How to prepare a photo for an Outstanding Tiny Desk video
Choose a clear adult photo for the lead and an optional sax player, check the framing against the concert reference, and set up a Tiny Desk AI video.
By Tiny Desk AI / Smart Lazy LLC · Updated
Start with a clear lead (and optional cast)
The studio has two labeled slots: the lead singer and an optional sax player. Only the lead is required; without a sax photo, the reference musician stays. Use one clear adult face per photo.
The studio accepts JPG, PNG and WebP images up to 10 MB. Cropping away distracting people can help, but keep the shoulders and outfit in frame.
Frame your photo for the concert
The video uses the photo as a guide for the face, hair and clothing. A clear upper-body photo suits this seated concert: face the camera, show the eyes, nose and mouth clearly, and include the outfit you want the performer to wear.
Avoid sunglasses, heavy filters, cartoons and group shots. Even lighting and a plain background make the person easier to distinguish.
Watch the reference before choosing it
Outstanding Tiny Desk is a vertical desk-concert reference: a close-up on the lead, the band, and a saxophone finish. Play it to see the movement and framing your photo will follow.
Generated videos include an AI-generated soul band soundtrack. A silent copy is also available if you want to add the trending sound in your publishing app. There is no music picker or custom audio upload.
Check duration, format and credits
Every video is 15 seconds at 720p. You can choose the aspect ratio; vertical 9:16 matches the reference clip and TikTok.
Each video uses one credit. Check the pricing page to compare one-time packs.
Save a setup to return to later
Sign in and verify your email to generate a video. Review the credit cost before submitting. My videos shows progress and lets you play, download or delete completed videos. Saving a draft does not generate a video or charge credits.
Sign-in and checkout preserve a temporary copy of your creation in this browser for up to 24 hours. Return to review it and confirm generation. Save my setup is separate: those longer-lived drafts contain only settings and filenames, so reattach photos when opening one from My videos.