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Nano Banana AI: Two links. One trend. But only one is the real deal.
If you’ve seen a dog dressed like a cyberpunk ninja as a 3D figurine on your feed, you’re not alone — welcome to the Google Nano Banana AI wave.
Maybe you Googled it, got excited, and landed on two different websites. One is hosted on Google’s domain. The other is a slick, subscription-based platform called NanoBanana.ai.
Now you're wondering:
Which Nano Banana is real?
Which one made the viral figurines?
Are they both from Google?
Let’s break it down — clearly, factually, and without the fluff.
The Real Nano Banana AI: Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image
Let’s get this out of the way: Google Nano Banana AI is not a product name from Google. It’s a nickname given by users to Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, a free AI tool inside Google AI Studio.
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This is the official engine behind the viral trend of hyper-realistic 3D figurines flooding Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Threads.
What makes it the real deal?
It’s hosted by Google on its official platform:
aistudio.google.comIt uses Gemini 2.5, one of Google's most advanced image-generation models
It’s free for casual users (at least for now)
It allows users to upload an image and run a prompt-based transformation to generate collectible-style figurines
And most importantly: this is the tool everyone’s using to create those toy-box style, desk-prop figurines
So, when someone posts about using “Google Nano Banana AI”, they’re almost certainly referring to Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, and not anything else.
The Lookalike: NanoBanana.ai (Not Google)
Then there’s NanoBanana.ai — a standalone website, with pricing tiers and pro features, claiming to be an advanced AI image editing platform.
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Is it from Google?
No.
Is it part of the same trend?
Not exactly.
NanoBanana.ai is a third-party product, likely named to ride the wave of the trend. It offers editing features, batch processing, and downloadable formats but it does not use Google Gemini or offer the same free figurine-style generation tool.
While it’s positioned as an image editor for creators, social teams, and marketers, it's not the tool behind the trend.
Quick Comparison: Google Gemini vs. NanoBanana.ai
Here's a side-by-side breakdown to make it crystal clear:
| Feature | Google Gemini 2.5 Flash Image | NanoBanana.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Official Developer | Third-party (LMArena) | |
| Website | aistudio.google.com | nanobanana.ai |
| Access Type | Free (with Google Account) | Paid plans starting at $12/mo |
| Key Use Case | Figurine-style AI image generation | AI photo editing / background blending |
| Uses Gemini Model? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Prompt-Based Editing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Batch Editing | ❌ Not available | ✅ Pro feature |
| Multi-Image Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Download Formats | PNG/JPG (via screenshot) | PNG, JPG, WebP |
| Target Audience | General users, creators | Pro creators, marketers |
| Viral Figurine Support? | ✅ 100% | ❌ Not designed for that use |
So, Which One Should You Use?
If you’re here for the viral figurine-style AI creations — the ones where people are turned into toy-like avatars with glossy finishes, collectible packaging, and dramatic lighting, you want Google AI Studio. That’s where Gemini 2.5 Flash Image lives.
If you're a content team looking for batch editing, brand consistency, or marketing-friendly tools, and you're okay with paid plans, NanoBanana.ai might be worth exploring, just know it's a completely different product.
Don’t Get Bamboozled by the Banana
The name “Google Nano Banana AI” was never an official label. It’s internet-born — a quirky, memorable tag slapped onto a powerful AI tool by the Indian creator community.
The original “Nano Banana” is Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, part of Google AI Studio. That’s the tech behind the trend.
NanoBanana.ai may sound like it’s connected, but it’s more of a remix than the real track — a separate platform that just happens to share the banana branding.
So next time you’re about to create your own 3D figurine, make sure you’re clicking the right link.