How to Make a Bad Times AI Video From One Photo

Bad Times is a lip-sync bit: someone looks into the camera and pretends to argue with it. They point, throw up a hand, and lean in close to the lens. A Bad Times AI video puts you in that bit from one photo. Here's how it works.

What to prepare

One photo, of you. That's the whole list.

• A clear, front-facing photo with the whole face visible and even light. Looking toward the camera suits this bit.
• One person only. Crop out the rest of a group photo.
• A pet photo works too. Animals can look less natural when they act out gestures, so pick one with a clear face.
• Skip sunglasses, masks and heavy filters.

For the full checklist, read How to Pick Photos for a Hotel Lobby AI Video. The photo advice is the same.

Steps

1. Open the Bad Times page.
2. Pick a quality: 480p, 720p or 1080p. See pricing for the current prices.
3. Upload your photo. We check it first. If it doesn't pass, nothing is charged and you can try another.
4. Pay once. There is no subscription.
5. Wait a few minutes. The finished clip waits under My videos, labelled AI generated. Download it within 30 days.

What to watch for

• The mouth. Lips follow the performance but won't match every word, so don't expect a perfect lip-sync.
• The lean-in. The close-up at the end is the funniest shot. A photo where your face is large and clear gives it the best chance of looking like you.
• Pets. If you use a pet, expect it to look more like a cartoon of the bit than a real argument.
• Who can be in it. Only you or people who agreed. Photos of celebrities, public figures or anyone under 18 are not allowed.

What you get

A 10-second MP4 in 9:16 vertical, marked as AI generated. It is a new clip, not a filter on your own footage and not a face swap.

Want the background first? Read What Is Bad Times AI? The Trend Explained. Ready to look at the page? Bad Times AI Video Generator.