Silly bananas can be found at Freepik.com, while the glowing banana is from Introducing Google Nano Banana: The Mysterious AI Image Generator Redefining Creativity.
Nano Banana is the newest member of Google’s Gemini AI family, including Gemini Pro and Gemini Ultra. “Nano” means “small”, so Gemini Nano is the lightweight version of Google’s AI suite that anyone can use, not just professionals, and it runs on smartphones without a cloud connection.
But why is it called “Nano Banana”?
When Google introduced Gemini Nano in late 2024, AI enthusiasts on Reddit joked about the futuristic names that tech companies always come up with, so someone added the word “banana” after nano, just to insert some absurdity and fun. It went viral on social media as many hilarious memes involving glowing bananas appeared. Then people started making parody videos where a glowing banana offered sarcastic answers, predicted the stock market, or became the latest tech accessory. And the world loved it.
Google could not create a better marketing campaign than what people on social media created themselves. And the nickname is a lot more catchy than Google’s original product name, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, so “Nano Banana” stuck.
Why would we want an AI image transformer?
Beyond making silly memes and parody videos, you can create professional grade images for work, for clients, or for your own portfolio.
- Make product mockups before the product is even made, to help with advance marketing and financial queries.
- Restore old photos that are wrinkled, cracked and faded. Change black-&-white photos into color with realistic color.
- Turn a favorite selfie into a professional business portrait for use on LinkedIn and resumes. Change the lighting and background to emphasize the face, with catchlights in the eyes.
- Edit photos quickly and easily: change wardrobes, lighting, backgrounds, and artistic styles.
- Save many hours of labor compared to image work done manually.
How do you use Nano Banana?
The first step is to sign into Gemini from your web browser. If you already use Google services like Gmail, Docs or Sheets, just sign in with your Google login. Otherwise, create a new account. Locate Gemini in the list of Google apps and click on it.
Locate the “Create Image” button. Type or speak your prompt. Make sure that you select “2.5” from the drop-down menu next to the microphone button. That’s the official version number of Nano Banana. Use the + button if you need to upload an image that you want to alter.
Or Try MockoFUN
Alternatively, you can use Nano Banana at MockoFUN, where you can also sign in with your Google account. MockoFUN is an online graphic design tool that allows you create all kinds of fun images within your browser, so anybody can use it. They have many free templates and tutorials to stimulate your imagination. They also have a premium option with even better tools, including Nano Banana.
First, select Google Nano Banana from the AI TOOLS menu.
If you are altering an existing photo, upload it in the provided space. Whether or not you start with an existing photo, type your prompt and click on the “Generate Image” button at the bottom.
Other Providers of Nano Banana AI
Many providers of stock images are now offering AI image generators, too. Shutterstock has many AI image generators to choose from, including Nano Banana!
How to Write Great Prompts
Whichever AI Image Generator service you use, have useful prompts ready; the more specific, the better. A good formula for prompts is: Subject + Action + Environment + Lighting + Details. AI Master has a great video on how to write useful prompts for AI image generation. AI Master uses a lot of photography jargon, but you don’t need to use it yourself. Once your prompt is complete, hit the Enter key to view your new image.
How to Refine Your Nano Banana Image
If you are not happy with your AI image, you can suggest refinements in the next prompt, the more specific, the better. Simply describe what you would like to see different in the next image. Continue with new prompts until you are satisfied with your results.
You are done! It is that easy. Have fun!
I hope you enjoyed this article. I am a graphic designer who writes a lot of blogs. Please take a look at my tutorials and resources.
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By Martha Ridgeway, Graphic Designer