Imagine taking a photo and turning it into a tiny lifelike 3D figure you can store on your computer, phone, or share with friends. With the release of Google Gemini's Nano Banana model, this is now entirely possible - and completely free!
These figurines have become an online sensation with people making digital versions of themselves, pets, their favorite characters, or their fanciful designs. I will lead you through every process, and provide tips to help you realistic results, and I will tell you why this trend is so popular with everyone right now.
What Are Nano Banana 3D Figurines?
"Nano Banana" is the colloquial label for Google Gemini's artificial intelligence tool that can transform images into 3D digital figurines.
Key attributes:
- Free and accessible: Anyone can use it online without the need to install proprietary software.
- User-friendly: No 3D modeling experience is necessary.
- Highly customizable: Ability to manipulate poses, facial expressions, clothing, backgrounds, and textures.
- Social sharing: Ideal for sharing on Instagram, X, or WhatsApp as a figurine.
Ease, creativity, and fun seem to be the trifecta of fun that Nano Banana figurines have achieved with all groups of users!
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a 3D Figurine
It may seem technical to create your own figurine, but in fact, it is straightforward.
Step 1: Open Google Gemini
- Visit the website or open the Gemini app on your mobile device.
- Look for the Nano Banana 3D model choice.
Step 2: Upload a Clear Image
- Select a high-resolution image with good lighting.
- This can be a selfie, or even a picture of your pet, a friend, or a character from a movie.
- Tip: Photos with clear backgrounds will provide the most accurate 3D model.
Step 3: Write a Detailed Prompt
The prompt will be the most critical step, as it tells the AI precisely what you want your figurine to look like.
Be as specific as possible about:
- Pose
- Facial expression
- Hair, clothes, and accessories
- Background and scene
- Lighting and textures
Example prompt:
"Make a realistic figurine of the character at a scale of 1/7 with correct face, pose, hair, and clothing. Put it on a display base. Include a glossy packaging box with a clear plastic window, and render in a collectible figure photography style with realistic lighting and textures."
- The more detailed the prompt, the more realistic your figure will be.
Step 4: Generate Your Figurine
- Click Generate and let Gemini handle it from there.
- This usually just takes a couple minutes.
Step 5: Download and Share
- When your figurine is finally created, you can download it in a digital format.
- You can then share it on social media, or you can also use it as a collectible for you personally.
- Optional: You can use different photos and different prompts to create multiple versions.
Tips to Make Your Figurine Look More Realistic
- Use high-quality pictures for better AI accuracy.
- Be as specific as possible when giving the prompt, color, pose and scene details.
- Try multiple directions for versions like angles to determine the best looking version.
- Use an animation tool like MyEdit or others to animate your figurine in some motion or expressions.
- Keep experimenting—AI is creative, and small tweaks can create amazing results.
Why Nano Banana Figurines Are Trending
Nano Banana figurines are more than just pictures—they are digital keepsakes.
People love them because:
- They capture memories like selfies, family moments, or pets.
- They allow creativity, enabling people to design unique characters or fantasy models.
- They are shareable, sparking trends on Instagram, X, and other platforms.
- They are fun and free, accessible to anyone with a phone or computer.
This combination of simplicity, creativity, and fun is why the Nano Banana trend is spreading so fast.
From photo to figurine style in just one prompt.
— Google Gemini App (@GeminiApp) September 1, 2025
People are having fun turning their photos into images of custom miniature figures, thanks to nano-banana in Gemini. Try a pic of yourself, a cool nature shot, a family photo, or a shot of your pup.
Here’s how to make your own 🧵 pic.twitter.com/e3s1jrlbdT
Going Beyond Static Figurines
If you want more than a static image:
- Animate your figurine: Tools like MyEdit let you add movement, gestures, and expressions.
- Create collections: Make figurines of multiple friends, pets, or characters for display.
- Combine with AR/VR: Some users are placing their figurines in augmented reality apps for interactive experiences.
This trend is not just about images—it’s a way to bring memories and imagination to life.
The Future of AI Figurines
Digital collectibles are evolving rapidly. Tools like Nano Banana could become:
- Memory keepsakes: Turning important moments into 3D models.
- Virtual gifts: Unique, personal, and shareable.
- Creative tools: For games, animations, or storytelling.
AI is making it possible for everyone to create professional-looking 3D models in minutes. The possibilities are endless.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): perfectcorp.com