Guide

How to make a Tiny Desk AI video in 4 steps

Updated November 1, 2026

On AI Tiny Desk, choose one to five band roles and add portraits to request a vertical video. This guide explains the workflow, photo requirements and what to do if a result has a technical defect.

Before you start

1 to 5 front-facing photos (PNG, JPG or WebP)
Adults (18+) whose permission you have to include in a personal parody clip
$9.99 for a single video regardless of how many faces you swap (see packs)

Step 1: Choose one clear photo per person

Choose a clear, front-facing portrait with even lighting and an unobstructed face. Only use photos of consenting adults.

Step 2: Assign the five band spots

Put your main subject on lead vocals (they get the 6-second laughing close-up), your second pick on the sax solo, and up to three more on keys and backing vocals. Any spot you skip keeps the sample musician.

Step 3: Run the AI pass

Confirm you have permission to use the photos and start the render. Processing time varies; the page shows the job status.

Step 4: Save both MP4 files

Download the 9:16 vertical MP4 with “Outstanding” mixed in, plus the silent backup copy in case TikTok, Reels or Shorts mutes the audio.

Five photo rules that make or break the render

Crop to a single person. Multiple faces in one upload confuse the tracker
Daylight or indoor room light beats stadium shadows or neon bars
Skip sunglasses, visors pulled low, microphones or hands on the chin
Use real photos rather than cartoons, illustrations or heavy beauty filters
Solid shirts or jackets swap cleaner than busy patterns or giant chest logos

What the finished file looks like

Resolution and length: 720p vertical (9:16) MP4, ~18 seconds, zero watermark
Audio: one file with The Gap Band's “Outstanding” synced, plus one silent file
Turnaround: processing time varies; check your job status on the site
Motion: the singer's expression and laugh follow the original performance beat

Troubleshooting a weak render

If a result looks wrong, review the photo and the following possibilities:

Weak likeness: replace a side-angle or low-res screenshot with a straight-on photo
Warped shirt text: use a photo with a plain collar or hoodie
Unchanged performer: if a finished video has a technical defect, contact support under the refund policy
Render failure: failed jobs return credits to your balance automatically

Sharing your video

Before sharing, check the output and respect the permissions and sharing rules that apply to the people, footage and audio. Tiny Desk AI ideas: who to put at the desk.

Tiny Desk AI guide FAQ

What do I need to make a Tiny Desk AI video?

Just 1 to 5 clear, front-facing photos and a browser. You do not need CapCut, a video editor, or any text prompts.

Which AI model powers the video render?

The configured template uses Kuaishou Kling 4.0 in video-edit mode at 720p. Likeness and continuity can vary.

How long does rendering take?

Processing time varies. Check the job status on the site or return to your account later.

Does the mouth move with the lyrics?

The template uses a reference performance, but AI results may vary. Contact support about a finished video with a technical defect.

Why did my photo look blurry in the video?

Small crops from group pictures, heavy shadows or side profiles lose detail during generation. Upload a closer, well-lit portrait facing the lens.

Can I build this myself in Kling or Seedance?

Video-editing tools can accept reference material and prompts, but settings, costs and results vary. Check the provider’s documentation and your rights to the material.

Open the AI Tiny Desk1 to 5 band members, same price, audio included