Guide
How to Make a Tiny Desk AI Video
From one photo to a 15-second Outstanding meme video: the photo rules, every step in the Tiny Desk AI video generator, settings and posting tips.
One free preview per account: 5 seconds, silent. Full videos with sound start at $8.90.
Quick answer
Sign in with an emailed code, upload one sharp photo of one consenting adult, choose 480p or 720p and 9:16 or 16:9, then start the render. The automated check runs first, and the finished 15-second MP4 with sound appears under My videos. One-time packs start at $8.90.
Published October 28, 2026
What you need
There is nothing to film or edit. Before you start, have these ready:
- One sharp, front-facing photo of you or another adult who agreed
- An account, signed in with a code sent to your email
- One free preview per account, lasting 5 seconds without sound, or a one-time credit pack for the full video
- Several minutes for the automated check and render
Step by step with the Tiny Desk AI video generator
The Tiny Desk AI video generator follows one reference clip and handles the scene, band, horns and sound. Here is the process:
- 1
Check the photo
Use the on-device photo checker to review sharpness, exposure and size. It does not upload the photo.
- 2
Upload one person
Choose a JPG, PNG or WebP up to 8 MB. The face must be fully visible, with no group photo or side profile.
- 3
Choose quality and frame
Pick 480p for 10 credits or 720p for 20 credits, then choose vertical 9:16 or widescreen 16:9. Length is always 15 seconds.
- 4
Add direction if needed
A paid render can include up to 1,500 characters of extra direction. It is screened before rendering.
- 5
Render and download
The face and safety check runs first, then rendering takes several minutes. You can close the page and download the MP4 later under My videos.
Writing useful extra direction
The reference clip already controls the desk-concert sequence. Keep your addition short and focused on the new lead:
- Describe one outfit change
- Name a simple expression, such as smiling at the band
- Add one small visual detail
- Do not ask for a different scene or extra people
- Read the extra direction guide for examples and refusal rules.
The slower alternatives
CapCut templates can place photos or clips into a preset edit, and manual editing can recreate the sequence piece by piece. Both take more work than uploading one photo to a generator, and neither produces the same model-rendered result by default.
Our CapCut template versus AI guide compares the workflows.
Posting your Tiny Desk AI video
Before you share the MP4:
- Use the vertical 9:16 version for TikTok, Reels and Shorts
- Use 16:9 for widescreen sharing
- Turn on the platform's AI-generated label
- Do not present the video as a real NPR performance or endorsement
- See the Tiny Desk AI TikTok guide for a posting checklist.
Fixing common problems
If the face looks different, try a sharper, front-facing photo in even light without sunglasses or filters. A refused photo uses no credits. A failed render returns its credits automatically. The photo guide explains each check.
Sources
Tiny Desk AI video tutorial FAQ
How long does it take to make a Tiny Desk AI video?
The automated face and safety check takes seconds to a few minutes, followed by several minutes of rendering. You can close the page while it runs.
Is there a free version?
Yes. Every signed-in account gets one free preview: a 5-second silent close-up in 480p of the person from your photo singing and laughing at the desk. The full 15-second video with the band, sax solo and sound costs 10 credits in 480p or 20 credits in 720p.
Do I need to write a prompt?
No. The reference clip is always included. Paid renders can add optional direction for the person's look or expression.
Can I make a video of a friend?
Yes, if the friend is an adult and agreed. Photos of minors, celebrities, athletes, coaches and other public figures are refused.
Can I make a version with a pet?
No. The generator requires one clear human face belonging to an adult who agreed.
Make your 15-second video
Upload one consented photo and let Seedance create the clip.