India Leads Global Adoption of Google’s Nano Banana Image-Generation Model
India has quickly become the forefront of Nano Banana usage, the latest image-generation model by Google known as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image. This innovative technology has sparked a surge in popularity for the Gemini app in the country, catapulting it to the top of the charts on both the App Store and Google Play.
With India being the world’s second-largest smartphone market and boasting the second-largest online population after China, it comes as no surprise that the country is driving the adoption of Nano Banana. However, what sets India apart is not just the sheer number of users but the unique and creative ways in which they are engaging with the AI model.
A notable trend in India is the resurgence of retro aesthetics, particularly inspired by 1990s Bollywood culture. Users are using Nano Banana to recreate vintage looks complete with period-specific fashion, hairstyles, and makeup, transporting themselves back to a bygone era. Additionally, the trend of the “AI saree” has gained traction, with users generating vintage-style portraits adorned in traditional Indian attire.
Another trend exclusive to India involves users generating selfies against backdrops of famous cityscapes and iconic landmarks, adding a touch of nostalgia to their images. The creativity doesn’t stop there, as users are experimenting with Nano Banana to transform objects, create time-travel effects, and even reimagine themselves as retro postage stamps or encounter their younger selves.
While some trends have originated outside of India, the country has played a pivotal role in amplifying their global reach. For instance, the figurine trend, where users generate miniature versions of themselves, gained momentum in India after originating in Thailand and Indonesia, ultimately achieving global recognition.
In addition to Nano Banana, Indian users are leveraging Google’s Veo 3 AI video-generation model on the Gemini app to create captivating short videos from vintage photos of their ancestors, adding a modern twist to cherished memories.
The popularity of the Gemini app in India is undeniable, with the country accounting for a significant portion of global downloads. Daily downloads surged following the launch of the Nano Banana update, with the app consistently holding the top spot on both iOS and Google Play stores.
Despite leading in downloads, India does not top in-app purchases on the Gemini app. However, the country has shown substantial growth in consumer spending, indicating a promising trend for future revenue generation.
As with any AI application, concerns around privacy and data misuse persist. Google has implemented measures such as visible watermarks and embedded markers to identify AI-generated content, ensuring transparency and accountability. The company is actively testing detection platforms to enhance user security and plans to introduce a consumer-facing tool for verifying AI-generated images.
In conclusion, the success of Nano Banana in India is a testament to the country’s creativity and innovation in embracing new technologies. As Google continues to refine its AI models and address privacy concerns, the collaborative feedback from users, experts, and the community will drive further improvements in the future.