If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or X lately, chances are you’ve seen people sharing emotional AI-generated pictures of themselves hugging their childhood versions. This heartwarming photo trend, known as “Hug My Younger Self”, is currently taking social media by storm. From women turning their saree portraits retro-style to men experimenting with quirky 3D figurines, Google Gemini’s Nano Banana AI tool has become the go-to platform for these creative edits.
Wondering how you can create your own version of this viral photo? Here’s a step-by-step guide with ready-to-use prompts.
Getting started with Nano Banana
Step 1: Log in to Google Gemini’s Nano Banana on desktop, or simply download the mobile app.
Step 2: Upload a clear image of yourself. A selfie or portrait with your face visible works best.
Step 3: Enter the right prompt, hit generate, and let the AI do its magic.
Best prompts to try for ‘Hug My Younger Self’
Choosing the right text prompt makes a huge difference in the final output. Below are some carefully designed prompts you can copy, tweak, and experiment with:
Prompt 1: Vintage polaroid hug
“Create a photo that looks like it was captured on a Polaroid camera. Add a subtle blur and flash-like lighting. Replace the background with soft white curtains. Keep both faces unchanged, but make it appear as if the two versions of the person are hugging naturally.”
Prompt 2: Sunlit room embrace
“A hyper-realistic photo of a person’s present self hugging their childhood self. Place them in a bright room filled with sunlight streaming through large windows. The hug should convey comfort, nostalgia, and warmth. Add a soft polaroid effect with a white border and slightly faded tones.”
Prompt 3: Magical forest nostalgia
“Generate a high-definition, hyper-realistic photograph of an older self hugging the younger self in a misty sunrise forest. Include moss, ferns, and golden light filtering through trees. The image should feel dreamlike yet believable, framed like a vintage polaroid with aged tones.”
Prompt 4: Natural and emotional bond
“Using a present and childhood photo, create a touching hug scene. Preserve both faces accurately so the resemblance is clear. Highlight emotions of self-love, reflection, and tenderness. Use natural lighting with a soft, heartwarming atmosphere.”
Why this trend is so popular
The “Hug My Younger Self” trend resonates because it goes beyond aesthetics, it taps into nostalgia, healing, and self-acceptance. For many, these AI-generated pictures feel like a chance to reconnect with their inner child, sparking emotional responses and making them highly shareable.
Tips for best results
-Use high-quality, well-lit images for both your present and childhood photos.
-Experiment with different prompts and environments (urban settings, cozy bedrooms, or dreamy outdoors).
-Try editing in portrait orientation for Instagram Stories and square format for grid posts.
-Save versions with different lighting and tones to see which one feels the most authentic.
