Why Is Labubu So Popular? Everything You Need to Know
Labubu has become one of the most talked-about toys in the world, but it didn’t happen overnight. Its popularity comes from a mix of creativity, rarity, social media buzz, and emotional connection. Labubu isn’t just a figure with pointy ears and a mischievous smile. It’s a character people feel attached to. It has personality, charm, and a story behind it.
People love that every Labubu looks a little different depending on the series. Some look cute. Some look silly. Some even look spooky. No matter the design, each one feels unique and meaningful. This helps fans of all ages feel connected to it in different ways.
The thrill of mystery also plays a big role. Most Labubus come in surprise boxes, which means you don’t know what you’re getting until you open it. That surprise factor makes the experience more exciting, and it’s part of what keeps people coming back for more.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a small toy character that looks like a cheeky little elf with pointy ears, wild hair, big eyes, and a toothy grin. But calling it just a toy doesn’t do it justice. Labubu is a piece of art, a character with a story, and for many people, a symbol of creativity and joy.
Labubu is part of a series called The Monsters, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. He imagined Labubu and other characters as friendly creatures with their little personalities and backstories.
These toys are sold in different forms, like small vinyl figures, plush dolls, bag charms, and keychains.
The Creator Behind Labubu: Kasing Lung
The reason Labubu feels so special is that it wasn’t created by a big company. It was imagined by one person, Kasing Lung, who brought it to life through his drawings and stories. Kasing was born in Hong Kong but moved to the Netherlands as a child.
As a kid in a new country, he struggled to fit in, so he spent a lot of time reading books and drawing. He especially loved stories about magical creatures, elves, and spirits from Nordic folklore. These stories inspired him to create a group of forest monsters with playful personalities. Labubu became the most popular one.
Labubu first appeared in 2015 as part of a book and figure collection. It wasn’t very famous at first, but everything changed when Kasing partnered with a Chinese toy company called Pop Mart in 2019. From there, Labubu’s popularity skyrocketed.
What Makes Labubu’s Design So Unique?
Labubu doesn’t look like your typical cute toy. It’s a little strange, and that’s what makes it so lovable. It has nine sharp teeth that form a cheeky grin. Its eyes are wide and expressive. Its ears stick up like an elf’s. And it usually wears fun costumes depending on the theme of the collection.
This mix of cute and creepy is what makes Labubu stand out. It’s not perfect or overly polished. It has character. Some people say it looks like a creature from a dream, while others say it reminds them of storybook monsters.
Every new release brings a different version of Labubu. It might be dressed like a pirate, a mushroom, a panda, or even a skeleton. This variety makes fans excited to collect more than one. There’s always something new and surprising.
Why Are People So Obsessed With Labubu?
There are many reasons behind the global obsession with Labubu, and it’s not just because it looks cute. Let’s break it down.
1. The Mystery of Blind Boxes
The thrill of buying a blind box plays a big role. When you buy a Labubu figure, you don’t know which one you’re getting. There are usually several designs in each series, plus one or two rare secret editions. This makes collecting feel like a treasure hunt.
People love surprises. They enjoy the moment of opening the box and discovering which Labubu is inside. It becomes even more exciting when you’re hoping to find a rare one.
2. Social Media Hype
Labubu became a trending topic because of social media. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are filled with unboxing videos, collector showcases, and fan art. These videos often go viral, which brings even more attention to the toy.
Celebrities helped boost its popularity too. When Lisa from BLACKPINK showed her Labubu keychain, fans all over Asia and beyond started searching for one. After that, the wave of interest just kept growing.
3. Hard to Get = High Demand
Many Labubu toys sell out almost immediately after release. This makes them feel rare and valuable. Fans often line up outside Pop Mart stores before opening hours or rush to buy online when restocks go live.
Because of this scarcity, people start to value them more. When something is hard to get, it naturally feels more special. That’s human nature.
What Makes Labubu Dolls So Popular Among Collectors?
Collectors love Labubu for many reasons, but the biggest is how it mixes art with emotion. Each figure feels like a tiny piece of artwork. The details, the expressions, and the creative themes make Labubu more than just a toy. It’s something to admire, share, and display proudly.
Some Labubus are rare or limited edition. Finding those figures becomes a fun challenge. People trade, resell, and even travel to Pop Mart stores in the hope of finding the one they’re missing. The collectible community around Labubu is full of excitement and connection.
Is Labubu a Luxury Brand?
Labubu isn’t a luxury brand in the traditional sense, like Gucci or Louis Vuitton, but it does possess a similar level of status in the toy world.
Some Labubu figures are extremely rare and difficult to find. Because of that, they can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on resale sites. In fact, one giant Labubu was sold at an art auction for over $170,000. That’s not just a toy, that’s a serious collector’s piece.
The way Labubu is sold also adds to its luxury feel. New drops are limited, the packaging is carefully designed, and there’s always a sense of exclusivity. When someone gets their hands on a rare Labubu, it feels like winning something valuable.
What Is So Cute About Labubu?
Labubu is cute because it’s different. It has a wild look, big round eyes, a toothy smile, pointy ears, and a small, bouncy body. It’s the kind of design that looks odd at first but quickly grows on you.
The real charm comes from its expressions. Labubu always looks like it’s up to something — sneaky, funny, or full of curiosity. That personality shows through in every version.
And then there are the costumes. Labubu comes dressed as animals, plants, superheroes, even characters from other worlds. Each new series brings new outfits and new charm. Fans love seeing how Labubu transforms each time.
The mix of cute, weird, and clever is what makes Labubu irresistible. It doesn’t try to be perfect. It just has a vibe that makes you want to smile.
The Rise of Labubu as a Fashion and Lifestyle Icon
Labubu isn’t just a toy. It’s a style statement. People hang Labubu keychains on their bags, wear Labubu-themed clothing, and decorate their rooms with plush versions. Labubu has become a part of daily life for fans.
It also appears at cultural events. People have dressed as Labubu during pride parades, cosplay conventions, and street fashion festivals. Its fun and quirky style appeals to creative people who want to stand out.
For some, carrying a Labubu figure is a way to express individuality. It says you’re fun, creative, and maybe a little mischievous too.
Why Labubu Appeals to Adults Too
While Labubu might seem like a toy for kids, many adults are the ones collecting it. There’s a strong sense of nostalgia involved. Adults today grew up with trading cards, capsule toys, and surprise eggs. Labubu taps into that same feeling of excitement.
It also brings a sense of joy and escape. In a busy and often stressful world, having something fun, cute, and a little weird can make your day brighter. People find comfort in these small moments of play.
Owning Labubu can be calming, creative, and joyful. For many adults, it’s not about the price or rarity. It’s about the feeling it brings.
The Collectible Market and Resale Boom
Another big reason Labubu is so popular is because of its resale value. Some rare Labubu figures have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. One life size figure was sold at an art auction in China for over 170,000 dollars.
Collectors know that some versions are extremely limited. That makes them valuable. This has created a growing second hand market where fans buy, sell, and trade Labubu figures around the world.
While not everyone collects for profit, the value adds another layer of excitement. It turns collecting into a challenge and a game.
The Community Around Labubu
Labubu has brought people together. Online groups and fan pages have popped up where collectors share photos, trade figures, and discuss upcoming releases. There’s a real sense of community.
Some people even create their own clothes for Labubu. Others build little homes or scenes for them. These fans are not just collecting. They’re creating art, telling stories, and forming friendships.
Labubu has become a way for people to connect. It’s not just about owning something. It’s about being part of something bigger.
Pop Mart’s Smart Strategy
Behind the scenes, Pop Mart has played a huge role in Labubu’s popularity. The company understood that people want more than just toys. They want an experience. By releasing new collections regularly and keeping the designs fresh, Pop Mart keeps fans interested.
They also use smart timing. New drops often happen weekly or monthly, giving fans a reason to keep coming back. Pop Mart also hosts events, pop up stores, and art shows to build hype.
Their use of blind boxes and rare editions creates a sense of urgency. And by working closely with Kasing Lung, they keep the artistic spirit alive in every release.
What Makes Labubu Different from Other Toys
There are lots of collectible toys out there, but Labubu stands out for a few big reasons.
First, it has a backstory. Labubu is not just a random figure. It is a character with a personality and history.
Second, it blends cuteness with weirdness. Most toys are either one or the other. Labubu mixes both in a way that feels real.
Third, it’s more than just a trend. Labubu has become a symbol of creativity, emotion, and imagination. That kind of depth is rare in the toy world.
How Labubu Changed the World of Designer Toys
Before Labubu, most collectible toys were either cartoon based or art focused with limited appeal. Labubu changed that. It brought together art, fashion, play, and culture into one little figure.
It also opened the door for other unique characters to shine. Now more artists are working with toy companies to bring their creations to life. Labubu helped build a bridge between personal storytelling and global fandom.
Final Thoughts
Labubu is not popular by accident. Its rise is the result of many things coming together. The creative vision of Kasing Lung. The storytelling that gives it life. The smart marketing by Pop Mart. The mystery and joy of blind boxes. The push from celebrities and influencers. And most importantly, the fans who fell in love with something that felt both strange and special.
Labubu is more than a product. It’s a feeling. It’s a little piece of magic in the middle of everyday life. It’s a reminder that you can still be surprised, still feel joy, and still find beauty in the smallest things.
If you’ve ever opened a Labubu box and smiled, then you already understand why Labubu is so popular.
