A quirky new social media craze called the Nano Banana trend is taking the internet by storm. Building on the success of AI action figures and anime-style filters, this viral trend lets users transform ordinary photos into lifelike collectible figurines with the help of Google’s Gemini AI. From celebrities and superheroes to pets and everyday selfies, the Nano Banana wave is blending creativity, technology, and internet humor in a way that’s captivating millions.
What is the Nano Banana Trend?
At its core, the Nano Banana trend uses Google Gemini’s image generation tools to convert photos into miniature figurine-style digital artworks. These AI creations look strikingly realistic, resembling commercial toys displayed in acrylic cases or branded boxes. Many users describe them as looking like something you’d find in a high-end toy store — only these are purely digital.
The appeal lies in the mix of personalization and nostalgia. People can see themselves, their pets, or even their favorite pop culture icons as collectible items, sparking both fun and shareable content on TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Why is it Called Nano Banana?
The unusual name combines two elements. “Nano” refers to Google Gemini’s lightweight Nano model, designed for faster and smaller AI tasks. “Banana” reportedly started as an internal codename but quickly caught on with users who enjoyed its quirky sound. When early creators began tagging their figurine images with #NanoBanana, the phrase went viral and cemented itself as the trend’s identity.
How to Create Your Own Nano Banana Figurine
Making your own Nano Banana figurine is surprisingly simple. Here’s how:
- Open the Gemini app or sign in to Google AI Studio.
- Upload a photo of yourself, a friend, a pet, or even a fictional character.
- Enter a figurine-style prompt. Example: “Create a 1/7 scale commercialized figurine of the character in the picture, in a realistic style, placed on a computer desk.”
- Generate the image, then refine it with follow-up prompts if needed.
The results usually include intricate figurine details, realistic bases, and even toy-style packaging designs, making them look like actual collectibles.
Is Nano Banana Free to Use?
Yes, Nano Banana is free to use through Google AI Studio and the Gemini app. However, free accounts may experience slower processing times or daily generation limits. For faster results and higher-quality outputs, Google offers premium Gemini tiers.
Best Prompts for Figurine Creation
For the most realistic results, detailed prompts are key. Mentioning the figurine’s scale, background setting, base design, and packaging style ensures that Gemini produces lifelike outputs. For instance, specifying “retro toy box packaging” or “glass acrylic display base” can make the figurine look like a professional collectible.
What Else Can Nano Banana Do?
While figurines are the highlight, users are also exploring other creative outputs, such as:
- Image Editing: Add or remove details with simple text prompts.
- Merging Photos: Combine multiple characters into one figurine scene.
- Retro Art Styles: Convert yourself into an 8-bit game character or pixel figure.
Safety and Availability
Google Gemini includes safety filters to prevent harmful or inappropriate outputs. Still, users are advised not to upload highly sensitive photos. The Nano Banana feature is accessible worldwide wherever Gemini is available, although local AI regulations may affect usage in some regions.
The Nano Banana trend is more than just another viral filter — it’s a playful blend of AI creativity, digital collectibles, and social media culture. Whether you want to see yourself as an action figure, immortalize your pet as a toy, or reimagine a favorite superhero, Nano Banana offers a free and fun way to turn imagination into lifelike figurines.