Outstanding Tiny Desk AI Video
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How to Use the Outstanding Tiny Desk AI Template (Step-by-Step Guide)

A complete step-by-step guide to generating your own Outstanding Tiny Desk AI video using the Oimi.ai template — from uploading your photo to downloading and sharing.

What Is an AI Video Template?

An AI video template is a pre-wired workflow that combines a reference video, a motion model, and generation settings so you don't have to configure anything yourself. Instead of starting from a blank canvas, you drop in your content — in this case, a portrait photo — and the template handles the rest.

The Outstanding Tiny Desk AI template on Oimi.ai is built around the viral NPR Tiny Desk format. The workflow uses Seedance 2.0's reference-video motion technology: it studies the original Charlie Wilson performance, learns the motion, the camera angles, and the rhythm of the scene, then re-renders the clip with your uploaded face in the lead role. The result is a 15-second, 9:16 vertical video with matching audio — sized and ready for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

You don't need video editing skills. You don't need to know what Seedance 2.0 is. You just need a photo.

Step 1: Open the Template

Go to oimi.ai/en/templates/outstanding-tiny-desk-ai.

You'll land on the template page. If you don't have an Oimi.ai account yet, sign up — new accounts get free trial credits, which is enough to generate your first video at no cost.

Once you're logged in, click "Use Template" to open the workflow canvas. The canvas will already have the reference video, the generation nodes, and the output settings pre-configured. You're one step away from generating.

Step 2: Upload Your Portrait Photo

This is the only thing you need to provide. Tap the photo upload node on the canvas and select your image.

What makes a good photo:

  • Clear, front-facing portrait. The AI works best when it can see the full face straight-on.
  • Good, even lighting. Harsh shadows across the face or very dark backgrounds reduce quality. Natural window light or softbox lighting works great.
  • Single face only. The template is designed for one person at a time. Group shots confuse the model.
  • No sunglasses, masks, or heavy hats. The AI needs to see the eyes and the full face structure.
  • Medium to high resolution. A phone portrait from the last few years is fine. Very old, blurry, or compressed images produce worse results.

A solid headshot, a recent selfie, or a cropped photo from a group shot (with only one face visible) will all work well.

Step 3: Click Generate and Wait

Once your photo is uploaded, hit the Generate button. The workflow sends your photo to the Seedance 2.0 model along with the reference clip and built-in prompts.

Generation typically takes 30 to 60 seconds. During that time, the model is:

  1. Analyzing your face geometry and texture
  2. Mapping it to the lead performer's position in the reference clip
  3. Synthesizing each frame with your face in the performance
  4. Rendering the final 9:16 vertical video with audio

A progress indicator on the canvas shows where you are. When it completes, the output video appears in the output node.

Step 4: Download and Share

Preview the video in the canvas. If it looks good, click Download to save the MP4 to your device.

The file is:

  • 15 seconds long — the ideal length for TikTok and Reels
  • 9:16 vertical format — no cropping needed
  • No watermark — the video is yours to share as-is
  • Music included — the audio is generated to match the vibe of the performance

Post directly to TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts. If you want to use the actual "Outstanding" recording instead of the AI-generated audio, mute the video in the app and add the original as a trending sound when you post.

Tips and Advanced Options

Not happy with the first result? Generate again. The model has some variation between runs, so a second generation often produces a noticeably better output.

Want to cast the whole band? The advanced workflow on Oimi.ai lets you add up to three reference photos — one for the lead singer, one for the sax player, and one for the keys player. Each person's face is locked to their seat for the full performance. Perfect for a group of friends, a sports team roster, or a full office cast. Just swap from the basic to the advanced template in your canvas.

Free trial credits. New Oimi.ai accounts receive trial credits on signup — enough to try the template before committing to a subscription. Paid plans add monthly credits and access to faster generation queues.

Ready to put someone behind the desk? Open the template on Oimi.ai and generate your first video now.