", success.provider_job_id);
     assert!(success.provider_job_id.is_some());
   }
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/services/asset_uploads/asset_upload_ledger.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/services/asset_uploads/asset_upload_ledger.rs
index 8b1a700e..d398fbda 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/services/asset_uploads/asset_upload_ledger.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/services/asset_uploads/asset_upload_ledger.rs
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
 
 use std::future::Future;
 use std::path::Path;
+use std::sync::{Arc, Mutex};
 
 use artcraft_client::credentials::storyteller_credential_set::StorytellerCredentialSet;
 use artcraft_client::endpoints::media_files::get_media_file::get_media_file;
@@ -34,7 +35,7 @@ use local_files_database::queries::get_asset_upload::{get_asset_upload, GetAsset
 use local_files_database::queries::touch_asset_upload_reused::touch_asset_upload_reused;
 use local_files_database::queries::upsert_asset_upload::{upsert_asset_upload, UpsertAssetUploadArgs};
 use log::{info, warn};
-use router::api::asset_upload_cache::{AssetUploadCache, CachedAssetUpload};
+use router::api::asset_upload_cache::{AssetUploadCache, AssetUploadOrigin, CachedAssetUpload};
 use sqlite_identifiers::ids::media_file_token::MediaFileToken;
 
 use crate::services::local_files::file_hash_service::hash_local_file_memoized;
@@ -56,6 +57,10 @@ pub struct AccountUploadCache {
   ledger: AssetUploadLedger,
   service: GenerationSource,
   account_id: String,
+  /// Hashes whose upload this request skipped thanks to a ledger hit. If the
+  /// provider then rejects the request over its media, these are the entries
+  /// to drop before uploading afresh (see `forget_reused`).
+  reused_this_request: Arc<Mutex<Vec<String>>>,
 }
 
 impl AssetUploadLedger {
@@ -65,7 +70,12 @@ impl AssetUploadLedger {
 
   /// This account's uploads on `service`.
   pub fn for_account(&self, service: GenerationSource, account_id: impl Into<String>) -> AccountUploadCache {
-    AccountUploadCache { ledger: self.clone(), service, account_id: account_id.into() }
+    AccountUploadCache {
+      ledger: self.clone(),
+      service,
+      account_id: account_id.into(),
+      reused_this_request: Arc::new(Mutex::new(Vec::new())),
+    }
   }
 
   /// A stored Higgsfield credential's uploads.
@@ -110,6 +120,7 @@ impl AssetUploadLedger {
       account_id,
       file_hash_blake3: file_hash,
       service_id: &upload.service_id,
+      origin: upload.origin.as_str(),
       maybe_service_url: upload.maybe_service_url.as_deref(),
       maybe_file_size_bytes: file_size_bytes.map(|size| size as i64),
     }).await;
@@ -137,6 +148,24 @@ impl AccountUploadCache {
     self.service
   }
 
+  /// How many uploads this request has skipped so far via ledger hits.
+  pub fn reused_count(&self) -> usize {
+    self.reused_this_request.lock().map(|reused| reused.len()).unwrap_or(0)
+  }
+
+  /// Drop every ledger entry this request reused, so the next finalize
+  /// uploads those files afresh. Returns how many were forgotten.
+  pub async fn forget_reused(&self) -> usize {
+    let hashes: Vec<String> = match self.reused_this_request.lock() {
+      Ok(mut reused) => reused.drain(..).collect(),
+      Err(_) => Vec::new(),
+    };
+    for hash in &hashes {
+      self.ledger.forget(self.service, &self.account_id, hash).await;
+    }
+    hashes.len()
+  }
+
   pub fn account_id(&self) -> &str {
     &self.account_id
   }
@@ -176,10 +205,7 @@ impl AccountUploadCache {
 
     if let Some(hash) = maybe_hash.as_deref() {
       let file_size_bytes = std::fs::metadata(path).ok().map(|metadata| metadata.len());
-      self.record_upload(hash, file_size_bytes.unwrap_or(0), &CachedAssetUpload {
-        service_id: token.as_str().to_string(),
-        maybe_service_url: None,
-      }).await;
+      self.record_upload(hash, file_size_bytes.unwrap_or(0), &CachedAssetUpload::uploaded(token.as_str().to_string(), None)).await;
     }
     Ok(token)
   }
@@ -197,10 +223,7 @@ impl AccountUploadCache {
       return Ok(token);
     }
     let token = upload().await?;
-    self.record_upload(&hash, bytes.len() as u64, &CachedAssetUpload {
-      service_id: token.as_str().to_string(),
-      maybe_service_url: None,
-    }).await;
+    self.record_upload(&hash, bytes.len() as u64, &CachedAssetUpload::uploaded(token.as_str().to_string(), None)).await;
     Ok(token)
   }
 
@@ -227,6 +250,7 @@ impl AssetUploadCache for AccountUploadCache {
         .map(|record| CachedAssetUpload {
           service_id: record.service_id,
           maybe_service_url: record.service_url,
+          origin: AssetUploadOrigin::parse(&record.origin),
         })
   }
 
@@ -235,6 +259,9 @@ impl AssetUploadCache for AccountUploadCache {
   }
 
   async fn note_reused(&self, file_hash_blake3: &str) {
+    if let Ok(mut reused) = self.reused_this_request.lock() {
+      reused.push(file_hash_blake3.to_string());
+    }
     self.ledger.note_reused(self.service, &self.account_id, file_hash_blake3).await
   }
 
@@ -282,7 +309,7 @@ mod tests {
     let other = ledger.for_higgsfield_credential(&CredentialId::from_trusted("credential_other"));
 
     assert!(cache.find_upload("hash1").await.is_none());
-    let upload = CachedAssetUpload { service_id: "media-1".into(), maybe_service_url: Some("https://cdn/x".into()) };
+    let upload = CachedAssetUpload::uploaded("media-1", Some("https://cdn/x".into()));
     cache.record_upload("hash1", 10, &upload).await;
     assert_eq!(cache.find_upload("hash1").await, Some(upload));
     assert!(other.find_upload("hash1").await.is_none(), "accounts don't share uploads");
@@ -294,6 +321,41 @@ mod tests {
     assert!(cache.find_upload("hash1").await.is_none());
   }
 
+  #[tokio::test]
+  async fn generation_results_keep_their_origin() {
+    let dir = tempfile::tempdir().unwrap();
+    let root = AppDataRoot::create_existing(dir.path().join("root")).unwrap();
+    let ledger = AssetUploadLedger::new(LocalFilesDatabase::connect(&root).await.unwrap());
+    let cache = ledger.for_higgsfield_credential(&CredentialId::from_trusted("credential_test"));
+    let result = CachedAssetUpload::generation_result("job-1", "https://cdn/result.png");
+    cache.record_upload("hash-result", 10, &result).await;
+    assert_eq!(cache.find_upload("hash-result").await, Some(result));
+    let plain = CachedAssetUpload::uploaded("media-1", Some("https://cdn/x".into()));
+    cache.record_upload("hash-upload", 10, &plain).await;
+    assert_eq!(cache.find_upload("hash-upload").await.unwrap().origin, AssetUploadOrigin::Upload);
+  }
+
+  #[tokio::test]
+  async fn forget_reused_drops_only_what_this_request_reused() {
+    let dir = tempfile::tempdir().unwrap();
+    let root = AppDataRoot::create_existing(dir.path().join("root")).unwrap();
+    let ledger = AssetUploadLedger::new(LocalFilesDatabase::connect(&root).await.unwrap());
+    let cache = ledger.for_higgsfield_credential(&CredentialId::from_trusted("credential_test"));
+    let upload = |id: &str| CachedAssetUpload::uploaded(id, Some("https://cdn/x".into()));
+    cache.record_upload("reused", 10, &upload("media-reused")).await;
+    cache.record_upload("fresh", 10, &upload("media-fresh")).await;
+    assert_eq!(cache.reused_count(), 0);
+
+    cache.note_reused("reused").await;
+    assert_eq!(cache.reused_count(), 1);
+
+    assert_eq!(cache.forget_reused().await, 1);
+    assert_eq!(cache.reused_count(), 0, "cleared for the retry");
+    assert!(cache.find_upload("reused").await.is_none(), "the reused entry is gone");
+    assert!(cache.find_upload("fresh").await.is_some(), "an entry that wasn't reused survives");
+    assert_eq!(cache.forget_reused().await, 0, "nothing left to forget");
+  }
+
   #[tokio::test]
   async fn artcraft_file_helper_uploads_on_miss_and_records() {
     let dir = tempfile::tempdir().unwrap();
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/services/higgsfield/higgsfield_upload_notices.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/services/higgsfield/higgsfield_upload_notices.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..cfa1252c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/services/higgsfield/higgsfield_upload_notices.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, Ordering};
+use std::sync::Mutex;
+
+use router::api::asset_upload_observer::AssetUploadObserver;
+use tauri::AppHandle;
+
+use crate::events::basic_sendable_event_trait::BasicSendableEvent;
+use crate::events::notice_events::flash_notice_event::FlashNoticeEvent;
+use crate::events::notice_events::progress_notice_event::ProgressNotice;
+
+const IP_CHECK_MESSAGE: &str = "Higgsfield is checking your media for Intellectual Property and Likeness";
+const UPLOADING_MESSAGE: &str = "Uploading your media to Higgsfield";
+const REUSED_MESSAGE: &str = "Reusing media Higgsfield already has (no upload or new IP check needed)";
+
+/// Turns the router's per-file upload decisions into frontend notices for
+/// one Higgsfield request:
+///
+/// - the first real upload puts up a progress toast (the IP/likeness check
+///   routinely takes 15-30s), which stays up until this value is dropped —
+///   so hold it across the enqueue, including retries;
+/// - a reuse flashes a plain, progress-free notice once, since nothing is
+///   being waited on.
+///
+/// Without an app handle (tests, headless callers) it observes silently.
+pub struct HiggsfieldUploadNotices {
+  maybe_app: Option<AppHandle>,
+  progress: Mutex<Option<ProgressNotice>>,
+  reuse_announced: AtomicBool,
+}
+
+impl HiggsfieldUploadNotices {
+  pub fn new(maybe_app: Option<&AppHandle>) -> Self {
+    Self {
+      maybe_app: maybe_app.cloned(),
+      progress: Mutex::new(None),
+      reuse_announced: AtomicBool::new(false),
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+impl AssetUploadObserver for HiggsfieldUploadNotices {
+  fn on_reused(&self, _kind: &str, _description: &str) {
+    let Some(app) = &self.maybe_app else { return };
+    if self.reuse_announced.swap(true, Ordering::SeqCst) {
+      return;
+    }
+    FlashNoticeEvent::new(REUSED_MESSAGE).send_infallible(app);
+  }
+
+  fn on_uploading(&self, _kind: &str, _byte_count: u64, ip_check: bool) {
+    let Some(app) = &self.maybe_app else { return };
+    let Ok(mut progress) = self.progress.lock() else { return };
+    if progress.is_some() {
+      return; // One toast covers every upload of the request.
+    }
+    let message = if ip_check { IP_CHECK_MESSAGE } else { UPLOADING_MESSAGE };
+    *progress = Some(ProgressNotice::start(app, message));
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/services/higgsfield/mod.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/services/higgsfield/mod.rs
index f5fb8fad..66c45461 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/services/higgsfield/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/services/higgsfield/mod.rs
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
 pub mod higgsfield_session_from_credential;
 
 pub mod mark_higgsfield_relogin_required;
+pub mod higgsfield_upload_notices;
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_complete.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_complete.rs
index 474f455e..ab272fc9 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_complete.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/handle_higgsfield_complete.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use artcraft_client::enums::common::generation::common_model_type::CommonModelTy
 use core_types::enums::generation_source::GenerationSource;
 use errors::AnyhowResult;
 use higgsfield_client::endpoints::jobs::job_status::JobStatusResponse;
-use log::{error, info};
+use log::{error, info, warn};
 use sqlite_database::queries::task::Task;
 use sqlite_identifiers::enums::task_media_file_class::TaskMediaFileClass;
 use sqlite_identifiers::enums::task_model_type::TaskModelType;
@@ -15,7 +15,14 @@ use crate::state::data_dir::app_data_root::AppDataRoot;
 use crate::state::database::task_database::TaskDatabase;
 use crate::threads::task_completion::complete_task_with_local_files::{complete_task_with_local_files, CompleteTaskArgs};
 use crate::threads::task_completion::upload_results_to_artcraft::CompletionPrompt;
+use crate::services::asset_uploads::asset_upload_ledger::{AccountUploadCache, AssetUploadLedger};
+use crate::state::database::local_files_database::LocalFilesDatabase;
 use crate::utils::download::download_url_to_temp_dir::download_url_to_temp_dir;
+use core_types::identifiers::credential_id::CredentialId;
+use file_hashing::hash_file_blake3;
+use router::api::asset_upload_cache::{AssetUploadCache, CachedAssetUpload};
+use std::path::Path;
+use tauri::Manager;
 
 /// Download filename slug when the task has no model type recorded.
 const HIGGSFIELD_FALLBACK_MODEL_SLUG: &str = "higgsfield";
@@ -28,6 +35,7 @@ pub async fn handle_higgsfield_complete(
   app_preferences: &AppPreferencesManager,
   task_database: &TaskDatabase,
   storyteller_creds_manager: &StorytellerCredentialManager,
+  credential_id: &str,
   task: &Task,
   jobs: &[JobStatusResponse],
 ) {
@@ -39,6 +47,7 @@ pub async fn handle_higgsfield_complete(
     app_preferences,
     task_database,
     storyteller_creds_manager,
+    credential_id,
     task,
     jobs,
   ).await;
@@ -54,16 +63,28 @@ async fn handle_higgsfield_complete_inner(
   app_preferences: &AppPreferencesManager,
   task_database: &TaskDatabase,
   storyteller_creds_manager: &StorytellerCredentialManager,
+  credential_id: &str,
   task: &Task,
   jobs: &[JobStatusResponse],
 ) -> AnyhowResult<()> {
+  // Higgsfield already holds these files: remember each one under the
+  // account that generated it, so using the download as a reference later
+  // passes the job id instead of uploading (and IP-checking) it again.
+  let maybe_ledger = app_handle.try_state::<LocalFilesDatabase>()
+      .map(|database| AssetUploadLedger::new(database.inner().clone()))
+      .map(|ledger| ledger.for_higgsfield_credential(&CredentialId::from_trusted(credential_id)));
+
   // NB: `NamedTempFile`s delete themselves on drop, so keep them alive until
   // the completion routine has copied and uploaded them.
   let mut temp_files = Vec::with_capacity(jobs.len());
   for (index, job) in jobs.iter().enumerate() {
     let url = job.result_url().expect("caller passes only jobs with a result URL");
     info!("[HiggsfieldComplete] Downloading result {} of {} for task {} ...", index + 1, jobs.len(), task.id.as_str());
-    temp_files.push(download_url_to_temp_dir(url, app_data_root).await?);
+    let temp_file = download_url_to_temp_dir(url, app_data_root).await?;
+    if let Some(ledger) = &maybe_ledger {
+      record_generation_result(ledger, job, temp_file.path()).await;
+    }
+    temp_files.push(temp_file);
   }
   let local_files = temp_files.iter()
       .map(|file| file.path().to_path_buf())
@@ -102,6 +123,21 @@ async fn handle_higgsfield_complete_inner(
   Ok(())
 }
 
+/// Ledger a downloaded result as content Higgsfield generated (job id +
+/// result URL). Best-effort: a hashing or database problem only costs a
+/// future re-upload.
+async fn record_generation_result(ledger: &AccountUploadCache, job: &JobStatusResponse, path: &Path) {
+  let Some(url) = job.result_url() else { return };
+  let (hash, size) = match (hash_file_blake3(path), std::fs::metadata(path)) {
+    (Ok(hash), Ok(metadata)) => (hash, metadata.len()),
+    (Err(err), _) | (_, Err(err)) => {
+      warn!("[HiggsfieldComplete] Could not hash downloaded result of job {}: {}", job.id, err);
+      return;
+    }
+  };
+  ledger.record_upload(&hash, size, &CachedAssetUpload::generation_result(job.id.as_str(), url)).await;
+}
+
 fn media_class_for(task_type: TaskType) -> TaskMediaFileClass {
   match task_type {
     TaskType::VideoGeneration => TaskMediaFileClass::Video,
diff --git a/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/poll_higgsfield_tasks.rs b/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/poll_higgsfield_tasks.rs
index 9ad2fe0b..0afd8d25 100644
--- a/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/poll_higgsfield_tasks.rs
+++ b/crates/artcraftx/src/threads/third_party_task_polling_thread/handlers/higgsfield/poll_higgsfield_tasks.rs
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ async fn poll_single_task(
     return Ok(());
   }
 
-  let Some((session, progress)) = find_job_set(app_handle, app_data_root, sessions, &job_ids, task).await else {
+  let Some((credential_id, session, progress)) = find_job_set(app_handle, app_data_root, sessions, &job_ids, task).await else {
     // No account knows the jobs. Leave the task pending: the account may be
     // temporarily unreachable (expired session, network) and come back.
     return Ok(());
@@ -170,6 +170,7 @@ async fn poll_single_task(
     app_preferences,
     task_database,
     storyteller_creds_manager,
+    credential_id,
     task,
     &finished,
   ).await;
@@ -184,7 +185,7 @@ async fn find_job_set<'a>(
   sessions: &'a [(String, HiggsfieldSession)],
   job_ids: &[JobId],
   task: &Task,
-) -> Option<(&'a HiggsfieldSession, JobSetProgress)> {
+) -> Option<(&'a str, &'a HiggsfieldSession, JobSetProgress)> {
   for (credential_id, session) in sessions {
     let batch = match session.job_status_batch(job_ids).await {
       Ok(batch) => batch,
@@ -212,15 +213,15 @@ async fn find_job_set<'a>(
       let status = match statuses.get(job_id) {
         Some(status) => (*status).clone(),
         None if batch.missing.contains(job_id) => JobStatus::Other("missing".to_string()),
-        None => return Some((session, JobSetProgress::Pending)),
+        None => return Some((credential_id, session, JobSetProgress::Pending)),
       };
       if !status.is_terminal() && !batch.missing.contains(job_id) {
         info!("[HiggsfieldPolling] Task {} job {} is {}", task.id.as_str(), job_id, status);
-        return Some((session, JobSetProgress::Pending));
+        return Some((credential_id, session, JobSetProgress::Pending));
       }
       outcomes.push(JobOutcome { job_id: job_id.clone(), status });
     }
-    return Some((session, JobSetProgress::Done(outcomes)));
+    return Some((credential_id, session, JobSetProgress::Done(outcomes)));
   }
   None
 }
diff --git a/crates/router/src/api/asset_upload_cache.rs b/crates/router/src/api/asset_upload_cache.rs
index 6407c091..aff8d844 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/api/asset_upload_cache.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/api/asset_upload_cache.rs
@@ -12,13 +12,57 @@
 
 use async_trait::async_trait;
 
-/// A previously uploaded copy of some bytes, as the provider knows it.
+/// How the provider came to hold some content.
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub enum AssetUploadOrigin {
+  /// We uploaded the bytes; `service_id` is the provider's media id.
+  Upload,
+  /// The provider generated the file itself and we downloaded it;
+  /// `service_id` is the job id, and the content can be referenced as a
+  /// previous generation without uploading it (or re-running an IP check).
+  GenerationResult,
+}
+
+impl AssetUploadOrigin {
+  /// The stored form.
+  pub fn as_str(self) -> &'static str {
+    match self {
+      Self::Upload => "upload",
+      Self::GenerationResult => "generation_result",
+    }
+  }
+
+  /// Unknown values read as plain uploads (the conservative choice: they get
+  /// verified as media before reuse).
+  pub fn parse(value: &str) -> Self {
+    match value {
+      "generation_result" => Self::GenerationResult,
+      _ => Self::Upload,
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+/// A copy of some bytes the provider already holds, as the provider knows it.
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub struct CachedAssetUpload {
-  /// The provider's own id for the asset (e.g. a Higgsfield media id).
+  /// The provider's own id for the asset: a media id for an upload, a job
+  /// id for a generation result.
   pub service_id: String,
   /// Where the provider serves it, when it publishes a URL.
   pub maybe_service_url: Option<String>,
+  pub origin: AssetUploadOrigin,
+}
+
+impl CachedAssetUpload {
+  /// Bytes we uploaded.
+  pub fn uploaded(service_id: impl Into<String>, maybe_service_url: Option<String>) -> Self {
+    Self { service_id: service_id.into(), maybe_service_url, origin: AssetUploadOrigin::Upload }
+  }
+
+  /// A generation the provider produced, by job id and result URL.
+  pub fn generation_result(job_id: impl Into<String>, result_url: impl Into<String>) -> Self {
+    Self { service_id: job_id.into(), maybe_service_url: Some(result_url.into()), origin: AssetUploadOrigin::GenerationResult }
+  }
 }
 
 /// One account's upload history on one provider. Implementations must not
diff --git a/crates/router/src/api/asset_upload_observer.rs b/crates/router/src/api/asset_upload_observer.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a59d6439
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/router/src/api/asset_upload_observer.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+//! Let the caller watch reference-media uploads as they happen.
+//!
+//! The router decides per file whether to reuse a provider's existing copy
+//! (see [`crate::api::asset_upload_cache`]) or upload it — and the user
+//! experience differs: a reuse is instant, an upload with an IP check is a
+//! long wait. The caller learns which one happened through this trait, at
+//! the moment it happens, so it can show the right notice.
+
+/// Observes upload decisions for one request. Implementations must be
+/// cheap and must not fail; they only inform the UI.
+pub trait AssetUploadObserver: Send + Sync {
+  /// A file was not uploaded because the provider already holds a verified
+  /// copy. `kind` is e.g. "image" / "video" / "audio".
+  fn on_reused(&self, kind: &str, description: &str);
+
+  /// A fresh upload is starting. `ip_check` means the provider will also run
+  /// (and the router will wait for) its intellectual-property check.
+  fn on_uploading(&self, kind: &str, byte_count: u64, ip_check: bool);
+}
diff --git a/crates/router/src/api/mod.rs b/crates/router/src/api/mod.rs
index 47a04a9e..b2ca4395 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/api/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/api/mod.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 pub mod asset_upload_cache;
+pub mod asset_upload_observer;
 pub mod audio_list_ref;
 pub mod audio_ref;
 pub mod character_list_ref;
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/image_generation_draft_context.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/image_generation_draft_context.rs
index 37155d4c..92704583 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/image_generation_draft_context.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/image_generation_draft_context.rs
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ use std::fmt::Debug;
 use sqlite_identifiers::ids::media_file_token::MediaFileToken;
 
 use crate::api::asset_upload_cache::AssetUploadCache;
+use crate::api::asset_upload_observer::AssetUploadObserver;
 use crate::client::router_client::RouterClient;
 use crate::client::router_higgsfield_client::RouterHiggsfieldClient;
 use crate::client::router_seedance2pro_client::RouterSeedance2ProClient;
@@ -33,6 +34,10 @@ pub struct ImageGenerationDraftContext<'a> {
   /// Optional: the account's upload history on the target provider, so
   /// media it already holds isn't uploaded again.
   pub asset_upload_cache: Option<&'a dyn AssetUploadCache>,
+
+  /// Optional: told whether each reference was reused or uploaded, so the
+  /// caller can show the right notice.
+  pub asset_upload_observer: Option<&'a dyn AssetUploadObserver>,
 }
 
 impl<'a> ImageGenerationDraftContext<'a> {
@@ -55,6 +60,7 @@ impl Debug for ImageGenerationDraftContext<'_> {
       .field("client", &self.client.is_some())
       .field("media_file_to_artcraft_url_map", &self.media_file_to_artcraft_url_map.map(|m| m.len()))
       .field("asset_upload_cache", &self.asset_upload_cache.is_some())
+      .field("asset_upload_observer", &self.asset_upload_observer.is_some())
       .finish()
   }
 }
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs
index 701d22b3..475eef12 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ impl HiggsfieldImageDraftState {
       session: &client.session,
       maybe_map: draft_context.media_file_to_artcraft_url_map,
       maybe_cache: draft_context.asset_upload_cache,
+      maybe_observer: draft_context.asset_upload_observer,
     };
 
     let mut reference_images = Vec::new();
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7/request.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7/request.rs
index 021c700c..11ddfae1 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7/request.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7/request.rs
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ mod tests {
       client: Some(&client),
       media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(&map),
       asset_upload_cache: None,
+      asset_upload_observer: None,
     };
 
     let request = ImageGenerationDraftRequest::KinoviMidjourney7(draft)
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7_niji/request.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7_niji/request.rs
index 47c7eef3..cbbbcb42 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7_niji/request.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_7_niji/request.rs
@@ -128,6 +128,7 @@ mod tests {
       client: Some(&client),
       media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(&map),
       asset_upload_cache: None,
+      asset_upload_observer: None,
     };
 
     let request = ImageGenerationDraftRequest::KinoviMidjourney7Niji(draft)
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_8/request.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_8/request.rs
index 97107ef0..e5ae9eaf 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_8/request.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/midjourney_8/request.rs
@@ -128,6 +128,7 @@ mod tests {
       client: Some(&client),
       media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(&map),
       asset_upload_cache: None,
+      asset_upload_observer: None,
     };
 
     let request = ImageGenerationDraftRequest::KinoviMidjourney8(draft)
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/seedream_5p0_pro/request.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/seedream_5p0_pro/request.rs
index 66f0d609..95b1d2d1 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/seedream_5p0_pro/request.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_image/providers/kinovi/seedream_5p0_pro/request.rs
@@ -129,6 +129,7 @@ mod tests {
       client: Some(&client),
       media_file_to_artcraft_url_map: Some(&map),
       asset_upload_cache: None,
+      asset_upload_observer: None,
     };
 
     let request = ImageGenerationDraftRequest::KinoviSeedream5p0Pro(draft)
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs
index 58b81834..27f1efd5 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/providers/higgsfield/draft.rs
@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@ impl HiggsfieldVideoDraftState {
       session: &client.session,
       maybe_map: draft_context.media_file_to_artcraft_url_map,
       maybe_cache: draft_context.asset_upload_cache,
+      maybe_observer: draft_context.asset_upload_observer,
     };
     let label = self.plan.model_label();
 
diff --git a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/video_generation_draft_context.rs b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/video_generation_draft_context.rs
index f0bc54f6..51de5556 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/video_generation_draft_context.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/generate/generate_video/video_generation_draft_context.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 use crate::api::asset_upload_cache::AssetUploadCache;
+use crate::api::asset_upload_observer::AssetUploadObserver;
 use crate::client::router_client::RouterClient;
 use crate::client::router_higgsfield_client::RouterHiggsfieldClient;
 use crate::client::router_seedance2pro_client::RouterSeedance2ProClient;
@@ -25,6 +26,10 @@ pub struct VideoGenerationDraftContext<'a> {
   /// Optional: the account's upload history on the target provider, so
   /// media it already holds isn't uploaded again.
   pub asset_upload_cache: Option<&'a dyn AssetUploadCache>,
+
+  /// Optional: told whether each reference was reused or uploaded, so the
+  /// caller can show the right notice.
+  pub asset_upload_observer: Option<&'a dyn AssetUploadObserver>,
 }
 
 impl <'a> VideoGenerationDraftContext<'a> {
@@ -58,6 +63,7 @@ impl Debug for VideoGenerationDraftContext<'_> {
       .field("media_file_to_artcraft_url_map", &self.media_file_to_artcraft_url_map)
       .field("character_token_to_kinovi_id_map", &self.character_token_to_kinovi_id_map)
       .field("asset_upload_cache", &self.asset_upload_cache.is_some())
+      .field("asset_upload_observer", &self.asset_upload_observer.is_some())
       .finish()
   }
 }
diff --git a/crates/router/src/utils/higgsfield_media.rs b/crates/router/src/utils/higgsfield_media.rs
index 0c64f41d..304d3962 100644
--- a/crates/router/src/utils/higgsfield_media.rs
+++ b/crates/router/src/utils/higgsfield_media.rs
@@ -12,20 +12,20 @@
 //! media status endpoint first, and any doubt means a fresh upload.
 
 use std::collections::HashMap;
-use std::path::Path;
 
 use file_hashing::hash_bytes_blake3;
 use higgsfield_client::endpoints::media::get_media_status::MediaStatusFamily;
 use higgsfield_client::session::higgsfield_session::HiggsfieldSession;
 use higgsfield_client::session::upload_media::ReferenceMediaFile;
 use higgsfield_client::session::upload_source_guard::check_upload_source_url;
-use higgsfield_client::types::ids::MediaId;
+use higgsfield_client::types::ids::{JobId, MediaId};
 use higgsfield_client::types::media_input::MediaInput;
 use higgsfield_client::types::media_mime_type::MediaMimeType;
 use log::{info, warn};
 use sqlite_identifiers::ids::media_file_token::MediaFileToken;
 
-use crate::api::asset_upload_cache::{AssetUploadCache, CachedAssetUpload};
+use crate::api::asset_upload_observer::AssetUploadObserver;
+use crate::api::asset_upload_cache::{AssetUploadCache, AssetUploadOrigin, CachedAssetUpload};
 use crate::api::audio_list_ref::AudioListRef;
 use crate::api::image_list_ref::ImageListRef;
 use crate::api::image_ref::ImageRef;
@@ -48,6 +48,15 @@ pub enum HiggsfieldMediaKind {
 }
 
 impl HiggsfieldMediaKind {
+  /// Lower-case name for notices ("image" / "video" / "audio").
+  pub fn label(self) -> &'static str {
+    match self {
+      Self::Image => "image",
+      Self::Video => "video",
+      Self::Audio => "audio",
+    }
+  }
+
   /// The status endpoint family for verifying a previous upload. Audio has
   /// none, so cached audio ids are trusted as-is.
   fn status_family(self) -> Option<MediaStatusFamily> {
@@ -66,6 +75,16 @@ impl HiggsfieldMediaKind {
     }
   }
 
+  /// A previous Higgsfield generation used as this kind of reference. Audio
+  /// is never generated, so it has no job form.
+  fn job_input(self, job_id: MediaId, url: String) -> Option<MediaInput> {
+    match self {
+      Self::Image => Some(MediaInput::from_image_job(job_id, url)),
+      Self::Video => Some(MediaInput::from_video_job(job_id, url)),
+      Self::Audio => None,
+    }
+  }
+
   fn fallback_mime_type(self) -> MediaMimeType {
     match self {
       Self::Image => MediaMimeType::ImageJpeg,
@@ -123,6 +142,8 @@ pub struct HiggsfieldUploadContext<'a> {
   pub maybe_map: Option<&'a HashMap<MediaFileToken, String>>,
   /// The account's prior uploads; `None` uploads unconditionally.
   pub maybe_cache: Option<&'a dyn AssetUploadCache>,
+  /// Told whether each source was reused or uploaded.
+  pub maybe_observer: Option<&'a dyn AssetUploadObserver>,
 }
 
 /// Upload every source in `list`, in order. `None` / empty lists upload
@@ -185,6 +206,9 @@ pub async fn upload_source_to_higgsfield(
     if let Some(reusable) = reusable_upload(context.session, cache, &file_hash, kind, ip_check).await {
       info!("Reusing Higgsfield {:?} reference {} for {} (already uploaded by this account)", kind, reusable.id, resolved.description);
       cache.note_reused(&file_hash).await;
+      if let Some(observer) = context.maybe_observer {
+        observer.on_reused(kind.label(), &resolved.description);
+      }
       return Ok(reusable);
     }
   }
@@ -195,13 +219,16 @@ pub async fn upload_source_to_higgsfield(
     "Uploading {:?} reference to Higgsfield ({} bytes, {}, ip_check={})",
     kind, file.bytes.len(), file.mime_type, ip_check,
   );
+  if let Some(observer) = context.maybe_observer {
+    observer.on_uploading(kind.label(), byte_count, ip_check);
+  }
   let uploaded = session_upload(context.session, file).await?;
 
   if let Some(cache) = context.maybe_cache {
-    cache.record_upload(&file_hash, byte_count, &CachedAssetUpload {
-      service_id: uploaded.id.as_str().to_string(),
-      maybe_service_url: Some(uploaded.url.clone()),
-    }).await;
+    cache.record_upload(&file_hash, byte_count, &CachedAssetUpload::uploaded(
+      uploaded.id.as_str(),
+      Some(uploaded.url.clone()),
+    )).await;
   }
   Ok(uploaded)
 }
@@ -225,6 +252,10 @@ async fn reusable_upload(
   let cached = cache.find_upload(file_hash).await?;
   let media_id = MediaId::new(cached.service_id.clone());
 
+  if cached.origin == AssetUploadOrigin::GenerationResult {
+    return reusable_generation_result(session, cache, file_hash, kind, media_id).await;
+  }
+
   let Some(url) = cached.maybe_service_url.clone() else {
     warn!("Cached Higgsfield upload {} has no URL; uploading again", media_id);
     cache.forget_upload(file_hash).await;
@@ -255,6 +286,37 @@ async fn reusable_upload(
   Some(kind.media_input(media_id, url))
 }
 
+/// A file Higgsfield generated itself (we downloaded the result) is used as a
+/// "previous generation" reference by job id — no upload, and no IP check,
+/// since it never left Higgsfield. The job is confirmed to still exist with
+/// a result, and the fresh result URL is used (CDN URLs are time-limited).
+async fn reusable_generation_result(
+  session: &HiggsfieldSession,
+  cache: &dyn AssetUploadCache,
+  file_hash: &str,
+  kind: HiggsfieldMediaKind,
+  job_id: MediaId,
+) -> Option<MediaInput> {
+  let job = match session.job_status(&JobId::new(job_id.as_str())).await {
+    Ok(job) => job,
+    Err(err) => {
+      warn!("Could not confirm Higgsfield generation {} still exists ({}); uploading instead", job_id, err);
+      cache.forget_upload(file_hash).await;
+      return None;
+    }
+  };
+  let Some(url) = job.result_url() else {
+    warn!("Higgsfield generation {} no longer has a result; uploading instead", job_id);
+    cache.forget_upload(file_hash).await;
+    return None;
+  };
+  let Some(input) = kind.job_input(job_id.clone(), url.to_string()) else {
+    info!("Higgsfield generation {} can't stand in for a {:?} reference; uploading instead", job_id, kind);
+    return None;
+  };
+  Some(input)
+}
+
 /// Describe resolved bytes for upload: the MIME type is sniffed from the
 /// bytes, then guessed from the name hint (URL, path, or file name), then
 /// defaulted by `kind`. The resolved source URL (caller-supplied URLs only)
@@ -476,7 +538,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn audio_has_no_status_endpoint_so_the_cached_id_is_trusted() {
-      let cache = CannedCache::with(CachedAssetUpload { service_id: "media-audio".into(), maybe_service_url: Some("https://cdn/a.mp3".into()) });
+      let cache = CannedCache::with(CachedAssetUpload::uploaded("media-audio", Some("https://cdn/a.mp3".into())));
       let reused = reusable_upload(&unreachable_session(), &cache, "hash", HiggsfieldMediaKind::Audio, false).await.unwrap();
       assert_eq!(reused.id.as_str(), "media-audio");
       assert_eq!(reused.kind, MediaInputKind::AudioInput);
@@ -486,14 +548,32 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn an_entry_without_a_url_is_forgotten() {
-      let cache = CannedCache::with(CachedAssetUpload { service_id: "media-1".into(), maybe_service_url: None });
+      let cache = CannedCache::with(CachedAssetUpload::uploaded("media-1", None));
       assert!(reusable_upload(&unreachable_session(), &cache, "hash", HiggsfieldMediaKind::Audio, false).await.is_none());
       assert_eq!(*cache.forgotten.lock().unwrap(), vec!["hash".to_string()]);
     }
 
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn a_generation_result_that_cannot_be_confirmed_means_a_fresh_upload() {
+      let cache = CannedCache::with(CachedAssetUpload::generation_result("job-1", "https://cdn/result.png"));
+      let result = reusable_upload(&unreachable_session(), &cache, "hash", HiggsfieldMediaKind::Image, true).await;
+      assert!(result.is_none());
+      assert!(cache.forgotten.lock().unwrap().contains(&"hash".to_string()));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn generation_results_become_job_references_by_kind() {
+      let image = HiggsfieldMediaKind::Image.job_input(MediaId::new("job-1"), "https://cdn/r.png".into()).unwrap();
+      assert_eq!(image.kind, MediaInputKind::ImageJob);
+      assert_eq!(image.id.as_str(), "job-1");
+      let video = HiggsfieldMediaKind::Video.job_input(MediaId::new("job-2"), "https://cdn/r.mp4".into()).unwrap();
+      assert_eq!(video.kind, MediaInputKind::VideoJob);
+      assert!(HiggsfieldMediaKind::Audio.job_input(MediaId::new("job-3"), "https://cdn/r.mp3".into()).is_none());
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn a_status_check_that_fails_means_a_fresh_upload() {
-      let cache = CannedCache::with(CachedAssetUpload { service_id: "media-1".into(), maybe_service_url: Some("https://cdn/x.png".into()) });
+      let cache = CannedCache::with(CachedAssetUpload::uploaded("media-1", Some("https://cdn/x.png".into())));
       assert!(reusable_upload(&unreachable_session(), &cache, "hash", HiggsfieldMediaKind::Image, true).await.is_none());
       assert_eq!(*cache.forgotten.lock().unwrap(), vec!["hash".to_string()]);
       assert!(cache.reused.lock().unwrap().is_empty());
diff --git a/crates/schema/local_files_database/migrations/20260907000003_add_asset_upload_origin.sql b/crates/schema/local_files_database/migrations/20260907000003_add_asset_upload_origin.sql
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..733cb202
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/schema/local_files_database/migrations/20260907000003_add_asset_upload_origin.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+-- How the service came to hold the content. `upload`: we sent the bytes.
+-- `generation_result`: the service produced the file itself (a generation
+-- we downloaded), so `service_id` is its job id and the content can be
+-- referenced as a previous generation without ever uploading it.
+
+ALTER TABLE asset_uploads ADD COLUMN origin TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'upload';
diff --git a/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/asset_upload_record.rs b/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/asset_upload_record.rs
index 7182e906..e6ef855b 100644
--- a/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/asset_upload_record.rs
+++ b/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/asset_upload_record.rs
@@ -6,8 +6,11 @@ pub struct AssetUploadRecord {
   pub service: String,
   pub account_id: String,
   pub file_hash_blake3: String,
-  /// The service's own primary key for the asset.
+  /// The service's own primary key for the asset: a media id for an upload,
+  /// a job id for a generation result (see `origin`).
   pub service_id: String,
+  /// `upload` or `generation_result`.
+  pub origin: String,
   pub service_url: Option<String>,
   pub file_size_bytes: Option<i64>,
   pub uploaded_at: DateTime<Utc>,
diff --git a/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/upsert_asset_upload.rs b/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/upsert_asset_upload.rs
index fd7ed461..802a59a6 100644
--- a/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/upsert_asset_upload.rs
+++ b/crates/schema/local_files_database/src/queries/upsert_asset_upload.rs
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ pub struct UpsertAssetUploadArgs<'a> {
   pub account_id: &'a str,
   pub file_hash_blake3: &'a str,
   pub service_id: &'a str,
+  /// `upload` or `generation_result`.
+  pub origin: &'a str,
   pub maybe_service_url: Option<&'a str>,
   pub maybe_file_size_bytes: Option<i64>,
 }
@@ -19,10 +21,11 @@ pub async fn upsert_asset_upload(args: UpsertAssetUploadArgs<'_>) -> Result<(),
   sqlx::query(
     r#"
     INSERT INTO asset_uploads
-      (service, account_id, file_hash_blake3, service_id, service_url, file_size_bytes, uploaded_at, last_reused_at)
-    VALUES (?1, ?2, ?3, ?4, ?5, ?6, ?7, NULL)
+      (service, account_id, file_hash_blake3, service_id, origin, service_url, file_size_bytes, uploaded_at, last_reused_at)
+    VALUES (?1, ?2, ?3, ?4, ?5, ?6, ?7, ?8, NULL)
     ON CONFLICT(service, account_id, file_hash_blake3) DO UPDATE SET
       service_id = excluded.service_id,
+      origin = excluded.origin,
       service_url = excluded.service_url,
       file_size_bytes = excluded.file_size_bytes,
       uploaded_at = excluded.uploaded_at,
@@ -33,6 +36,7 @@ pub async fn upsert_asset_upload(args: UpsertAssetUploadArgs<'_>) -> Result<(),
       .bind(args.account_id)
       .bind(args.file_hash_blake3)
       .bind(args.service_id)
+      .bind(args.origin)
       .bind(args.maybe_service_url)
       .bind(args.maybe_file_size_bytes)
       .bind(Utc::now())
diff --git a/crates/schema/local_files_database/tests/asset_upload_queries.rs b/crates/schema/local_files_database/tests/asset_upload_queries.rs
index c9974ec5..2e237e80 100644
--- a/crates/schema/local_files_database/tests/asset_upload_queries.rs
+++ b/crates/schema/local_files_database/tests/asset_upload_queries.rs
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ async fn record(db: &LocalFilesDbConnection, service: &str, account_id: &str, ha
     account_id,
     file_hash_blake3: hash,
     service_id,
+    origin: "upload",
     maybe_service_url: url,
     maybe_file_size_bytes: Some(1234),
   }).await.expect("upsert");