How Labubu Doll Became Famous: The Story Behind the Viral Toy

In a world flooded with cute collectibles and viral plushies, one odd little creature with sharp teeth, pointy ears, and wild eyes has captured the hearts (and feeds) of millions: the Labubu doll.

You’ve likely seen it popping up on TikTok, Instagram reels, and unboxing videos across YouTube. But what exactly is Labubu, and how did this strange-looking figure become a global pop culture sensation?

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into:

• What Labubu is

• Its origins in the designer toy world

• Why it became famous

• How social media played a major role

• Where you can get your own Labubu doll today

Let’s uncover the mysterious and fascinating journey of the Labubu doll’s rise to fame.

What is Labubu?

Labubu is a mischievous-looking toy creature designed by Kasing Lung, a popular Hong Kong-based illustrator and toy artist. Labubu is one of the characters from Lung’s fantasy universe called The Monsters.

While most collectible toys aim for “cute,” Labubu stands out with:

• A toothy grin

• Sharp, spiky ears

• Wild, unkempt fur

• Mischievous eyes

• A sometimes creepy but oddly endearing personality

This odd but lovable aesthetic gave Labubu a unique identity in the sea of mainstream plush and designer toys.

The Origins: Created by Kasing Lung and POP MART

Labubu’s journey to stardom began when Kasing Lung partnered with POP MART, the Chinese toy company famous for blind box collectibles. POP MART helped bring Labubu to the masses by creating:

• Miniature vinyl figures

• Limited edition plushies

• Themed collections and seasonal sets

These figures were typically sold in blind boxes, which meant buyers didn’t know which version they were getting—an element that fueled collectibility and mystery.

Kasing Lung's art style mixes Western fairy tales with Asian folklore, giving Labubu a unique storytelling depth.

Why Did Labubu Become So Popular?

There are several reasons why Labubu took off globally, especially among Gen Z and toy collectors:

1. Unique and Quirky Design

Labubu isn’t traditionally cute. It’s creepy-cute—an aesthetic that resonates deeply with Gen Z’s love for edgy, alternative, and meme-worthy characters.

2. Social Media Virality

Labubu gained massive traction on platforms like:

• TikTok: Short videos showing unboxing, reactions, and customized versions of Labubu

• Instagram Reels: Creators posing Labubu in aesthetic backgrounds

• YouTube: Toy haul videos, blind box reveals, and collector showcases

Hashtags like #labubu, #popmartlabubu, and #kasinglung have garnered millions of views.

3. Emotional Expression

Despite being just a figure, Labubu is often posed in relatable, human-like ways—sad, happy, angry, surprised—allowing people to project their emotions onto it. It became a mascot of relatable content.

4. Limited Editions and Drops

POP MART cleverly uses scarcity to drive hype. Limited-edition Labubu dolls sell out within minutes, creating FOMO and viral buzz with every new drop.

5. Cultural Crossovers

Labubu has been featured in:

• Artist collaborations (with brands and designers)

• Cosplay content

• Lifestyle and home décor photoshoots

This has helped it cross from “just a toy” to an aesthetic lifestyle accessory.

Labubu on TikTok and Instagram: A Viral Star

If you search for #LabubuDoll on TikTok or Instagram, you’ll find:

• People dressing up their Labubu dolls

• Creating mini homes and stories around them

• Adding audio dialogues and funny memes

• Making ASMR-style unboxing videos

This user-generated content created an online ecosystem where Labubu is more than a toy—it's a character with a personality, mood, and attitude.

Popular TikTok themes:

• “Labubu when I leave it alone for 5 minutes…”

• “POV: Your Labubu is watching you procrastinate”

• “My Labubu when I buy another plush instead of it”

What Makes Labubu a Collector’s Favorite?

Toy collectors around the world see Labubu as part of the new wave of urban vinyl toys—artistic, limited-run figures that blend street style, pop culture, and toy design.

Key factors for collectors:

• High-quality craftsmanship from POP MART

• Rare editions with chase figures

• International design appeal

• Resale value (some go for 5–10x original price)

Labubu’s unusual expression makes it stand out in any collection. It’s often displayed alongside other designer toys like Molly, Dimoo, Skullpanda, and Sonny Angel.

Where Can You Buy Labubu Dolls?

You can buy Labubu dolls from:

• POP MART official website

• Amazon and eBay (for resell and rare finds)

• Physical POP MART stores in major cities

• Designer toy conventions like Shanghai Toy Show or DesignerCon

• Online specialty stores like Urban Outfitters (select regions)

Prices can range from ₹800 to ₹8000+ depending on the edition and rarity.

Always check for authenticity—fake Labubu dolls are common due to the toy's popularity.

The Future of Labubu

With its ever-growing fanbase, Labubu is more than a passing trend. It's evolving into a long-term pop culture brand, much like Hello Kitty, Tokidoki, or Funko Pop.

Future trends may include:

• Animated content (Labubu shorts or series)

• Fashion or beauty brand collaborations

• NFT or digital collectible launches

• Augmented Reality (AR) Labubu filters and games

As long as social media keeps loving quirky, expressive characters, Labubu will continue to thrive.

The Labubu doll didn’t become famous by accident—it rose to fame through its unique design, emotional relatability, and viral momentum on social media. From collectible toy to cultural icon, Labubu is proof that weird, wild, and wonderful still wins.

So whether you’re a serious toy collector or just someone who loves quirky cuteness, Labubu is the perfect little creature to join your shelf (and your selfies).

Have you joined the Labubu fan club yet?

Let us know in the comments below which Labubu edition is your favorite, or share a photo of your own collection!