Put your friends in the Tiny Desk band
Last updated:
The coaches parody worked because it was a whole band of losers, not one. Our Outstanding template takes up to three photos: lead singer, sax player and the singer at the keys, in Charlie Wilson's real Tiny Desk footage with the live sound.
Which photo goes where
Photo 1 is the lead singer in the blue beanie and gold aviators. Photo 2 is the sax player in the black hoodie and glasses. Photo 3 is the singer behind the red keys in the front row.
The order is what decides the roles. If your friend should sing lead, upload their photo first. The model follows the photo numbers, so a mixed group of men and women does not get reshuffled to look like the original band.
Why the sax and the keys need the 15-second cut
The 6-second version is a single close-up of the lead singer. Nobody else is on screen, so extra photos have nothing to replace. Pick 15 seconds for a band: it opens on the backing singers and the keys, cuts to the lead, then to the sax, and ends on the choir.
The two backing singers at the very back stay from the original. They are small and often blocked by the others, so a swap there would hardly be visible.
What the band costs
The same as a solo: 15 credits for the 15-second band cut, whether you upload one, two or three photos. The Single pack (15 credits, $9.99) covers exactly one band video.
Getting every face right
Use one clear photo per person, face to the camera, no sunglasses, no group shots. The lead keeps the beanie and shades from the original, so their photo matters most around the jaw and mouth. The sax player and the keys singer are seen from further away, so a well-lit photo helps more than a high-resolution one.
Everyone you upload has to be an adult who agreed to it. No photos of celebrities, coaches, players or kids.
How much does a Tiny Desk video cost?
A 6-second Tiny Desk video costs 5 credits. The cheapest way to make one is the Try pack: $4.99 for 5 credits.
| Length | Credits | Cheapest pack that covers it |
|---|---|---|
| 6 s | 5 | Try · $4.99 (5 credits) |
| 15 s | 15 | Single · $9.99 (15 credits) |
No subscription. Credits never expire, and a failed render gives your credits back automatically.
Questions, answered
Can I put five people in, like the coaches parody?
Three is the maximum: lead, sax and keys are the people you can see clearly. The two backing singers at the back stay as in the original.
Do I need three photos?
No. One photo is a solo, two add the sax player. Anyone you do not upload a photo for stays as in the real concert.
Guides and tips
- Outstanding Meme: The Gap Band Song Behind Tiny Desk AIThe Outstanding meme explained: The Gap Band song, Charlie Wilson’s Tiny Desk set, the losing-coaches AI parody, and how to make your own.
- How to Make the Outstanding Tiny Desk AI Video (1–3 Photos)Step-by-step: sing lead in the "Outstanding" Tiny Desk set, or bring two friends for the sax and the keys. Which photos work, 6 or 15 seconds, render time.