Which Photos Work Best for an Outstanding Tiny Desk Video

Your photo is the only thing the AI knows about you. It has to rebuild your face from new angles, dress you in the same clothes and move you through the whole performance, so a good photo makes the biggest difference to how much the video looks like you.

The Outstanding Tiny Desk template on AIRapVideoly turns 1–5 photos into a 19-second vertical video with the original song. The lead singer is required; up to four friends can join the band.

One person per photo

Each slot in the studio takes a photo of one person: the lead singer, and up to four bandmates in their own slots. With a group shot in one slot, the AI has to guess who should take that place, and it may pick the wrong person or mix faces together. To bring friends into the band, give each of them their own photo; spots you leave empty keep the original band.

Your face, clearly visible

Face the camera, or turn only slightly. Take off sunglasses and keep hair, hands and hats away from your face. Skip beauty filters and heavy edits: the AI copies what it sees, including the filter.

Head to waist in frame

A photo that shows you from the head down to the waist works best. It shows your face, your hair and the top you are wearing, which is most of what the video shows. A full-body photo works too. A tight selfie of just your face leaves the AI to invent your clothes.

Even, bright light

Daylight or a well-lit room gives the AI the most detail. Avoid strong backlight, deep shadows across your face and very dark photos.

Wear what you want to be seen in

The video keeps your clothing from the photo. You don’t need a stage outfit or a mic: the video keeps the microphone from the original clip.

Size and format

Use a JPG or PNG photo, at least 341 pixels on each side and no larger than 10 MB. The width-to-height ratio must be between 2:5 and 5:2. Portrait and square photos work best.

Only adults who agreed

Use photos of yourself, or of adults who have agreed to appear in an AI video. Never upload photos of children, celebrities or anyone who hasn’t agreed.

Ready? Make my band video, or read the step-by-step guide.