Can I make the Smalltown Boy AI video with my parents or an old photo?
Yes. Old prints, scans and even black-and-white photos work as long as the face is sharp and facing the camera. The 'young mum and me today' and 'grandpa at 20 vs grandpa now' versions are among the most-shared, because the retro 80s studio already matches the era of the old photo.
Preparing an old photo
- Photograph the print flat in daylight, or scan it at 300 dpi
- Crop so one face fills at least a quarter of the frame
- Skip photos with a crease or tear across the eyes
- Colour is not required — the video adds its own neon palette
Then-and-now
Upload the old photo as Photo 1 and a current one as Photo 2. The generator keeps both faces, so the result is the same person at two ages dancing together. It reads as a tribute more than a joke, which is why families share it.
Consent and privacy
Use photos of family who are fine with it. Your photos are only used to render your video, are never published or used for training, and are deleted on request within 30 days.
FAQ
- Will a blurry 1970s photo work?
- If the face is readable at thumbnail size, yes. Very soft scans may fail — the credits refund automatically.
- Can I do a photo of someone who has passed away?
- Technically yes; please make sure the family is comfortable with it.
Two photos, free preview, then $3.99 for the full video. No subscription.
Make my videoRelated
- Parents version
- What photos work best for the Smalltown Boy AI video?
- How do I make the Smalltown Boy AI video with my best friend?
Published 2026-10-17.