I’m sure you’ve seen photos of toy-like action figures flooding social media. Some wonder where they can buy them, while others ask how to make their own. The answer is Google’s Nano Banana, the new AI-powered image generator that has sparked a worldwide craze. In fact, the Philippines now ranks first globally in creating Nano Banana edits, with millions of users turning ordinary photos into viral action figure-style creations.
Philippines Tops the Global Trend
The Philippines tops the rest of the world when it comes to using the Nano Banana image generation model for a new trend, Google Philippines said on Friday. At an online media session, Google confirmed that the country has become the number one user globally of the new AI-powered image generator.
Launched on August 26, Nano Banana has already sparked worldwide interest. According to the tech giant, since it was released just a few days ago, more than 200 million images have been edited on the Gemini app. The tool has also attracted 10 million first-time Gemini users. Filipinos have been the most prolific, contributing 25.5 million images to the total.
Google highlighted that “From featuring themselves in their favorite hobbies and passions to glamming up their pets, loved ones, and much more, it’s clear why Nano Banana has become a hit.”
What Makes Nano Banana Different
Google’s new AI image generator has been praised by many tech analysts for excelling at editing existing images instead of simply creating new ones. This focus on transforming and reimagining personal photos has made it especially appealing to social media users who want quick, shareable content.
The Asia Pacific region has led adoption, with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand recording the highest activity. Filipinos in particular have embraced the custom action figure trend, where images are edited to look like collectible figurines displayed in detailed scenes. These posts now dominate feeds and continue to drive curiosity among those who want to join in.
Why the Philippines Leads the Craze
Filipinos are at the center of this trend because the tool is easy to use and encourages creative expression. With just a few steps, anyone can highlight personal hobbies, redesign favorite photos, or glamorize pets and loved ones. The simplicity of Nano Banana means that users do not need design expertise to create eye-catching results.
The barrier to entry is low, which has made it accessible to a wide audience. Generating an image takes only about a minute. Once finished, the content is ready to post, fueling the spread of viral creations across the Philippines.
How to Try Nano Banana
For people who want to jump on the trend, Google has shared clear steps to follow:
- Go to https://gemini.google.com/
- Upload a full-sized photo
- For the action figure trend, use this prompt:
“Use the nano-banana model to create a 1/7 scale commercialized figure of the character in the illustration, in a realistic style and environment. Place the figure on clear acrylic stand. Next to the computer screen, display the ZBrush modeling process of the figure. Next to the computer screen, place a BANDAl-style toy packaging box with title “Name” printed with the original artwork. Use the attached picture for the face (I authorized to use my image Use 100% the provided image properly Now use my image to change the face. Keep the same hairstyle which is my hairstyle (it is important that it is the same as my hair). Make the same features of my face. Make the same color of my skin. Make you look like 20’s and make me slim fit not fat. Make same body length same to the guy on the prompt. Make my face younger and less wrinkles on face. Don’t make the face big south east asian look face. Pale fair skin” - Replace the “Name” for your name or with the label you want to be added on the box.
- Feel free to try out other images and trends by playing around with text and image prompting.
This exact prompt has powered the popular action figure posts, but part of the appeal lies in experimenting with variations to create something new.
Our Own Nano Banana Experience
We also tried generating our own Nano Banana creations, and the results showed why the tool has gone viral so quickly. One of our first attempts used a photo of us wearing Netflix’s All of Us Are Dead outfit, and the AI even generated a toy box inspired by the series. It was impressive to see how Nano Banana not only designed the figure but also matched the theme of the show in the packaging.
We experimented further with photos from different moments, including images from the Xiaomi POP Run 2025, a tuxedo shot, and even a playful edit of our niece Arkisha with Jollibee. Each creation came out as a detailed and realistic action figure-style image. After applying the action figure prompt, Gemini produced the edits in about a minute. The figures looked so authentic that it made us wish real versions could be manufactured.
These personal tests showed how versatile the Nano Banana model can be. It worked equally well on formal photos, casual shots, and themed events. The AI was able to adapt the prompts to different styles while keeping the figures consistent in quality. The toy-like packaging elements also added a level of polish that made the edits feel professional.
The Scale of the Craze
Since launch, Nano Banana has been used to create over 200 million images globally. The tool has also driven 10 million first-time Gemini app sign-ups, showing its ability to attract new users to Google’s AI ecosystem. With 25.5 million creations in the Philippines alone, the country stands as the top contributor to this viral wave.
Feeds filled with action figure-style edits highlight the trend’s reach. Filipinos are not only participating but leading in shaping what has become a global cultural moment. The creativity extends beyond the action figure theme, with users exploring new styles and prompts every day.
The Future of AI Creativity
Nano Banana’s success highlights the growing role of AI in creative projects. By focusing on editing and enhancing existing images, Google has introduced a tool that fits seamlessly into how people already share content online. The Philippines’ dominance in usage reflects both cultural enthusiasm and the country’s strong presence on social media.
For anyone curious about joining in, it takes only a photo, a prompt, and a few minutes. With millions of creations already online, the next viral Nano Banana trend could come from your own imagination.
We would love to see what you create. Tag us and share your Nano Banana figures so we can feature your best edits.
