How to make the Outstanding Tiny Desk AI video
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One photo and about ten minutes, or up to three photos for a band. The desk, the bookshelves and the live sound come from the real concert; the AI only swaps in the people you upload.
1. Pick a clear, front-facing photo
In the result you wear the lead singer's blue beanie and gold sunglasses, so your hair and eyes are mostly covered. The AI recognises you by your face shape, skin tone, beard and smile. A sharp, evenly lit photo where your face fills a good part of the frame works best.
The clip is a big laugh, so a photo where you are smiling fits well. Skip group photos, hats and heavy filters.
2. Add your band (optional)
Photo 1 is always the lead singer. Photo 2 replaces the sax player in the black hoodie, and photo 3 the singer sitting at the red keys in front. Upload them in the order you want the roles; it costs the same as a solo video.
Same photo rules for everyone: one person per photo, face clear and evenly lit. The two backing singers at the back stay from the original.
3. Choose 6 or 15 seconds
6 seconds is the close-up where the lead laughs mid-line: you are on screen the whole time, for 5 credits. 15 seconds is the longer cut: backing singers and keys, the lead close-up, the sax solo and the choir, for 15 credits. The sax and the keys are only in the 15-second cut, so pick it when friends join.
4. Render and post
A render usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and you can leave the page. Download the vertical MP4 with the live sound and post it to TikTok, Reels or Shorts. Turn on the AI-generated label when you post.
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
Whose photo can I use?
Yours, or an adult who said yes. Photos of kids, celebrities or public figures are not allowed. Videos are marked as AI-generated on our player and share pages; say it is AI when you post.
Guides and tips
- Tiny Desk AI Band: Put 1–3 Friends in the Outstanding SetMake the Tiny Desk AI band version: one photo sings lead, two add the sax, three add the keys. Same price as a solo, real footage, live sound.
- 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.