‘Nano Banana’ trend goes viral as Google AI turns photos into 3D figurines

The Nano Banana trend thrives on accessibility, requiring just a clear photo, a creative prompt, and access to Google Gemini—eliminating the need for technical expertise or costly 3D software traditionally used in modelling

A new digital art trend known as “Nano Bananas” is taking over social media, captivating users with its quirky concept: turning ordinary photos into miniature, lifelike 3D figurines using Google’s AI platform, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image.

The trend, which emerged organically through online communities, allows users to create realistic collectibles in seconds. Resembling high-end action figures or toy-store models, these AI-generated miniatures are visually striking and detailed, despite being entirely virtual. What started as a niche experiment has quickly gone viral, with users posting their creations across TikTok, Instagram, and X.

A creative tool for everyone

At the heart of the Nano Banana phenomenon is its accessibility. Unlike traditional 3D modeling tools that require technical skills and expensive software, this trend needs only a clear photo, a clever prompt, and access to Google Gemini — no design background necessary.

To create your own Nano Banana, users can simply visit gemini.google.com or open the Gemini app. After uploading a photo, users input a detailed prompt that instructs the AI to generate a commercial-style 3D figurine. A popular example prompt describes placing the figure on a desk with packaging and a modeling screen in the background, giving the illusion of a professional collectible production setup.

The model delivers results within seconds, offering users a base figurine that can be customized with different outfits, environments, or even art styles. Some creators are even pushing boundaries by turning their Nano Bananas into pixelated retro game characters or futuristic holograms.

From meme to model name

The name “Nano Banana” originated from internet humor, but the term quickly stuck as the community embraced the label. What began as an inside joke soon gained so much traction that Google acknowledged the trend directly, officially naming its Gemini 2.5 image-generation feature “Nano Banana” in response to overwhelming demand.

The success of the trend underscores a growing appetite for playful, creative use cases in AI. By combining photo-based prompts with powerful generative tools, Nano Bananas blur the line between digital expression and collectible art — and they’re just getting started.