How to Create Viral Polaroid-Style Photos with AI in 2025

Social media loves nostalgia, and nothing says retro aesthetic like a Polaroid photo. In 2025, people are combining two photos into one frame and applying an old-school instant camera look. The result? Cozy, vintage edits that feel like a mix of memory and art.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own Polaroid-Style Edits

Step 1: Choose the Right Tool

The most popular options right now are:

Google Gemini AI (Nano Banana trend) – lets you merge two photos and style them in a Polaroid frame.
AI Polaroid Maker apps like Media.io or Polaroid filter editors.
Photo editing apps (Snapseed, Lightroom, or Photoshop) if you want manual control.

If you’re a beginner, start with Gemini AI because it works fast with ready-made prompts.

You Should Also Read: How to Get a Free Google Gemini Pro Subscription?

Step 2: Upload Your Photos

Pick two photos:

A current selfie + an old childhood picture (for the baby trend).
A photo with a friend/partner to make it look like a retro couple’s Polaroid.
A fan + celebrity mashup if you want a fun viral reel.

Step 3: Use a Polaroid Prompt

Here’s a ready-to-use AI prompt for Gemini:

"A Polaroid-style photo of the uploaded two people, faces unchanged. Candid pose, indoor lighting with flash, soft blur and film grain. White curtain background, warm tones, nostalgic retro aesthetic."

This will give you the Polaroid frame, film grain, and vintage vibe.

Output:

Step 4: Try Variations

To get creative, test these edits:

Romantic vibe: “Soft warm tones, cozy hug, faded Polaroid frame.”
Celebrity edit: “Polaroid-style photo of person with celebrity, candid flash lighting, retro colors.”
Childhood throwback: “Adult hugging younger self, Polaroid frame, film grain, vintage warm tones.”

Step 5: Export and Share

Once generated, save your Polaroid photo and upload it on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or WhatsApp status with retro music for max engagement.

Why This Trend Goes Viral

Nostalgia factor: People love old vibes that feel authentic.
Easy to replicate: Anyone can make it with a free AI tool.
Emotional appeal: Childhood, relationships, and fan edits connect instantly with audiences.

Final Thoughts

The Polaroid-style edit trend shows how AI photo editors are shaping social media culture. With just two photos and a smart prompt, you can create images that feel like a mix of memory and art.

So don’t just scroll past the trend — open Gemini AI, paste the prompt, and start making your own viral Polaroid pictures today.