Ad generation typically completes in 30-90 seconds depending on the format. If it takes significantly longer, here is what might be happening and what you can do about it.
Normal generation times
These are the expected times for each format type:
- Static ads: 30-60 seconds for a batch of 3-5 ads. Static ads are the fastest because they only require copy generation and layout composition.
- Carousel ads: 45-90 seconds for a full carousel. Each slide requires independent copy generation, and the slides must form a coherent narrative arc, which takes additional processing.
- Video storyboards: 60-120 seconds. Storyboards include shot descriptions, timing notes, and per-frame copy, which requires more generation steps.
Reasons for slowness
- Queue load: During peak hours (9-11am ET on weekdays), generation may take 2-3x longer due to queue depth. Mani uses fair queuing to prevent any single user from monopolizing resources. Pro and Studio plans get priority queue access, which reduces wait times during peak hours.
- Image generation: If your ad includes AI-generated imagery (as opposed to product photos you uploaded), the image generation step adds 15-30 seconds per image. Image generation uses separate GPU resources that can sometimes have their own queue.
- First generation after setup: Your very first generation after setting up or editing Brand DNA is slower because Mani builds your brand context cache. This cache accelerates all subsequent generations. Expect your first batch to take 90-120 seconds; future batches will be faster.
- Complex Brand DNA: Brands with many products (20+) or very detailed visual style descriptions take slightly longer because the generation context is larger.
What to do
- Wait 2 minutes: Most "slow" generations complete within 2 minutes. The progress indicator shows which step is currently running (extracting context, generating copy, composing layout, generating images).
- Check the status page: Visit status.maniai.com to see if there are known issues affecting generation speed. We post updates for any incidents that cause widespread slowness.
- Cancel and retry: If generation stalls for more than 5 minutes with no progress indicator movement, click Cancel and retry. Your generation credit is refunded for cancelled jobs that did not complete.
Persistent slowness
If generation is consistently slow (over 2 minutes per batch for static ads) over multiple days, email support@maniai.com. Include your account email and the approximate times you experienced slowness so we can investigate your specific queue position and identify any account-specific issues.