> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.trendswap.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.trendswap.app/quickstart.md).

# quickstart

Creating your first viral social AI video with TrendSwap takes less than 3 minutes. This guide walks you through the step-by-step workflow from photo upload to final watermark-free MP4 download.

## Prerequisites

* A front-facing portrait photo (human or pet) with clear lighting.
* A modern web browser (Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox) on mobile or desktop.
* A TrendSwap video pass or available credits in your account.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Select Your Viral Template

Navigate to the [TrendSwap Studio](https://trendswap.app/) or browse the [Template Directory](file:///7822725/templates/overview.md).

1. Select your desired trend from the top navigation drop-down or the homepage template carousel.
2. Preview the choreography, duration (8s to 26s), and pre-synced soundtrack.
3. For multi-character templates (such as *Smalltown Boy* or *Zombie Couple*), determine who will occupy **Slot 1 (Lead)** and **Slot 2 (Partner)**.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Upload Your Portrait(s)

1. Drag and drop your image into the **LEAD PHOTO** upload zone, or click **Browse** to select an image from your device.
2. The client-side auditor automatically inspects the image:
   * **Resolution check**: Verifies minimum dimensions of 512×512 pixels.
   * **Facial alignment**: Centers the subject's face within the neural bounding box.
   * **Lighting analysis**: Alerts you if the photo is underexposed, heavily backlit, or obscured by sunglasses.
3. If using a two-character template, upload the second portrait into **SLOT 2**. You can toggle the **Swap Roles** button at any time to alternate who leads the choreography.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Configure Output Framing & Resolution

Select your preferred output settings in the studio control deck:

| Option         | Values                                                                                                     | Recommendations                                                                                                                                                                         |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Framing**    | `9:16 Vertical` / `16:9 Widescreen`                                                                        | Choose **9:16 Vertical** for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Choose **16:9 Widescreen** for YouTube, TV, or cinematic desktop viewing.                                                       |
| **Resolution** | <p><code>480p SD</code> (25 CR)<br><code>720p HD</code> (50 CR)<br><code>1080p Full HD</code> (100 CR)</p> | **480p SD** is ideal for rapid previews and mobile testing. **720p HD** is the standard social publishing sweet spot. **1080p Full HD** delivers crisp, studio-grade broadcast quality. |
| {% endstep %}  |                                                                                                            |                                                                                                                                                                                         |

{% step %}

## Generate & Real-Time Monitoring

1. Click **GENERATE WITH \[X] CREDITS**.
2. Credits are debited from your active balance.
3. Your job enters the high-speed GPU rendering queue:
   * **Stage 1 (Alignment & Conditioning)**: Neural alignment and negative conditioning matrix setup.
   * **Stage 2 (Motion Transfer)**: Frame-by-frame motion retargeting through the Seedance 2.5 engine.
   * **Stage 3 (Audio Synthesis & Encoding)**: Master vocal and beat synchronization, final H.264 MP4 muxing.
4. Rendering typically completes in **2 to 4 minutes**. You can keep the browser window open or leave and return later; jobs are saved to your **My Creations** library.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Export & Share

Once generation finishes:

1. Preview your completed clip directly inside the web player.
2. Click **DOWNLOAD MP4** to save the watermark-free video file to your camera roll or downloads folder.
3. Post directly to TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or X with the original trending audio already locked in place!
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}


---

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