Nano Banana AI is now on WhatsApp: Easy steps for creating images in a chatbot

AI fever has taken over social media, and users have been following image editing trends on frenzy. And this time, a name that has lately been capturing everyone’s attention is the Nano Banana. This quirky name is from Google's Gemini 2.5 “Flash Image” model, which has set social media ablaze with hyper‑realistic AI portraits, retro edits, and creative transformations.

But while the craze initially swept across apps like Gemini or Google AI Studio, a new shift is underway.

Nano Banana lands on WhatsApp

Perplexity AI has announced that it’s bringing Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash engine, commonly known as Nano Banana, into its WhatsApp bot, calling it the “highest‑quality model” which now will be available on the Meta‑owned messaging platform. On social media, the company explained, “Nano Banana just dropped on Perplexity

Generate or edit any image using the highest‑quality model directly on WhatsApp”

Perplexity’s co founder and CEO, Aravind Srinivas, also shared the update via his social media channels.

How users can try it

The users can follow these simple steps

1. Save Perplexity’s WhatsApp number: +1 (833) 436‑3285
2. Open a chat with that contact
3. Send an image (optional)
4. Type a descriptive prompt outlining what you want the image to become

The AI then returns an edited or freshly generated image based on your prompt. The model performs best when prompts are detailed and specific, giving users results comparable to what they’d get via Gemini or Google’s native apps.

Is it free to use

Perplexity hasn’t yet clarified whether Nano Banana via WhatsApp will remain free to use indefinitely. However, Google itself offers limited free access to its image models, with extended use reserved for paid tiers. It’s likely Perplexity will follow a similar model.
Some reports suggest that full access to the Nano Banana model might be tied to upgrading to Perplexity’s Pro subscription.

Image generation right in the inbox

WhatsApp is among the most used messaging platforms globally, especially in India. By bringing Nano Banana to WhatsApp, Perplexity lowers the barrier for users to try AI image generation.

Previously, many users had to switch between apps, Gemini, Google AI tools, or third‑party editors, to tap into Nano Banana. Now, the creative power is inside a chat box many already use every day.