Nano Banana Trend: How to Transform Your Selfies Into 4K Retro AI Portraits Using Google Gemini

Google’s Gemini app is once again setting social media abuzz — this time with its Nano Banana AI model, which allows users to turn ordinary selfies into stunning 4K retro-style portraits in seconds. After viral trends like AI saree edits and 3D figurine selfies, the latest retro portrait trend is taking over Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

📸 How to Create a 4K Retro Portrait With Google Gemini

Log in to Gemini

• Sign in using your Google account on mobile, desktop, or Google AI Studio.
• Upload Your Selfie
• Choose a selfie where your full face is clearly visible for the best results.
• Write a Detailed Prompt
• Avoid vague instructions. The more specific your description, the more realistic the portrait.

Sample prompt tried by users:

“4K HD retro portrait of a young Indian man, same face as uploaded, wearing a white and silver sherwani with dhoti and dupatta. He is slightly turned to the right with a serene expression, silver watch on his wrist, and warm-toned wall background with soft retro lighting.”

Generate & Download

Gemini will create your portrait in seconds. You can refine results by tweaking prompts or download the final image directly.

🔒 Is Your Data Safe on Gemini?

Privacy remains a top concern for selfie uploads. According to the Gemini Privacy Hub:

Google collects files, images, browser content, and prompts you share.

Your data is subject to auto-delete, with options of 3, 18, or 36 months.

You can turn off auto-delete in settings if preferred.

🎨 How Realistic Are Gemini’s Portraits?

Gemini’s Nano Banana AI portraits are impressively detailed, with lighting, shadows, and textures that closely mimic real photographs. While careful observation still reveals AI-generated elements, the results are strikingly lifelike — and improving rapidly with updates.

💰 Is It Free?

Yes. Gemini offers free daily prompts for users, though with limitations. Paid users receive expanded access and higher daily prompt limits.

🖼️ What Makes This Trend Viral?

The Gemini AI portrait feature combines ease of use with creative control. By tailoring prompts, users can generate portraits that reflect specific outfits, moods, or themes. This customization, coupled with the retro Polaroid-like aesthetic, has fueled the feature’s popularity across social platforms.