Skip to content
Tiny Desk AI
Create video

Guide

The Best Photo for Your Tiny Desk AI Video

Choose one clear image the model can read: one adult, front-facing, evenly lit and fully visible for the Tiny Desk AI video generator.

Make my Tiny Desk video 

One free preview per account: 5 seconds, silent. Full videos with sound start at $8.90.

Published October 28, 2026

Made from one clear photo: a Tiny Desk AI video

Why the photo matters

The source photo is the model's only view of the new lead. Unless you add extra direction, it also guides the person's hair and clothing. A sharp, front-facing photo gives the best chance of a recognizable result, though AI can still create differences or artifacts.

Light

Use even light that shows the whole face:

  • Soft daylight or a lamp facing the person
  • No hard shadow across the eyes or jaw
  • No bright window behind the subject
  • No blown-out flash on the face

Angle and framing

Make the face easy for the automated check and model to read:

  • Face the camera with the head upright
  • Keep the full face visible
  • No sunglasses, masks, hands over the face or heavy filters
  • One person only, not a group photo

File and size

The upload requirements are simple:

  • JPG, PNG or WebP
  • Up to 8 MB
  • Use the original image when possible, not a screenshot
  • Avoid heavy compression and editing

Check the image on your device

The on-device photo checker reviews resolution, exposure, sharpness and orientation in the browser. It does not upload the photo or replace the automated face and content-safety check that runs before rendering.

If the photo is refused

Every upload passes an automated check before the video model renders it. A refused photo costs nothing, and the page explains the reason. Common causes include:

  • No clear, fully visible face
  • More than one person
  • A celebrity, athlete, coach or other public figure
  • A person who appears younger than 18
  • Blur, darkness, a filter or a side profile

Tiny Desk AI photo FAQ

Can I use a selfie?

Yes, if one adult faces the camera, the image is sharp and the whole face is evenly lit and visible.

Can I wear sunglasses in the photo?

No. Sunglasses hide details needed by the automated face check and model. Use a photo with the eyes visible.

Can I use a group photo?

No. Crop it to one consenting adult first or choose a solo portrait.

Are my photos stored?

They are kept only for the requested render, removed from temporary storage after processing and not used to train models.

Have the right photo?

Upload one clear portrait of a consenting adult.

Make my video See pricing
All guides and tutorials →