Dateline: New Delhi | September 12, 2025
A bright, tiny 3D figurine of yourself — complete with toy-like base and mock packaging — has become the latest must-share across Instagram, TikTok and X. Nicknamed the Nano Banana trend, the craze turns ordinary photos into collectible-looking 3D models and has flooded feeds this week, with everyone from hobbyists to celebrities posting their miniature avatars.
What is the trend?
Nano Banana is shorthand for a wave of AI-generated 3D figurines created using new image-generation tools (notably Google’s Gemini Flash Image) that blend a reference photo with a text prompt to produce hyper-detailed renderings that look like physical collectibles. The results are often presented on a clear base or inside a mock retail box, which makes them instantly shareable and satisfying to scroll past. The aesthetic — small scale, high detail, toy-like presentation — is what made the format go viral almost overnight.
Why it’s gone viral
- Low barrier to entry: Many tools let users create these images for free or with a built-in free tier. That means anyone can turn a selfie into a collectible-style 3D render in minutes.
- Shareability: The figurine format is compact, visually pleasing, and easy to caption — perfect for short-form video and image posts.
- Creative play: People remix the idea (fictional characters, pets, public figures, themed packaging), which sparks more imitation and remixing.
How to create a Nano Banana-style 3D figurine for free — step-by-step
Below are simple, free ways to join the trend using tools widely reported in coverage of the craze. (Safety & legal notes follow the steps.)
Option A — Quick and free with Google Gemini (Flash Image)
- Open Google Gemini (or the Gemini image tool available to you).
- Upload a clear photo of the subject (selfie or portrait).
- Enter a prompt that describes the figurine style you want. Example prompt:
“A 1/7 scale collectible figurine of [name], stylized as a wooden action figure on a clear acrylic base, highly detailed, studio lighting, packaging mockup behind, photorealistic toy photograph.”
- Generate; pick the best result and download. Gemini’s “Flash Image” workflows have been singled out as the engine driving the Nano Banana outputs.
Option B — Make a 3D avatar (more control) — Ready Player Me (free)
- Visit Ready Player Me and use its free avatar creator.
- Upload a reference photo (optional) and customize features, outfit and accessories.
- Export the avatar as an image or glTF/FBX if you want a 3D file for games or Blender. Ready Player Me is popular for accessible 3D avatars and integrates with many platforms.
Option C — Free DIY with Blender + free assets (more advanced)
- Use a free avatar from Ready Player Me or a free model from libraries like Sketchfab.
- Import into Blender (free) for posing, lighting and rendering.
- Create a small base and packaging mockup, set up studio lighting, then render a photoreal toy shot. Sketchfab and community tutorials explain modeling and photogrammetry basics if you want to go deeper.
Prompts that work (quick examples)
- “Photorealistic 1/7 scale collectible figurine of the person in the uploaded photo, painted wood texture, studio lighting, acrylic base, packaging background.”
- “Miniature toy figurine with chibi proportions, high-detail face, pose: arms crossed, retail box mockup, 4k studio photograph.”
(Adjust scale, material — “wood,” “resin,” “metallic” — and style to taste.)
Legal, ethical and privacy notes (read before you generate)
- Likeness & consent: Don’t create or share figurines of people who haven’t consented — especially private individuals or minors. Creating images of public figures can be legally sensitive depending on the jurisdiction.
- Copyright & trademarks: Avoid making toys that replicate copyrighted characters or trademarked packaging unless you have permission.
- Platform terms: Free tiers can change; check the service’s usage rights. Some AI image tools have restrictions on commercial use.
Trend-proofing tips (make yours stand out)
- Add a clever backstory or parody packaging to make the post more engaging.
- Animate a short 2–3 second spin of the figurine for Reels/TikTok to increase view time.