Nano Banana integrates with Search: you will be able to generate images directly from Google Lens or AI Mode

Nano Banana has become one of the most popular image-generation tools, as evidenced by the more than 5 billion images created with this AI in the Gemini app to date. In order to continue bringing its capabilities closer to users (and ensure they remain engaged), Google has announced the integration of Nano Banana into Google Lens, AI Mode, and NotebookLM.

Everyone’s been having a bunch of fun with Nano Banana 🍌and now the time is ripe for Search to join the party! We just started rolling out a new Create mode in Lens that lets you snap a photo and instantly transform images with AI. It should be available to most everyone in the… pic.twitter.com/inyb0jkLuc

— Rajan Patel (@rajanpatel) October 13, 2025

In addition, the technology company has announced that, in the coming weeks, Nano Banana will also be activated in Google Photos.

How to use Nano Banana in Google Lens and AI Mode

Until now, Nano Banana was only accessible from Gemini, which required users to first access this platform in order to generate or edit AI images. Google intends to change this by integrating this successful tool directly into Search through Google Lens and AI Mode.

The first deployment phase has already begun and is focused on enabling image editing in English in the United States and India. According to information shared by the company, this new feature will soon be extended to additional countries and languages.

To use Nano Banana in Google Lens, you should follow these steps:

1. Open Google Lens from the Google app for Android or iOS
2. Select the “Create” option, which features a banana icon
3. Use the rear or front camera to take a photo
4. Enter your prompt to instruct the AI regarding the image you wish to generate from the photo
5. Continue editing as much as you wish within the same conversation
6. Download the image or share it

On the other hand, if your intention is to use it directly from AI Mode:

1. Open AI Mode from the Google app for Android or iOS
2. Click on the “Create Image” tool
3. Enter your prompt
4. Continue editing as much as needed
5. Download the image or share it

With this new addition to Search, Google is taking another step forward in its mission to transform its search engine into an AI ecosystem that centralizes the most attractive tools for users, ensuring that they remain on the platform.

If you need to search for hiking boots, you do so with Google; if you require in-depth trip planning using AI, you choose Google as well; if you wish to generate an image to redecorate your room for Halloween, you turn to Google once again. The contest for users’ attention is fiercer than ever, and other players, such as OpenAI, are also raising their game.

New video capabilities in NotebookLM

The technology giant has also leveraged the potential of Nano Banana to enhance its AI-powered research assistant, NotebookLM. Specifically, its Video Overview function has been updated—the feature that transforms notes and documents into narrated videos—by incorporating six new visual styles (watercolor, papercraft, anime, chalkboard, retro print, and heritage).

We think you’re going to like these updates a bunch 🍌

Introducing six new visual styles for Video Overviews (powered by Nano Banana) and a shorter «Brief» option for quick insights.

These will start rolling out to Pro users this week and to all users in the upcoming weeks. pic.twitter.com/2QRNHjPSh2

— NotebookLM (@NotebookLM) October 13, 2025

In addition, NotebookLM has included a new format called “Brief”, designed for those occasions when you only need a short, concise video overview of the information to be discussed. In this way, users can choose between:

• Explainer: generates a structured, comprehensive video that thoroughly addresses the notes, documents, and sources you have shared with the tool.
• Brief: generates a short summary video that quickly and simply captures the central ideas of your notes, documents, and sources.

The steps to follow in order to generate a Video Overview and apply these enhancements are as follows:

1. Upload your sources and documents to NotebookLM
2. Click on the “Video Overview” option located on the right side panel
3. Configure the format (explainer or brief), language, visual style, and provide additional guidance if desired
4. Click on “Generate”

These updates will be rolled out throughout this week for Pro users in all languages supported by the tool. The remaining accounts will be able to take advantage of these new capabilities in the coming weeks.

Photo: Google