If you've been on Instagram or TikTok lately, you may have noticed the “hug me baby” trend. This created by artificial intelligence the image of you as a child, being hugged now. It's touching, nostalgic and realistic – and much more wholesome than that weird movie. trend figures.
There is essence and soul in this. Ask any therapist what the key to healing and happiness is, and a lot of it has to do with loving your inner child. Now you can hug him or her!
It's like a little personal growth card, and it's very easy to do. I like to use AI to solve more abstract problems like this. Sometimes it's really good, sometimes it's comically shocking, like when I got taken away by the AI. hugging a deer in my attempt at a holiday card. I also used it to predict the face of my unborn child, test hairstyles and colors, Let's see how I grow old And try on outfits before I buy them.
Let's see if this “hug me baby” trend will spark some laughs too. It's sure to be fun, even if it fails. Get ready to cry.
Create a photo hugging your younger self
Easy to set up. All you need are two photos of you: one now and one as a child. Make sure you are the only person in the photo. Group shots won't work. Try to match the two images as accurately as possible, including angle and position. Once you have two photos, it's time to get creative.
You will use Google Gemini to create an image using Nano Bananalatest version of Gemini image generation update. The model is known for combining multiple photographs and objects into one frame. It is free to use, but premium access provides more advanced features.
Go to Gemini.google.com and open a new chat. You'll know you've come to the right place when you see a banana icon below the chat window.
As a guide, try describing the scene and setting you want. The more specific the better. For example, use keywords like “Polaroid” and describe the background, poses, and emotions you want to convey.
Here's a good first hint: “Take a photo with a Polaroid camera. The image should look like a regular photograph. It should be taken with flash so that the photo is clear and crisp. Don't change your faces.
I used these two images. I would have liked the youthful look to be more defined, but it should still work.
Me now and me as a child.
I definitely chose Create an image button before I uploaded my photos and hint. And right out of the gate, the Twins achieved their goal. That's right!
I responded with a prompt asking me to remove the gray border and make my hair a little lighter, but it came out a little weird. It made my hair super blonde and changed my hairstyle. The gray border is also not removed.
Let's go back to the original. I asked to use the first image (without changing the people) but provide a second background option.
Even better!
You can play with different backgrounds and photo types to further tug at the heartstrings. A great idea is to add a third photo of your childhood home and ask Gemini to use it as a background.
This is a really fun trend if you've been into scrapbooking before or wanted to digitize your childhood photos.
Verdict?
I'm obsessed. I immediately sent my photo to my wife and she asked me to take it. She said it's very helpful for keeping promises to yourself – making sure you don't disappoint your child.
It's a really fun and active way to play with the AI. This is a trend that has much greater depth than those that came before. I’ll print it out or even put it as wallpaper on my phone. I plan to add it to my 2026 year. digital vision board as I plan my goals and intentions for the new year.
Don't miss the “hug your younger self” trend.
