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Best Photos for an AI Zombie Video: What to Upload

The film is only as recognisable as the photos. The model follows the face, hair and build in each photo through seven shots, including a zombie close-up and a full-body leap, so a photo that hides the face or crops the body causes problems later.

You do not need a studio picture. A normal phone photo in daylight is usually enough.

Updated

Three of the AI-made photos we used: a woman, her best friend and a golden retriever, all front-facing in daylight

CASTING

Photos that keep your face in every shot

  • One face each
  • Waist-up or full body
  • Pets: eyes and coat
Frames from our own test renders · AI Halloween

The checklist

DoWhy
One person (or one pet) per photoEach photo becomes one character
Face visible, looking roughly at the cameraThe close-ups depend on it
Waist-up or full bodyThe leap shows the whole body; a face-only crop leaves the model guessing
Daylight or even lightHard shadows can turn into odd marks on the zombie face
Recent and unfilteredThe model copies beauty filters and old hairstyles too
The six photos behind our test renders, all made with an image model: a woman, a man, a golden retriever, a mother, a best friend and a cat.
The six photos behind our test renders, all made with an image model: a woman, a man, a golden retriever, a mother, a best friend and a cat.Our own test render · 2026-10-09

What to avoid

  • Sunglasses, masks, a hand or hair over the face.
  • Group photos where the person is small. Crop to one person first.
  • Heavy filters, cartoon effects or a photo that is already a zombie filter.
  • Very low-resolution screenshots.
  • Photos of people who did not agree to appear, and of children without a parent’s consent.

Photos of a dog or cat

In Pet mode the right photo should show one animal, eyes open, with the coat colour and markings clearly visible, ideally head and body. Daylight at the animal’s eye level works best. A sweater or costume hides the markings the model is asked to keep. See zombie pet video.

What gets refused

Every photo goes through a content check when you add it. If it fails, you are asked to choose another photo, and nothing is charged. The generator also needs the image to be large enough to read; tiny thumbnails may be refused.

How photo mistakes show up in the film

Photo problemWhat you may see
Face partly hiddenA different-looking person in the close-ups
Face-only cropAn invented body, clothes or height in the leap
Two people in one photoThe wrong person turns, or both blend together
Strong filterSmooth, doll-like skin in the meadow ending

If the film still does not look like you, see AI zombie video doesn’t look like you.

Create my Halloween film

FAQ

Can I use a selfie?
Yes, if your face is clear. A waist-up photo works a little better because the leap shows your body.
Can I use an old photo?
Yes. The film will look like the photo, not like you today.
Do the two photos need to match?
No. Backgrounds are ignored; the prompt says to ignore the photo backgrounds. Similar framing helps a little.
Can I use glasses?
Clear glasses are usually fine. Sunglasses hide the eyes the zombie close-up depends on.
  1. 01AI Zombie Video Doesn’t Look Like You? 7 FixesSeven fixes for likeness and casting problems, from swapping the photos to choosing a better close-up photo.
  2. 02How to Make an AI Zombie Video, Step by StepEvery step of the generator in order, from the two photos to the downloaded MP4, with what each choice changes.
  3. 03Make the Zombie Trend With Your Best Friend or MomThe friend and family version of the zombie trend: casting, tone, captions and the two-person limit.

AI Halloween is made independently and is not connected with TikTok or any film or TV studio. Each creator’s clip stays theirs.