If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve stumbled across tiny, toy-like 3D versions of people, pets, or even celebrities. No, these aren’t action figures you can actually buy – they’re part of the Nano Banana trend, the latest viral wave powered by AI.
The name might sound like a meme, but the tech behind it is serious. It’s built on Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, and what it does is simple but kind of magical: upload a photo or type in a description, and in a few seconds the AI spits out a lifelike 3D figurine.
Think Funko Pop meets hyper-real collectible statue. The figurines don’t just capture faces—they nail clothing details, poses, and even little background props. And since the tool is completely free, the barrier to entry is nonexistent. It’s no wonder feeds on X, Instagram, and Facebook are suddenly flooded with these AI miniatures.
How Celebrities Sparked the Craze
Trends don’t usually blow up on their own—they need a spark. For Nano Banana, that spark came when big names started showing off their figurines.
One of the most talked-about moments came from Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who shared his AI-generated figurine on X with the caption:
“My young friends suggested that I go with the trend… so here it is.”
Naturally, that got people talking. Before long, Bollywood fans joined in. Actor Emraan Hashmi’s followers made a 3D version of him and spread it with captions like “OMI FEVER is taking over… in 3D.”
Once political figures and film stars dipped their toes in, the floodgates opened. Everyday users couldn’t resist trying it themselves. The result? A digital avalanche of figurines across every platform.
So, What Exactly Is “Nano Banana”?
Let’s clear this up: Nano Banana isn’t a fruit. It’s the nickname people gave to Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, Google’s AI image-editing model.
Here’s why people love it:
- It’s free. You don’t need to buy anything or download heavy software.
- It’s dead simple. Upload a photo, write a description, and boom—you’re a figurine.
- It looks amazing. The figurines have so much detail that some honestly look like physical collectibles you’d see in a shop window.
- It’s built for social media. The end results are eye-catching and instantly shareable, which is why the trend spread like wildfire.
Basically, it’s an AI toy box that anyone can play with—and people are going wild with it.
Why It Went Viral So Fast
Three things came together to make this trend explode:
- Accessibility – If you can click a button, you can make one.
- Visual punch – The figurines look polished and fun, so people want to show them off.
- The snowball effect – Once celebrities and fandoms joined, everyone else followed.
It’s the same recipe that made AI profile picture trends popular before, but this one has the “collectible figurine” angle that makes it feel fresh.
How to Make Your Own Nano Banana Figurine
Curious to try it yourself? The process is surprisingly quick:
- Head to Google AI Studio – Log in with your Google account.
- Find Nano Banana – Look for the “Try Nano Banana” option under Gemini 2.5 Flash Image.
- Upload or prompt – Either upload a photo or type in a description.
- Generate the figurine – Wait a few seconds while the AI does its thing.
- Download and flex – Save your new 3D figurine and show it off online.
Full-Length Prompt Examples You Can Use
One of the coolest parts of this trend is experimenting with prompts. The more detailed you get, the better your figurine looks. Below are some full prompt examples that people are using—and you can copy them directly to test out.
Prompt 1: The Mecha Pilot
A realistic 1/7 scale figurine of a sleek, advanced mecha pilot, clad in a futuristic, armored jumpsuit with intricate panels and glowing accents, stands on a clear acrylic base atop a sleek metallic desk. The pilot’s helmet is off, revealing a determined expression. The desk is tidy, with a monitor showing the ZBrush sculpting process, displaying wireframes, textures, and fine details of the mecha suit. A KOTOBUKIYA-style model kit box sits nearby with bright illustrations matching the figurine and other sci-fi vehicles. Natural light from a window casts soft shadows, highlighting the craftsmanship and metallic textures of the figurine and its surroundings.
Prompt 2: The Fantasy Creature
A realistic 1/7 scale figurine of a majestic fantasy creature, perhaps a small, winged dragon or a griffin, intricately detailed with scales, feathers, and powerful claws, stands on a clear acrylic base atop a rugged wooden desk. Its eyes gleam with intelligence. The desk is tidy, with a monitor showing the ZBrush sculpting process, displaying wireframes, textures, and fine details of the creature’s anatomy. A PRIME 1 STUDIO-style collectible box sits nearby with dark, dramatic illustrations matching the figurine and other mythical beasts. Natural light from a window casts soft shadows, highlighting the craftsmanship and organic textures of the figurine and its surroundings.
Prompt 3: The Superhero
A realistic 1/7 scale figurine of a classic superhero, dynamically posed in a vibrant, form-fitting costume with a flowing cape and detailed muscle definition, stands on a clear acrylic base atop a modern, minimalist desk. The hero’s iconic symbol is prominently displayed on their chest. The desk is tidy, with a monitor showing the ZBrush sculpting process, displaying wireframes, textures, and fine details of the character’s suit and cape. A SIDESHOW COLLECTIBLES-style premium art print box sits nearby with bold, comic-book-style illustrations matching the figurine and other heroic figures. Natural light from a window casts soft shadows, highlighting the craftsmanship and heroic presence of the figurine and its surroundings.
Prompt 4: The Medieval Knight
A realistic 1/7 scale figurine of a medieval knight in full, intricate plate armor, complete with a detailed helmet, sword, and shield, stands on a clear acrylic base atop a dark, ornate wooden desk. The armor shows realistic wear and battle scars. The desk is tidy, with a monitor showing the ZBrush sculpting process, displaying wireframes, textures, and fine details of the armor’s construction. A HOT TOYS-style collectible box sits nearby with realistic, historical illustrations matching the figurine and other legendary warriors. Natural light from a window casts soft shadows, highlighting the craftsmanship and metallic textures of the figurine and its surroundings.
Prompt 5: The Anime Adventurer
A realistic 1/7 scale figurine of a cute anime girl, dressed in an adventurer’s outfit with a vest, shorts, and boots, stands on a clear acrylic base atop a sleek wooden desk. Her brown hair is tied back in a ponytail. The desk is tidy, with a monitor showing the ZBrush sculpting process, displaying wireframes, textures, and fine details of the character. A BANDAI-style toy box sits nearby with bright illustrations matching the figurine and other adventure-themed characters. Natural light from a window casts soft shadows, highlighting the craftsmanship and textures of the figurine and its surroundings.
Tips for Better Results
Want your figurine to really pop? Keep these in mind:
- Use good photos. Clear, well-lit shots give the AI more to work with.
- Don’t be vague. The more details in your prompt, the better the results.
- Play with angles. Side poses, dramatic stances, or expressive faces make figurines more fun.
- Add props. Desks, windows, or collectible boxes create a story around your figurine.
- Ride the hashtags. #NanoBanana, #3DFigurine, and #AIArt are the big ones right now.
Why This Trend Is Bigger Than a Meme
It’s easy to write off Nano Banana as just another fleeting internet craze, but it actually highlights something deeper: AI is democratizing 3D design.
In the past, you’d need advanced tools like Blender or ZBrush—and years of practice—to make something even close to this quality. Now? Anyone with Wi-Fi and a Google account can do it in seconds.
That opens doors for:
- Entertainment – Fan-made collectibles and art.
- Marketing – Brands making quick, shareable 3D assets.
- Education – Students learning 3D modeling basics for free.
- Design – Mockups and prototypes without the cost.
In other words, Nano Banana might be today’s viral laugh, but tomorrow it could be a glimpse of where digital creativity is headed.
FAQs
Do I need design skills?
Nope. If you can upload a picture, you’re set.
Is it really free?
Yes—completely free through Google AI Studio.
Can I make celebrities or fictional characters?
You can, but commercial use gets tricky because of copyright.
Are there premade prompts?
Yes—lots are already circulating, and you can tweak them for your own spin.
Final Thoughts
Nano Banana is proof of how quickly AI trends can grab the spotlight. What started as a playful experiment has now turned into a global showcase of creativity.
Whether you’re making yourself into a superhero, turning your pet into a dragon, or just laughing at your friend’s anime adventurer figurine, the trend is fun, easy, and surprisingly impressive.
So, why not try it? Head to Google AI Studio, make your own figurine, and share it with the world. Who knows—you might just be the next viral Nano Banana post lighting up the timeline.
