Looking for the latest viral AI trend? Nano Banana AI, powered by Google Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, lets you transform ordinary photos into realistic 3D figurines for free. This easy-to-use tool has gone viral on Instagram, TikTok, and X, with millions creating lifelike miniatures of pets, friends, and even celebrities. In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to use Nano Banana, explore creative prompts, and discover tips to make your 3D figurines stand out and go viral.
What Exactly is Nano Banana?
Nano Banana is the community nickname for Google DeepMind's Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model. Unlike traditional editing apps, this tool allows users to:
Turn 2D photos into 3D figurines that look like collectible desk toys.
Preserve details such as facial expressions, clothing textures, hairstyles, and background objects.
Create from text prompts without needing an image upload.
Blend multiple photos or apply one image's style to another.
The result is an incredibly detailed miniature figure that looks almost real — like something you could hold in your hand.
Why Has Nano Banana Gone Viral?
Several factors have contributed to Nano Banana's explosive popularity across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook:
Accessibility – Anyone with a Google account can try it for free via Google AI Studio.
Visual Appeal – The figurines look like real-life collectibles, making them perfect for viral posts.
Shareability – The quirky, personalized results are highly engaging and designed for social feeds.
Celebrity Influence – When influencers and public figures shared their Nano Banana figurines, fans rushed to create their own.
Creativity Factor – The tool encourages playful experimentation, from anime-inspired pets to video game characters.
The combination of these factors has turned Nano Banana from a simple AI demo into a cultural phenomenon.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Create 3D Figurines with Nano Banana
If you want to join the trend, here's the exact process to follow:
1. Access Google AI Studio
Go to the Google AI Studio website.
Log in with your Google account.
2. Select Nano Banana Tool
Look for Gemini 2.5 Flash Image.
Click "Try Nano Banana" to enter the editor.
3. Upload a Photo or Enter a Prompt
Option A: Upload a clear, high-resolution photo of yourself, your pet, or an object.
Option B: Enter a text prompt to design a figurine without a photo.
Example Prompt:
"Turn this cat into a 16-bit video game character and place it inside a retro-style 2D platform game."
4. Customize and Refine
Adjust angles, poses, or background details.
Experiment with different artistic styles (anime, clay, realistic, pixel art).
5. Download and Share
Once satisfied, save your figurine.
Post it on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or X using hashtags like #NanoBanana and #3DFigurine to join the viral wave.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
To make your creations stand out, follow these expert tips:
Use high-quality photos – Sharp, well-lit images produce more realistic 3D results.
Be descriptive in prompts – Mention specific clothing, background, or lighting.
Play with facial expressions – Smiles, winks, or dramatic poses give figurines more character.
Add props or environments – A figurine sitting at a desk, standing in a fantasy forest, or holding a coffee cup feels more alive.
Experiment with styles – Blend realism with fantasy, cyberpunk, or anime for unique designs.
Think about scale – Ask the AI to shrink or enlarge your figurine compared to props for fun effects.
Creative Prompt Ideas for Nano Banana
Here's a library of prompt examples you can try:
Pop Culture Inspired
"Reimagine me as a Marvel superhero figurine with glowing eyes and a cape."
"Turn my dog into a Pokémon-style collectible character with a lightning effect."
Fantasy and Anime
"A miniature anime version of me sitting on a cherry blossom tree branch."
"Recreate my cat as a dragon-rider in a fantasy world."
Retro and Gaming
"A pixelated figurine of myself inside a 90s arcade game."
"Make this photo look like a Funko Pop toy."
Everyday Fun
"Mini version of myself drinking coffee at a desk with a laptop."
"Turn this picture into a clay-style desk ornament."
Surreal and Artistic
"A figurine of my younger self having tea with my older self in a pastel-colored cafe."
"Miniature astronaut version of me planting a flag on Mars."
How to Make Your Figurines Go Viral
Creating the figurine is just the beginning — sharing it effectively can help you ride the trend:
Use trending hashtags – #NanoBanana, #GeminiAI, #3DFigurine.
Post on TikTok & Instagram Reels – Short video reveals (before/after) work best.
Engage with communities – Share in Reddit groups, Discord servers, or niche fandom spaces.
Collaborate with friends – Create figurines of each other and post side by side.
Tell a story – Instead of just posting the figurine, add a caption about the creative process.
Future of Nano Banana and AI Creativity
What makes Nano Banana unique is how it democratizes advanced 3D design. In the past, creating detailed figurines required expensive software and skills. Now, anyone can generate lifelike miniatures in minutes.
This trend also hints at the future of AI:
Personalized collectibles that could one day be 3D-printed into real toys.
Virtual avatars for games, metaverse experiences, or digital identity.
Interactive storytelling, where AI-generated characters become part of videos or VR scenes.
As Google and other companies continue to improve their AI models, expect more viral tools that blur the line between imagination and reality.
Final Thoughts
Nano Banana has taken the internet by storm because it combines simplicity, creativity, and social virality. Whether you want a digital desk figurine of your pet, a fantasy-inspired version of yourself, or a fun collectible of your favorite celebrity, Nano Banana makes it possible — all for free.
The best part? You don't need to be an artist or a designer. With just a photo or a creative prompt, you can join millions worldwide in shaping the next big AI trend.
