In September 2025, a new AI-powered trend, dubbed “Nano Banana”, has taken the internet by storm. This phenomenon allows users to transform their photos into hyper-realistic 3D figurines using Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model. The results are miniature, toy-like versions of individuals, celebrities, and even pets, complete with packaging that mimics collectible action figures. How Does It Work?
The process is straightforward:
- Upload a high-quality photo of yourself, a pet, or any subject.
- Input a detailed text prompt describing the desired figurine style.
- Generate the 3D model, which appears as a miniature figure on a transparent base, often accompanied by a toy box and a wireframe model on a computer screen.
For example, a popular prompt is:
“Create a 1/7 scale commercialized figurine of the character in the picture, in a realistic style, in a real environment. The figurine is placed on a computer desk. The figurine has a round transparent acrylic base, with no text on the base. The content on the computer screen is a 3D modeling process of this figurine. Next to the computer screen is a toy packaging box, designed in a style reminiscent of high-quality collectible figures, printed with original artwork.”
Why Is It Going Viral?
The Nano Banana trend has gained immense popularity due to several factors:
- Ease of Use: The Gemini app is user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Creative Expression: Users can experiment with various styles, from anime characters to plush toys.
- Social Media Appeal: The unique and shareable nature of the 3D figurines has made them a hit on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
As of now, over 200 million images have been created or altered using this tool, showcasing its widespread adoption. (The Times of India)
Celebrities Join the Craze
Notable figures have also embraced the Nano Banana trend:
- Neha Kakkar: The popular singer shared her 3D figurine on Instagram, expressing delight at the result.
- Rakesh Roshan: The veteran actor posted a family photo transformed into a 3D model, captioning it with “Family, passion, and art.”
- Sonam Bajwa, Shubman Gill, and Janhvi Kapoor: These celebrities featured in a collaborative post by Google India, showcasing their Nano Banana figurines. (mint)
Alternatives and Competitors
While Nano Banana has dominated the scene, other AI platforms are emerging:
- Seedream 4.0 by ByteDance: A professional-grade AI image generation tool designed for studios and marketers, offering ultra-crisp 2K resolution images in under two seconds. (Indiatimes)
- Qwen Image Edit and Grok AI: These platforms offer unique capabilities, such as effective instruction interpretation and video generation alongside image editing. (The Times of India)
How to Create Your Own Nano Banana Figurine
- Download the Gemini App: Available on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Select the Nano Banana Feature: Navigate to the 3D figurine creation tool.
- Upload Your Photo: Choose a clear, high-resolution image.
- Enter a Detailed Prompt: Use the template provided above or customize it to your liking.
- Generate and Share: Once the figurine is created, you can download and share it on social media.
The Future of Nano Banana
As AI technology continues to evolve, tools like Nano Banana are paving the way for more personalized and creative digital content. Whether for fun, artistic expression, or promotional purposes, the trend reflects a growing interest in AI-driven customization and digital collectibles.