How Google’s Nano Banana is changing social media in India

Google’s Nano Banana is transforming social media in India, enabling users to create viral AI-generated portraits, 3D figurines, and retro-style edits.

By  Storyboard18| Sep 26, 2025 11:56 AM
Launched last month, the Google Gemini Nano Banana tool allows users to turn ordinary selfies into stylised 3D figurines with glossy features or Bollywood-inspired vintage saree portraits.

Google's Gemini Nano Banana has taken India by storm, transforming ordinary selfies into creative masterpieces. From retro Bollywood portraits to 3D figurines, this AI tool is reshaping how Indians express themselves online. But what exactly is Nano Banana, and why is it so popular?

What Is Nano Banana?

Nano Banana is a feature within Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, launched in August 2025. It allows users to upload a photo and apply various AI-generated edits, such as turning themselves into 3D figurines or creating vintage-style portraits. The tool has become particularly popular in India, with the country emerging as the top user of Nano Banana globally

Why Is It So Popular in India?

India's rich cultural diversity and the widespread use of social media platforms have contributed to Nano Banana's popularity. Users are experimenting with different styles, including traditional saree edits and futuristic 3D avatars. The tool's ease of use and the ability to create personalized content have made it a hit among young users.

Trending Styles in India

Retro Saree Portraits: Users are transforming their photos into vintage Bollywood-style images, complete with sarees and cinematic effects

3D Figurines: The trend of creating miniature 3D versions of oneself has gained traction, with users sharing their figurines on social media

Celebrity Mashups: Some users are generating images where they appear alongside celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Virat Kohli, using simple text prompts.

As users continue to explore its capabilities and participate in trends, the proof of Nano Banana's success will be in how it will redefine digital creativity in the country.

First Published onSep 26, 2025 11:56 AM

SPOTLIGHT

DigitalFrom Clutter to Clarity: How Video is transforming B2B storytelling

According to LinkedIn’s research with over 1,700 B2B tech buyers, video storytelling has emerged as the most trusted, engaging, and effective format for B2B marketers. But what’s driving this shift towards video in B2B? (Image Source: Unsplash)

Read More

Explained: Standing Committee’s draft report on India’s fight against Fake News

India’s parliamentary panel warns fake news threatens democracy, markets and media credibility, urging stronger regulation, fact-checking, AI oversight and global cooperation.