Trends
According to trend-tracker RisingTrends.co, the Labubu vinyl figure has exploded across social feeds in 2025. What began as a niche designer-toy collectible in Hong Kong is now a global meme, remix, and resale craze.
Why Is Labubu Trending?
- Scarcity marketing from toy maker Pop Mart keeps supply low.
- Cute-but-creepy design fits Gen-Z humor.
- Short, visual storytelling on TikTok turns each figure into a character.
Creators post unboxings, stop-motion skits, and “adoption” stories, pushing the figure beyond collectors’ circles.
And this below the chart of monthly searches in the US in the last months provided by Rising Trends
Key Moments on TikTok
- First viral unboxing racked up five million views in 24 hours — see the clip here.
- A duet trend where users pretend the toy "talks back" spread via this remix.
- The #LabubuDance challenge hit 250 million views; sample video here.
Each prompt invited easy participation: no choreography skills needed, a toy that fits any backdrop, and loops under 15 seconds.
Media Coverage
Mainstream outlets noticed once resale prices crossed $400.
- Hypebeast profiled the toy's street-culture appeal link.
- A Forbes piece explored Pop Mart's IPO and collector economy link.
- South China Morning Post covered factory restocks and fan camp-outs link.
Traditional press added legitimacy, driving parents and older hobbyists to look up the character, further widening the market.
What Makes It Stick
- Expression: A single raised eyebrow gives the figure personality, perfect for reaction memes.
- Custom costuming: Fans sew tiny outfits, swapping looks for seasonal posts.
- Low entry barrier: A $15 blind-box version lets new fans join without hunting grails.
Where It Goes Next
Pop Mart hints at an animated short, and licensing deals for apparel are already in the works. Expect:
- Collaborative drops with streetwear labels.
- AR filters letting users place Labubu in real-world scenes.
- Secondary-market stabilization as supply widens, but limited editions stay pricey.
Takeaway
The rise of Labubu shows how a tangible object can fuel a digital storytelling loop. When design, scarcity, and participatory media align, a toy turns into a culture symbol within months.
