What Is The Viral ‘Nano Banana’ Trend? Turn Any Image Into a 3D Model

Have you been scrolling through your social media feeds lately and seen an influx of hyper-realistic, tiny figurines that look like desktop collectibles? You know, the ones that are posed on a clean desk, complete with a computer monitor showing a detailed 3D modeling process and a miniature toy box? This is the “Nano Banana” trend, and it’s taking the internet by storm!

But what exactly is it, and how are people creating these incredible images? It’s all thanks to the power of a new AI image generation tool from Google, specifically the Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, which the community has playfully nicknamed “Nano Banana.” This technology has made creating professional-looking 3D models from a single image more accessible than ever before.

What is the ‘Nano Banana’ Trend?

The “Nano Banana” is the nickname for a feature in Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model that allows anyone to generate a highly realistic 3D figurine from a single photo and a text prompt.

The results are impressive, looking like a physical, collectible toy. The AI places your new figurine on a desk, complete with a computer screen showing the 3D modeling process and a miniature toy box. This makes the images perfect for sharing on social media, which is a major reason the trend has gone viral.

You don’t need any expensive software or complex skills. The tool is free and accessible through the Gemini app or Google AI Studio, making it a fun and creative outlet for everyone.

The craze has spread like wildfire on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok because it’s:

• Accessible: You don’t need expensive software or a degree in 3D modeling. This tool is free to use through platforms like Google AI Studio.
• Visually Striking: The figurines are remarkably detailed and look almost tangible, a perfect fit for visually-driven social media.
• Infinitely Creative: You can turn anything into a “Nano Banana” model—yourself, your pet, a favorite celebrity, or even an object.

This trend is more than just a passing meme; it represents a significant shift in how we interact with and create digital art. It blurs the line between the real and the virtual, empowering anyone with an idea to become a digital sculptor.

How to Turn an Image into a 3D Model with ‘Nano Banana’

Creating your own 3D figurine is surprisingly simple. The key is to use a high-quality, clear image and a well-crafted prompt to guide the AI. Think of the prompt as your set of instructions for a digital artist.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Access Google Gemini: You can use the Gemini app or website. Some users also prefer Google AI Studio for more advanced options.
2. Upload Your Image: Choose a photo that you want to transform. A well-lit, clear image with a single subject works best.
3. Use a Descriptive Prompt: This is the most crucial part. The prompt tells the AI exactly what to do. You’ll want to specify the scale, style, pose, and setting of your figurine.

10 Easy Nano Banana Prompts and Tips

Your prompts are the secret sauce. While you can start with a basic command, adding details will yield more impressive and personalized results. Here are 10 prompts, ranging from a standard template to more creative variations.

Tip: For best results, start with the official prompt and then experiment by changing one element at a time.

1. The Classic Figurine Prompt: “A realistic 1/7 scale commercialized figurine of the character 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.”
2. The Funky Action Figure Prompt: “Generate a 1/6 scale collectible action figure from the photo, styled realistically. Place it on a wooden shelf next to a stack of books. The figure is posed dynamically, as if mid-jump, with a textured plastic look.”
3. The Anime-Style Prompt: “A realistic 1/7 scale figurine of a cute anime girl, based on the person in the picture, dressed in a magical adventurer’s outfit. The figurine stands on a grassy base, with a monitor in the background showing the sculpting process. A BANDAI-style toy box is nearby.”
4. The “Mini-Me” Prompt: “A photorealistic 1/12 scale miniature of the person in the photo, standing confidently on a clean white plinth. The figurine has a matte texture and is lit by a soft, directional light. There is no background text or objects.”
5. The Pet Transformation Prompt: “Turn the pet in the photo into a lifelike, custom-made vinyl toy, complete with glossy paint. The toy is on a hardwood floor with a small chew toy next to it. It has a round clear stand.”
6. The Steampunk Prompt: “A 1/10 scale figurine of the subject, rendered in a steampunk style with intricate brass gears and a leather corset. The model stands on a rustic wooden table with a vintage lamp casting warm light.”
7. The “Pop Art” Prompt: “Based on the photo, create a 1/6 scale figurine in the style of Andy Warhol’s Pop Art, with bold colors and strong black outlines. The figurine is on a bright red display stand.”
8. The Superhero Prompt: “A realistic 1/8 scale figurine of the subject in a dynamic superhero pose, wearing a form-fitting costume with a flowing cape and detailed muscle definition. The figurine stands on a rocky, rubble-strewn base, with dramatic lighting.”
9. The Hologram Prompt: “Turn the [object/person] in the image into a 3D transparent line art hologram floating in a dark room with a subtle blue glow.”
10. The Lego Prompt: “A realistic Lego minifigure of the character in the picture, standing on a baseplate. The texture and lighting should make it look like a real Lego toy.”

Tips for Better Results

• Be Specific: The more descriptive your prompt, the better the result. Instead of “a figurine,” say “a realistic 1/7 scale figurine made of glossy PVC.”
• Control the Environment: Use phrases like “on a clean white desk,” “with natural light from a window,” or “on a clear acrylic base.” This helps ground your 3D model in a believable setting.
• Mention Materials: Specifying materials like “matte resin,” “glossy plastic,” or “wooden texture” can dramatically improve the realism.
• Play with Lighting: Words like “studio lighting,” “soft shadows,” or “dramatic rim light” can give your figurine a more professional feel.
• High-Quality Images: The AI works best with sharp, well-lit source photos. Avoid blurry or low-resolution images.

The “Nano Banana” trend is a testament to the incredible evolution of AI. It’s an easy, fun, and free way to transform your imagination into a tangible-looking piece of digital art. So, what will you turn into a 3D model? The possibilities are endless. To learn more about AI in design, check out this guide on the complete process of creating 3D models from photos.

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