In the world of viral internet trends, “Nano Banana” has emerged as a captivating phenomenon, blurring the lines between digital art and physical collectibles. This article will break down what the “Nano Banana” trend is, and how you can use AI to turn your photos into stunning 3D figurines.
What is the ‘Nano Banana’ Trend?
The “Nano Banana” trend is the viral nickname for a new wave of hyper-realistic 3D digital figurines created using Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image AI tool. The trend’s popularity has exploded across social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok, with users generating and sharing their own miniature-style figurines of themselves, pets, celebrities, and even public figures.
The core of the trend lies in the tool’s ability to transform a simple 2D image into a highly detailed, professional-looking 3D figurine. The generated images often feature the figurine posed on a desk, complete with an acrylic base and a mock-up of a collectible toy box—making them look like actual, high-end collectibles.
Why it went viral:
- Accessibility: The tool is free to use and doesn’t require any advanced technical or design skills. Anyone with internet access can create a high-quality figurine in a matter of seconds.
- Visual Appeal: The results are remarkably detailed, with realistic lighting, shadows, and textures that give the digital figurines a tangible, lifelike quality.
- Shareability: The final images are perfectly suited for social media, encouraging users to share their creations and fueling the trend’s rapid spread.
How to Use AI to Turn Your Pics into 3D Figurines
The process of creating a “Nano Banana” figurine is simple and can be done in a few easy steps using Google’s AI Studio.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Google AI Studio: Start by navigating to the Google AI Studio website or using the Gemini app.
- Upload Your Photo: Once you’re in, you’ll see an option to upload an image. Choose a clear, high-resolution photo of the subject you want to transform. For the best results, use a well-lit photo with a clean background and a clear view of the subject’s face and body. Avoid group shots.
- Enter a Prompt: This is the key to creating the iconic “Nano Banana” look. While you can use a simple prompt, a detailed one will give you a more professional and customized result. Here’s a popular and effective prompt you can use:“A realistic 1/7 scale figurine of the pictured character stands on a clear acrylic base atop a sleek wooden desk. The desk is tidy, with a monitor displaying the ZBrush sculpting process: showing wireframes, textures, and fine details. Beside it, a BANDAI-style toy box features vibrant 2D illustrations matching the figurine. Natural light from a nearby window casts soft shadows, highlighting the model’s textures and craftsmanship.”
- Generate and Iterate: Click “Generate” and wait a few moments. The AI will process the image and text to create your 3D figurine. If the first result isn’t perfect, you can adjust your prompt by specifying different poses, outfits, or background elements to get the desired outcome.
- Download and Share: Once you are happy with the result, simply download the image and share it on your social media accounts to join the “Nano Banana” trend.
Important Note:
The output from this AI process is a 2D image, not a true 3D model file (like an STL or OBJ). This means you cannot directly use the generated image to 3D print a physical figurine. The AI’s magic is in creating the illusion of a 3D object within a 2D image.
Other AI Tools for 3D Model Generation
While “Nano Banana” is the viral sensation, several other AI tools and platforms can also turn images and text into 3D-style creations. Some of these tools can generate actual 3D models that are ready for printing.
- Tripo AI: This platform can generate 3D models from a single image or text prompt in a matter of seconds. It’s often used by game developers and designers for rapid asset creation.
- EaseMate AI: A free online converter that uses AI to transform 2D images into 3D cartoon-style characters or realistic models. It’s user-friendly and doesn’t require any design skills.
- 3D AI Studio: A tool that can create high-quality 3D models from both text and images, and even offers features for AI texturing.
- Canva’s Magic Media: Integrated into Canva’s design platform, this tool uses AI to transform text prompts into customizable 3D renders, which you can then add to your projects.
The “Nano Banana” trend and the rise of other similar tools highlight a significant shift in the creative landscape. AI is making once-complex processes like 3D modeling accessible to everyone, empowering creators, hobbyists, and businesses to bring their imaginative concepts to life with just a few clicks.