Google Gemini's Nano Banana tool sparks a global frenzy with its magic touch on old photos, turning blurry black-and-white snapshots into vibrant, colorful treasures. Users worldwide hail this AI for photo restoration as a game-changer, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge tech to resurrect family histories and cultural gems. Shared via an official X thread on September 19, 2025, the feature showcases heartwarming stories of people reclaiming lost moments, fueling Gemini's explosive growth past rivals like ChatGPT.
What began as a fun 3D portrait creator has evolved into a powerhouse for preservation. The Google Gemini App's X account spotlights how everyday folks wield Nano Banana to unblur, refine, and colorize aged images, proving AI's power to bridge generations. From 1890s portraits to animated heirlooms, these transformations go viral, amassing over 500 million creations between August 26 and September 9, 2025—while adding 23 million new users. This is how AI in photo restoration is being utilised.
AI For Photo Restoration: Real Stories of Revival

Gemini's thread dives into user triumphs, revealing Nano Banana's versatility beyond selfies. It restores faded details, adds lifelike hues, and even pairs with tools like Veo 3 for motion magic. This surge catapults Gemini to the top free app spot on Apple App Store and Google Play, outpacing OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Standout examples include:
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- Thomas revives a crisp, colorful 1890 couple's portrait, erasing decades of blur.
- Jay Rodge colorizes vintage Southeast Asian images, infusing monochrome scenes with warmth.
- Derya Unutmaz restores historical shots, safeguarding cultural narratives for future eyes.
- Hus animates a family photo with Veo 3, letting ancestors “move” in digital delight.
Experts predict AI for photo restoration like Nano Banana will boom, making pro-level edits accessible to all. Download Gemini today and unlock your photo vault—because every faded frame deserves a second life.
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