What Is the ‘Nano Banana’ Trend? How Google Gemini Turned Photos Into Collectible 3D Figurines

A viral AI feature lets users transform ordinary photos into miniature hyper-realistic figures, complete with toy-like packaging

The AI trend sweeping social media

The ‘Nano Banana’ trend is the latest viral AI craze powered by Google Gemini. It allows users to turn a simple photo and text prompt into a hyper-realistic 3D figurine of themselves, celebrities, or even pets. The output mimics collectible figures—miniatures standing on transparent acrylic bases, with detailed packaging mockups styled like commercial toy boxes.

• Completely free and accessible via the Gemini app.
• No technical knowledge required; only a photo and pre-set prompt.
• Creates lifelike figurines with studio-style rendering and packaging art.

Why it went viral

The trend’s ease of use and visually impressive results have driven global adoption. On Indian social media, even Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined in, sharing his figurine online after encouragement from younger followers. The playful, collectible-style aesthetic has made it especially popular among Gen Z and pop culture communities.

How to create your Nano Banana figurine

Google Gemini provides a straightforward method:

1. Open the Gemini app (or Google AI Studio).
2. Upload a photo you want to transform.
3. Paste the pre-set prompt: “Create a 1/7 scale commercialised figurine of the characters 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 modelling 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. The packaging features two-dimensional flat illustrations.”
4. Generate and wait a few seconds.
5. Review and tweak results by adjusting the prompt or swapping in a different photo.

The appeal behind the craze

• Accessibility: Anyone with the Gemini app can join—no coding, no payments.
• Novelty: The results resemble premium toy collectibles, a cultural trend already booming in anime, gaming, and celebrity merchandise.
• Customization: Users can make figurines of themselves, friends, or icons.
• Shareability: The realistic renders make for eye-catching social media posts.

Google’s confirmation

Google has emphasized the feature is free: “Image creation and editing is free for everyone in the Gemini app,” its official handle posted. This accessibility has accelerated adoption and ensured the trend spreads across platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok.