How to Create Your Own Animated AI Action Figure Doll Trend (Yes, Even If You’re Not “Techy”)
If you’ve scrolled Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen women dressed like dolls, boxed up in perfectly on-brand packaging, holding lattes, ring lights, and iPhones. Nope, it’s not a new influencer product—it’s the AI Action Figure Trend, and it’s the latest way small business owners are showing off their brand in style.
How do I jump into the AI Doll trend?
If you're a coach, digital product creator, or content strategist wondering:
What is the AI action figure trend on Instagram?
How can I create my own AI doll version of myself?
How can I create an animated version of the AI Doll for Reels or TikTok?
Is it worth jumping on this trend as a small business owner?
You’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to create your own branded action figure, plus how to use it to market your offers, attract your dream clients, and just have a little fun on the ‘gram.
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What Is the AI Action Figure Trend?
In a nutshell: creators are using AI image generation tools to create realistic photos of themselves styled as action figures (think Barbie or Bratz), complete with themed packaging that reflects their business, vibe, and personal flair.
These images are blowing up on social because they’re:
Visually unique (aka super scroll-stopping)
Packed with personality and niche-specific references
Easy to customize, even if you’re not an AI expert
They’re also perfect for storytelling and introducing your offers or digital products in a fun, creative way.
Why Are Small Business Owners Using This Trend?
You’ve probably seen trends come and go—but this one has major staying power, especially for women entrepreneurs and content creators. Here’s why:
It helps you visually communicate your niche (think: your brand colors, tools, signature style)
It’s a playful way to boost brand awareness without sounding too salesy
It’s perfect for launches—you can include “accessories” that represent your product or service
It’s shareable—meaning people will save, comment, and tag others
It makes YOU the product—literally. You become the face of your brand (in packaging!)
If you’ve ever wanted to show up as the face of your biz in a way that feels fun, not forced—this trend is calling your name.
I have to be honest, I am unsure how flattering AI made me look here 😆
How Do I Create My Own Branded AI Doll Image?
Don’t worry, you don’t need to code anything or understand the backend of AI. You just need a solid prompt and a few fun ideas.
Here’s a fill-in-the-blank version of the prompt I use and recommend others try to create their own custom AI action figure image:
Copy + Paste AI Prompt:
“Create a custom realistic action figure-style image of me as a branded doll in toy packaging. The vibe should reflect my personal brand and business. I am adding unique information of how I want this to look and will send you a photo of myself that I want you to use for my likeness”
This is the important part: fill this out with your own info and send it to ChatGPT, Claude or your AI tool of choice, to personalize:
Name on the box: [Insert your name and brand name]
Tagline or title: [examples: “Systems Queen,” “Business Coach”, "Atlanta Content Creator,” etc.]
Brand colors for packaging: [add the exact colors HEX codes or just type a color]
Outfit: [Describe what you want to be wearing, but be specific! Include colors, styles, shoes, etc.]
Accessories around me in the packaging: [List 5–7 items that represent your biz or lifestyle, like a laptop, coffee mug, planner, product mockup, ring light, houseplant, kid, pet, etc.]
Color/style of the packaging: [example: minimalist, techy, pastel, neon, retro 90s, or even a specific brand color]
Facial and body reference: [describe hair, face shape, or makeup style]
Vibe: [Choose one: Sleek/Minimalist, Quirky/Fun, Glam CEO, etc.]
Bonus Tip:
Want to make it more “you”? Add a fun barcode, price sticker (like “Priceless”), or even a “Now Featuring: [Your Signature Offer]” label.
What AI Tool Should I Use to Generate This?
There are a few options out there depending on your comfort level:
ChatGPT (with image generation enabled): This is what I used to create mine. You can copy the prompt above and paste it in, then upload your reference photo.
Other AI image generators: Tools like Midjourney, Canva AI Image Generator, or DALL·E also work great—just make sure to upload a reference image and follow the prompt as closely as possible.
How to Make the Animated version of the AI Doll, coming out of the box for Reels!
Want to go even deeper and take this trend to the next level?
Get this app: Kling AI
Once you download the app and log in with Apple login, you will choose Image to Video and upload your AI doll image. Then describe what you want the doll to do, choose 10 seconds video and Reels format. Or you can use this prompt below:
Copy + Paste This Prompt
“Make a 10 second video for Reels format of the doll walking out of the box happily, doing a hair flip, checking her phone and smiling as she goes off camera.”
Shout out to @SocialWithInitial for this tip!
You may even go viral on Reels or TikTok with this one!
How Can I Use This Trend to Promote My Business?
This is where the real fun begins. Once you’ve got your doll image, you can…
🛍 Turn it into a launch teaser (“Limited Edition Drop” with your digital offer!)
💻 Introduce yourself to new followers (Perfect for a pinned post!)
📦 Show off what you sell (Accessories in the box = your products)
💬 Tell a story (“Behind this doll is a mom of 3 who built her business during naptime…”)
📈 Use it as ad creative (Yes, this can be a GREAT top-of-funnel hook)
Is This Trend Right for My Brand?
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I want to build brand visibility and reach on Instagram?
Do I enjoy playful, visual storytelling?
Do I have a clear vibe or brand aesthetic?
Do I like joining trends before they go mainstream?
If yes, then absolutely. You can always put your own twist on it to make it feel like you.
(And if AI makes you feel icky, skip it—no trend is ever necessary.)
If you’re concerned about using AI and its impact in the environment…
This is a totally valid concern—and one I have too. AI does use energy, but so do all the other things we do online. For perspective:
Streaming one hour of Netflix or YouTube can use more energy than generating a few images
Shopping on Amazon, scrolling TikTok, or doomscrolling Twitter also contribute to your digital carbon footprint
A few AI prompts per week? Still less than a couple binge sessions of Love is Blind.
So while it’s smart to be mindful of your digital habits, limited use of AI in your business can easily be offset by diminishing other less helpful habits like leaving the TV on for the dog, consuming a lot of fast fashion or scrolling TikTok till midnight.
It’s all about balance, isn’t it?
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Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, which helps small entrepreneurs grow their business through content marketing, especially email and Instagram.
In 2021 Manu launched Your Template Club, one of the first Canva Template for Instagram subscriptions in the world to provide social media managers and small business owners with content templates designed for engagement.
Manu has also more recebtly started the first Instagram Reels Award Show, The Reelies Awards and an email marketing membership, Your Inbox Team.
Born and raised in Brazil, Manu moved to the U.S. in 2000 right out of college to work for Cartoon Network, where she made an award winning career in creative and strategy.