Lately, if you've been scrolling through Instagram, you might have seen friends or influencers sharing 3D models of themselves or their pets in stories and posts. A new trend involving 3D digital figurines of photos has captured the interest of social media users. These small figurines, made with Google's latest AI feature, appear very lifelike, and the viral trend has swept across the internet.
Wondering how they're making these? The secret is Google's new AI tool, Nano Banana, which can transform any picture into a realistic 3D model in just seconds. You don't need to be a professional designer or spend money on expensive software; it's completely free and very easy to use.
What Exactly Is Google’s Nano Banana?
Nano Banana is not the official name of the tool; it's a playful nickname coined by users on LMArena. The real AI model is named Gemini 2.5 Flash Image. Developed by Google, this sophisticated AI can transform any uploaded photo into highly accurate and realistic edits. It preserves consistent details such as characters, clothing, and backgrounds, making it ideal for converting ordinary pictures into collectible-style 3D models.
Step-By-Step Guide To Create Your Own 3D Model
This is a detailed guide on how to make your own 3D model in a matter of minutes.
Step 1: Open Nano Banana. Launch a web browser like Google Chrome or Safari and search for Google AI Studio. Once on the site, click on Try Gemini. In the right-hand panel, select Nano Banana (Gemini 2.5 Flash Image) and sign in using your Google account. Agree to the user terms to begin.
Step 2: To upload your photo, click the "+" icon beside the Run button and choose either "Upload Image" or "Upload File." You can select any picture, whether it's a selfie, a cute photo of your pet, or a beautiful landscape.
Step 3: Run the 3D Model Command by copying and pasting the following command into the chatbox, then click Execute:
"A highly detailed 1/7 scale figurine of the characters from the provided picture, crafted in a realistic style, is displayed in a real-world environment. The figurine is posed dynamically on a round, transparent acrylic base with no text, placed on a sleek, modern computer desk made of wood with a glossy finish. The desk is organised, featuring a monitor, keyboard, and a few small accessories like a pen holder and a coffee mug. The computer screen prominently displays the ZBrush modeling process of the figurine, showcasing intricate sculpting details, wireframes, and texture maps in progress. Next to the monitor, a BANDAI-style toy packaging box stands upright, featuring vibrant, two-dimensional flat illustrations of the characters in dynamic poses, with the original artwork faithfully reproduced. The scene is well-lit with natural light streaming through a nearby window, casting soft shadows and emphasising the figurine’s realistic textures and fine details."
The AI will now analyze your image and create a 3D model version.
Step 4: After your model is prepared, you can download the image at no cost. Feel free to share it on Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), or any other social media platform to display your distinctive creation.