Why Is Labubu So Popular? The Toy That’s Taken Over Instagram

In a world obsessed with aesthetic shelves, rare collectibles, and TikTok-worthy unboxings, one tiny creature has captured the hearts (and feeds) of Gen Z, influencers, and even global celebs: Labubu.

So, what is Labubu exactly?

A goblin? A squirrel? A punk rock elf? It’s hard to pin down—which is exactly the point. Labubu lives in the uncanny valley of cute and creepy, with oversized ears, jagged teeth, and expressive eyes that somehow make it irresistibly charming. It’s a design that dares to be different and wins for it.

Created by Kasing Lung, Labubu embodies the whimsical and mischievous spirit of childhood imagination gone wild. Each figure is loaded with personality—whether it’s Labubu dressed as a skeleton, a raincoat-wearing explorer, or a dreamy forest creature. There’s a version of Labubu for every mood and shelf aesthetic.

The Mystery of the Blind Box

One of the biggest reasons behind Labubu’s viral status? The blind box model. You never know which version you’ll get until you open the box, and that element of surprise is addictively thrilling. Will you get the rare chase figure? Or the one you already have three of? Either way, you’re in for a dopamine rush—and possibly a TikTok video moment.

This mystery-based collecting style turns Labubu into more than just a toy—it becomes a quest. And with limited-edition drops that sell out almost instantly, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is very real. People line up, refresh websites, and trade figures in online communities just to complete their dream collection.

Celebs Are Obsessed Too: The Labubu Effect

Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a status symbol, especially when it’s in the hands of K-pop idols and global stars.

• BLACKPINK’s Lisa has been spotted with a rare Labubu in her collection, instantly sending fans into a frenzy.
• Lizzo—pop icon and body positivity queen—has joined the Labubu craze. She recently showed off her collection on TikTok, calling the figures “the cutest little weirdos ever,” and fans couldn’t get enough. Her playful unboxing video racked up millions of views and introduced Labubu to an even wider Western audience.

When these high-profile names embrace a niche toy, it becomes the thing to flex. And once it’s celebrity-approved, Labubu’s popularity blasts into orbit.

Labubu as Lifestyle

Labubu is no longer confined to collector shelves. It’s shown up on tote bags, clothing, phone cases, and even tattoos. Fans rock Labubu hoodies like band merch and trade rare figures like sneakers. The resale market? Wild. Limited edition Labubus can go for hundreds of dollars on secondary sites, with scalpers and superfans battling it out for grail pieces.

In short, Labubu has become more than a toy—it’s a fashion accessory, an art object, and a social media flex. Owning a rare Labubu doesn’t just say “I like cute things.” It screams, “I’m plugged into a global subculture of art, hype, and playful rebellion.”

Labubu’s rise isn’t just about design or hype—it’s about identity. It taps into something deeply playful and a little nostalgic, wrapped in the aesthetic language of modern internet culture. Whether you’re a hardcore collector, a first-time fan, or just someone who fell down a #POP MART rabbit hole on TikTok, one thing’s clear:

Labubu is here to stay—and it’s probably already on your feed.