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To create a 3D figure from a photo, use Gemini 2.5 Flash Image tool (Nano Banana) with a specific detailed prompt to generate the image, then animate it into a dynamic video using the Image-to-Video feature in YouCam Video.
A few months ago, everyone was posting AI-generated action figures of themselves. It was wild seeing friends turned into cartoonish collectibles. But now, the trend has evolved into something even more lifelike and futuristic: hyper-realistic 3D figures from real photos.
Yes, actual photorealistic 3D figurines of YOU, posed and styled like professional toys, are taking over TikTok and Instagram. If you’ve been wondering how people are doing this without a 3D printer, we’ve got the answer.
Thanks to Nano Banana’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image tool and a little creative AI magic, you can now create your very own 3D figure for free, directly from a photo. No modeling experience required.
What Is the AI 3D Figure Trend?
The 3D figure trend is exploding on social media, and for good reason. It blends hyper-realistic AI rendering with toy culture, giving you a miniature version of yourself that looks like it came straight from a collectible shelf by a brand like Bandai.
Imagine:
- Your own 1/6 scale commercialized figurine.
- Sitting on a desk with a see-through acrylic base.
- Your likeness displayed on a professional-style toy box.
- Even a fake ZBrush modeling process on a monitor behind it.
People are using these images for profile pictures, memes, and turning them into short videos with apps like YouCam Video to bring the whole look to life.
How to Create a 3D Figure from a Photo with AI (Free with Nano Banana)
Step 1: Open Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana)
Head over to the Gemini 2.5 Flash Image interface from Nano Banana. This tool lets you generate high-quality, 3D-style images from text and photo prompts. It's super intuitive, and best of all, it’s free.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re new to AI image generators from companies like OpenAI, Gemini works similarly to MidJourney or DALL·E but is specially tuned for stylish, product-style renders.
Step 2: Upload Your Photo and Use the Right Prompt
Once you’re in, upload a clear photo of yourself. Then, copy and paste the following custom prompt into the description box:
Create a 1/6 scale commercialized figurine of the characters in the picture, in a realistic style, in a real environment. The figurine is placed on a computer desk. The figurine has a round transparent acrylic base, with no text on the base. The content on the computer screen is the ZBrush modeling process of this figurine. Next to the computer screen is a BANDAl-style toy packaging box printed with the original artwork. The packaging features two-dimensional flat illustrations.
This detailed prompt gives the AI precise instructions to generate a collectible-style render that looks like a real 3D figure in an authentic setting.
Step 3: Generate the 3D Figure Image
Click Generate and wait a few moments. The result? A photorealistic 3D-style figure of you, posed like a high-end toy model, complete with custom packaging and modeling software on-screen. You can save this image directly to your device.
Bonus: Turn Your 3D Figure into a Video with YouCam Video
Now that you have your custom 3D figure image, let’s take it a step further by turning it into a dynamic video using YouCam Video. This is perfect for TikToks and Reels, adding movement and cinematic flair.
Step 1: Open YouCam Video and Select the Image-to-Video Tool
Download and open the YouCam Video app (available on iOS and Android). Navigate to the Image-to-Video feature.
Step 2: Upload Your 3D Figure Photo
Import the 3D figure image you just created with Nano Banana.
Step 3: Choose a Template or Add a Prompt
You can either pick a pre-made video style (like Kpop Dance) or enter your own custom prompt to direct the animation.
Step 4: Generate, Save, and Share
Tap Generate and watch your figure come to life in video form. Save it, share it, and watch the engagement roll in.
Key Takeaways
- It's a Digital Illusion: The 3D figure trend is about creating a realistic *image* of a figurine, not a physical object. No 3D printer is needed.
- The Prompt is Everything: A detailed, specific prompt is the secret to achieving the hyper-realistic, collectible look. A vague prompt won't work.
- Video Adds the 'Wow' Factor: Animating your static 3D figure image with an app like YouCam Video makes your creation stand out even more on social media feeds.
- Accessible to Everyone: Thanks to free tools like Nano Banana, anyone can participate in this futuristic trend without needing technical skills or expensive software.
Wrap-Up: Bring Your 3D Persona to Life
Creating your own 3D figure from a photo has never been easier or more accessible. With Nano Banana’s Gemini 2.5 tool and the YouCam Video app, you can go from selfie to collectible to social-ready video in just a few simple steps.
Whether you’re jumping on the latest TikTok trend or just want a cool new profile picture, this is a fun, free, and creative way to stand out online in 2025.
About the Editors
The PERFECT Corp. Editorial Team
We are a team of experts on photo and video editing apps. Our goal is to deliver engaging content on everything from stunning selfie edits to eye-catching video effects. We cover the latest trends and share niche tips to help you master digital creation.
3D Figure Questions, Answered (FAQ)
- Do I need a 3D printer to make a 3D figure?
- Nope! This trend is entirely digital. You're creating a photorealistic *image* that looks like a physical figure, but no printing is involved. It's all AI magic.
- Is Nano Banana's Gemini 2.5 tool really free to use?
- Yes, as of 2025, the Gemini 2.5 Flash Image tool from Nano Banana is free to access. You can simply visit the site, upload your photo, and use the prompt to generate your image.
- Can I actually 3D print the figure from the generated image?
- Not directly. The output is a 2D image, not a 3D model file (like an .STL or .OBJ). To print it, you would need to hire a 3D artist to sculpt a model based on the image.
- What is YouCam Video and is it free?
- YouCam Video is a mobile app for video editing and animating photos. Its Image-to-Video feature is perfect for this trend. The app is free to download and use, with optional premium features available.
- What kind of photo works best for creating a 3D figure?
- For the best results, use a high-resolution, well-lit photo where your face and upper body are clearly visible. A simple background also helps the AI focus on you as the subject.
