A quick scroll through social media and you might think you've stepped into a Studio Ghibli movie. Oh wait, that was just last week! Scroll through social media this week and you will probably think you've landed in a toy store.
The latest viral trend has users turning themselves into Barbie dolls or action figures – complete with plastic packaging. It is AI-generated, of course and totally taking over Instagram, TikTok and Facebook's feeds.
Using custom prompts written in ChatGPT, people are creating cartoonish versions of themselves sealed in collectible-style boxes. Whether it is as a superhero, doll or something in between, the results are quirky, fun and worthy to be shared.
The internet is full with action figures of some of the most famous people right now.
While there is no single creator behind the trend, it really took off recently. TikTok users, in particular, have been using the hashtag #BarbieBoxChallenge to showcase their boxed avatars. And with generative AI tools more accessible than ever, it only takes one clever prompt to turn yourself into a toy.
Just recently, OpenAI dropped a new image generator inside its GPT-4o model, making it even easier to jump on the trend. So, if you are ready to see yourself as a boxed-up icon – Barbie style or full-on action hero – here is how to get started.
How to turn yourself into an action figure using ChatGPT?
Video credit – Tech Muster
So, wanna join the latest AI trend and see yourself boxed up like a Barbie or a superhero? Here's how to make your very own action figure starter pack using ChatGPT – and yeah, it is actually pretty easy.
Head to ChatGPT (website or app and log in or create an account.)*
Click the "Add" button to upload a picture of yourself. For best results, go with a full-body photo that clearly shows your outfit. The clearer the shot, the better your action figure will turn out.
Here is the recommended prompt with which you can get great results:
Create a hyper-realistic action figure (or Barbie doll) based on the person in this photo. The figure should be full-body and fully dressed, with detailed and lifelike features. The doll should be displayed inside original-style retail packaging made of clear plastic, like a real toy you'd find in stores. The packaging should have a [your favorite color] background. At the top of the box, include the title: [your chosen title]. At the bottom, write the character's name: [your name or nickname] in bold, white capital letters. Inside the packaging, include the following accessories positioned next to the figure on the right side: [list your accessories, like a coffee cup, laptop or lightsaber]. The final image should look like a real, store-ready product – detailed, polished and professionally designed.
Didn't nail it the first time? No biggie. Just update the prompt with more details – maybe change the color of the box, add some accessories, or switch up the pose. The more specific you are, the better the result.
Once you are happy with the result, just download the image and post it wherever – TikTok, Instagram or wherever your boxed-up alter ego belongs.
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*You can make your action figure for free, but remember you only get a limited number of prompts each day. So, if you hit a prompt limit, don't panic – you can either try again tomorrow or upgrade to the Plus plan for unlimited access.
Alright, so I gave the prompt above a shot and made my own action figure and I am sharing it just to prove how quick and easy the whole thing is.
From the image I have on my PhoneArena's profile, ChatGPT created this and although it doesn't look exactly like me, it’s still pretty awesome. | Image created with AI
It took me about a minute to come up with the prompt, and just a few more for ChatGPT to generate the final result. And honestly? It turned out pretty awesome, especially considering I didn't tweak anything afterward. Straight out of the box (pun intended).
Now, trends like this come and go and I'm sure next week we will see some other hype around AI-generated images. After all, the tech is here, it is available and it is really up to our imagination to use it. What do you think about all this? Are you into this trend?
And would you give it a try? And hey, if you end up using the prompt we shared here, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or tag us with the results on our social media channels.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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