Google launches Nano Banana 2 Lite for fast, cheap image generation

Google has released a new image generation model designed to lower the cost and time barriers for creators using generative AI tools. The Nano Banana 2 Lite model allows users to produce visual content faster and cheaper than previous iterations. This shift matters to developers and everyday users who need to generate large volumes of images without breaking their budgets or waiting for slow processing times.

New model generates images in four seconds for three cents

The product, identified by the model ID gemini-3.1-flash-lite-image, serves as a streamlined alternative to the original Nano Banana model. Google positioned this release alongside Gemini Omni Flash to provide options for different performance needs. The model targets both professional developers building applications and general consumers using integrated search and productivity tools.

Performance metrics highlight a generation speed of approximately four seconds per image. The pricing structure sets the cost at 0.034 USD (around $0.03) for each 1K-resolution image output. These technical specifications place the model at the No.5 rank on the current text-to-image leaderboard, indicating strong competitive performance in its category.

Developers can access the model today through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform. General consumers can utilize the technology via AI Mode in Search, the Gemini app, NotebookLM, Google Photos, Stitch, Google Flow, and Google Ads. This wide distribution ensures that the model is available across Google's primary software ecosystem for immediate use.

Google stated that it announced two new generative media models for developers and consumers: Nano Banana 2 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash. The release marks a concrete step in making high-speed image generation more accessible to a broader audience. Users can now integrate these tools into their existing workflows with known performance and cost parameters.