Highlights
- The ‘Hug My Younger Self’ trend has exploded across Instagram and WhatsApp.
- The trend uses Google Gemini Nano Banana to create images of people hugging their childhood selves.
- Users upload a current selfie and a childhood photo, then enter a detailed prompt to generate a realistic portrait using Gemini’s AI tools.
The internet is no stranger to creative viral trends, and the latest one is striking an emotional chord worldwide. After the hype around retro AI portraits, a new wave called the ‘Hug My Younger Self’ trend has taken over social media. This time, it’s less about vintage aesthetics and more about nostalgia, self-reflection, and emotional warmth.
The trend gained traction soon after Google introduced its Gemini Nano Banana model, which has already impressed users with its ability to generate unique AI portraits. While retro saree-style AI images went viral initially, the focus has now shifted to something more meaningful, visualising yourself hugging your childhood self.
What Is the ‘Hug My Younger Self’ Trend?
The ‘Hug My Younger Self’ trend lets people generate AI portraits where their current self embraces their younger version. These images capture a sense of nostalgia, love, and acceptance. Unlike flashy edits, the portraits highlight something deeper, reminding us of who we once were and how far we’ve come.
View this post on Instagram
Gemini helped me to hug my younger self 🥹 pic.twitter.com/kbxpo95cFV
— 🔻₹ (@WhtRavish) September 14, 2025
Me hugging me 🥹
How I wish to meet the younger version of me🥹 pic.twitter.com/Zlq1B2pg01— حديثُ نِهال (@theladyymayhem) September 15, 2025
The movement picked up speed after Instagram user @shreyya_official shared a detailed prompt guide on how to create these touching AI images. The results show how present-day photos can seamlessly blend with childhood memories to create something truly heartwarming.
How to Create ‘Hug My Younger Self’ Images Using Gemini Nano Banana?
If you’re curious to try this viral trend yourself, here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Install or Open Google Gemini – Download the Google Gemini app from your device’s app store.
- Log In – Sign in with your Google account, either through the app or browser, to access the AI image generator.
- Prepare Your Photos – Choose a clear, well-lit selfie of your present self. You’ll also need a childhood photo where your face is clearly visible.
- Upload the Photos – Upload both the recent and childhood photos to Gemini. Clear visibility of facial features is essential for accurate results.
- Enter the Prompt – Use the prompt format shared by shreyya_official for best results – “Using my present photo and my childhood photo, create a realistic and heartwarming image where my current self is hugging my younger self. Make sure both faces and features are preserved accurately so the resemblance is clear. The mood should express self-love, nostalgia, and warmth, with natural lighting and a soft, emotional atmosphere.”
- Generate the Image – Tap on the Generate button and let Gemini Nano Banana process the request. Within seconds, your ‘Hug My Younger Self’ portrait will be ready.
- Save and Share – Download your AI-generated image and share it on Instagram, WhatsApp, or any social platform to join the viral trend.
The ‘Hug My Younger Self’ trend has quickly become a global obsession, turning AI portraits into a powerful tool for nostalgia, self-love, and emotional storytelling. This had us wondering what the next AI trend could be?
FAQS
Q1. What is the ‘Hug My Younger Self’ trend?
Answer. It’s a viral AI portrait trend where users generate images of their current self hugging their childhood self, evoking nostalgia, self-love, and emotional warmth.
Q2. How do I create a ‘Hug My Younger Self’ image using Google Gemini?
Answer. Upload a clear selfie and a childhood photo to the Gemini app, then use a detailed prompt to generate a realistic, heartwarming image with preserved facial features.
Q3. Why are this AI trends gaining popularity on social media?
Answer. Unlike flashy edits, it blends emotional storytelling with AI, allowing users to reflect on their personal growth. It’s widely shared on Instagram and WhatsApp.