YOUR FIRST SESSION

How to make an Outstanding Tiny Desk AI video

Learn how to make an Outstanding Tiny Desk AI video with one or more photos, your preferred format and a final review. Start with your own photo for one role, then add friends or other characters if you want to replace more performers.

Prepare my first session

From photos to a reviewable take

Follow the session, step by step.

STEP 01

Choose the photos you want to use

Start with a clear photo of yourself and choose the performer you want to replace. Add consenting adult friends, pets or original characters for other roles, or keep the ready-to-use cast. Check that you can see the face and outfit without other faces overlapping. Save higher-quality originals instead of compressed screenshots.

STEP 02

Assign the cast in order

In the cast builder, choose the role you want to replace: Lead, Keys, Back left, Back right or Sax. Check the name above each upload. Use Change photo to replace one role or Rotate cast roles to cycle the assignments. Preparing photos does not upload them to a model.

STEP 03

Choose the length and format

Start with the default 9:16 vertical format at 720p. Choose an 8- or 15-second clip, or select 16:9, 3:4 or 4:3 for a different frame. Preview the role assignments and confirm that you have permission to use your uploaded photos.

STEP 04

Review the price and generate

Review the quoted price before continuing. Signed-in users spend 2 credits for 8 seconds or 4 credits for 15 seconds. Guests can pay $6.90 for 8 seconds or $9.90 for 15 seconds. Confirm your photo permissions, then start your session.

STEP 05

Keep the task link and review the take

After your task starts, keep its original link. A refresh or payment return should resume the same order, not create a new one. Review each visible face, outfit, assigned role, hand movement and the audio before downloading or sharing. If a task needs attention, check its status and settlement message.

Three avoidable mistakes

Give your faces a fair starting point.

Use a clear replacement photo for each role you personalize. Review the finished video for likeness and performance details.

01 · Group photos

Several faces in a single image can make the subject ambiguous. Fix: crop to one clear subject or choose a separate portrait.

02 · Strong side profiles

A profile hides the far eye and much of the face. Fix: use a front-facing portrait or a mild three-quarter angle.

03 · Sunglasses and covered faces

Dark lenses, masks and hands hide identity details. Fix: choose a sharp photo with eyes and facial features visible.

Review your performance

Check before you share.

Watch the complete take and check each close-up, outfit, gesture and instrument. Review facial likeness and lip sync before downloading and sharing.

Can I make a free rendered video?

Reading the guide and preparing photos are free. Generating a video uses account credits or a one-time guest payment.

Is the Outstanding song included?

No music license is included. Obtain the necessary rights for any song or performance reference. This tool is independent of the artists and NPR.

Do I need a prompt?

The Outstanding Tiny Desk AI template includes a copyable creative brief, role table and photo checklist.