NEW DELHI – A new viral trend is sweeping across social media, and it’s turning everyday photos into stunning, collectible-style 3D figurines. The “Nano Banana” craze, as it has been playfully nicknamed by the online community, is powered by Google’s latest AI image creation model, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image. This free and accessible tool is democratizing 3D artistry, allowing anyone to create hyper-realistic digital figurines in a matter of seconds.
What is a 3D Figurine?
A 3D figurine, in the context of this trend, is a digital representation of a person, pet, or object, rendered in a three-dimensional style. The creations look like they’ve been professionally sculpted, complete with detailed textures, realistic lighting, and often presented on a virtual desktop alongside a mock-up of a toy packaging box. These miniature digital statues, also known as “3D portraits” or “mini-me figurines,” have been a popular concept in custom 3D printing for years, but the Nano Banana AI trend makes the artistic creation of these figures instant and free.
The trend has gained significant traction on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), with users generating figures of themselves, their pets, and even public figures. The viral nature of the trend is attributed to its ease of use, the impressive visual quality of the output, and the high shareability of the final images.
How to Create Your Own Nano Banana 3D Figurine for FREE
Creating your own 3D figurine is a straightforward process that requires no technical skills or specialized software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
1. Access Google Gemini: Navigate to the Google AI Studio website or use the Gemini app on your mobile device. The Nano Banana feature is integrated into the Gemini platform.
2. Choose Your Input: You can either use a text-only prompt or, for the most personalized results, upload a photo of the subject you wish to transform.
3. Use the Magic Prompt: The key to generating the iconic “Nano Banana” look is to use a specific, detailed prompt. Google itself has shared a popular and effective prompt on its social media channels. Here’s one version you can copy and paste:
“Create a 1/7 scale commercialized 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 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. The packaging features two-dimensional flat illustrations”
4. Generate and Refine: Click the “Generate” button. The AI will process your request and produce an image in a matter of seconds. If the result isn’t exactly what you envisioned, you can easily tweak the prompt to change the pose, outfit, or expression.
The Nano Banana trend is a testament to the power of accessible AI, bridging the gap between imagination and reality and allowing anyone to become a digital artist. From creating miniature versions of yourself to reimagining your favorite characters, the creative possibilities are limitless.
Vishnu Kumar Medukonduru completed study of B.Com & PG Diploma in Journalism. And a Senior journalist with over 26 years of experience across print, electronic, and digital media. Known for his sharp editorial instincts and deep understanding of public discourse, Vishnu has contributed to leading newsrooms in diverse roles—from field reporting and desk editing to content strategy and multimedia storytelling.
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