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Use this path when you call Create Face with model_name: phoenix-4 and train_image_url. The image must be at a publicly accessible URL (for example a presigned S3 GET URL). You also attach a voice. See Choose a Model and Training Path if you are still deciding. For Phoenix-4.5 photos, see Phoenix-4.5 Image Requirements.
We recommend using the PAL Maker to upload an image. It runs the same checks the API uses, with real-time validation before training.
Phoenix-4 faces are ready when training finishes, typically 3–4 hours.

Image requirements

Phoenix-4 uses a stricter checker than Phoenix-4.5.
  • Formats: JPG or PNG
  • Minimum resolution: 512×512 pixels
  • Only one person visible in the image
  • Subject is an adult (18+)
  • Human-shaped subject: realistic, cartoon, anime, and Pixar-style faces are all fine. Animals, mascots, and other non-human figures are not
  • Head fully in frame, subject centered, looking straight at the camera
  • Upright, neutral pose (not leaning, lying down, or mid-gesture)
  • Face not blocked by hands, phones, masks, or heavy hair over the eyes and nose
  • Even lighting with minimal shadows across the face
  • Not a household-name public figure or an obvious copyrighted character
  • Head and shoulders clearly visible
  • No glasses, face-covering accessories, or over-ear headphones
  • Avoid visible jewelry such as large earrings or necklaces
  • Keep hair behind the shoulders and away from the face and neck (no tall hairstyles that stack high above the face)
  • Neck visible (avoid turtlenecks, high collars, or hair covering the front of the neck)
  • Sleeves or wide straps (strapless and spaghetti straps fail)
  • No dense beard covering the neck or collar

Attach a voice

A photo has no audio, so nothing gets cloned the way it does on the video path. Send a voice on the same Create Face request - a stock voice or one you train yourself. See Voices for Image-Based Faces.

AI Image Fixer

If your uploaded image doesn’t fully meet these requirements, set auto_fix_training_image to true when calling Create Face. Tavus’s AI Image Fixer adjusts the uploaded image to fit. Some policy failures (for example under-18 or copyrighted characters) cannot be auto-fixed.
By using the image training API, you affirm that you have the rights to use the image you supply (for example likeness and publicity rights where applicable). Tavus may reject images that appear to depict unauthorized or impermissible subjects.