🧸 How Labubu Took Over TikTok: The Rise of a Furry, Mischievous Icon

What do you get when you mix mystery, cuteness, and just a hint of chaos? Meet Labubu—a wide-eyed, snaggle-toothed character from Pop Mart that’s taking over TikTok feeds, collector groups, and resale markets around the world.

What started as a niche art toy has transformed into a full-blown global phenomenon, fusing fandom, fashion, and digital virality.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Labubu’s Viral Explosion

The hashtag #labubu has exploded with over 2 million views globally, with roughly 32,000 TikToks in just the past week—and over 1 million clips overall . Related trending tags include #popmart, #labubuthemonsters, #labubumacarons, #blindbox, and #labubuhaveaseat, often paired with phrases like #challenge, #fyp, and #trending to boost discoverability.

Notable trends:

• Unboxing ASMR: Videos tagged #labubu #popmartunboxing #unboxingvideo rack up millions of views with crinkling blind-box soundtracks,

• TikTok Live Drops: Fans tune in to Pop Mart’s live streams for restock alerts—Reddit users report snagging rare “purple” editions during these sessions 

What Exactly Is Labubu?

Labubu was born from the imagination of Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, originally part of his “The Monsters” storybook universe. This mischievous, elf-like creature with large eyes and jagged teeth became a breakout star when Pop Mart turned it into a blind box collectible toy in 2019. Since then, Labubu has appeared in countless themed editions—from candy-colored variants to oversized plushes and glow-in-the-dark styles.

The design blends innocence and weirdness in a way that feels fresh, especially to a younger generation craving distinct, personality-packed collectibles.

Why It’s So Popular (And Profitable) on TikTok？

Labubu’s dramatic rise in popularity—and soaring resale value—is fueled by its explosive social presence, built-in scarcity, and spot-on cultural appeal.

TikTok users can’t get enough of those quick, ASMR-style unboxing clips that deliver the perfect blend of suspense and delight—ideal fodder for the algorithm and a magnet for organic sharing.

Limited runs and hard-to-find “secret” editions spark real FOMO, driving resale listings well north of $1,000 for rare variants.

But TikTok fame is only part of the story. Labubu transcends the realm of toys—it’s become a wearable statement. Pop culture icons like BLACKPINK’s Lisa have turned Labubu into a fashion accessory, dangling it from luxury handbags and social media posts alike.

The result? A magical collision of collectible art and streetwear cool that's perfectly tailored to Gen Z’s appetite for expressive, nostalgic, or ironically quirky reminders of personal style.

Latest Buzz: Auctions, Sellouts & Celebrity Sightings

In June 2025, Labubu made headlines again when a human-sized Labubu statue sold at auction for over $170,000 in Beijing. Not long after, Pop Mart stores in South Korea and Singapore were forced to suspend in-store sales due to massive queues and crowding. Meanwhile, a new “Wacky Mart” Labubu series—featuring shrimp tempura and instant noodles-themed designs—has become the next must-have.

From celebrity Instagram stories to viral TikToks, Labubu is everywhere, and its fanbase is only growing louder (and more competitive).

🧠 Final Thoughts: A Plush Toy or Social Symbol?

Labubu is more than a trend—it’s a symbol of how digital culture, scarcity marketing, and visual storytelling can turn an oddball figure into a global icon. It taps into the collector’s mindset, the TikTok-driven thrill of discovery, and the emotional appeal of nostalgia with a twist.

As the line between fashion, fandom, and art continues to blur, Labubu stands at the center—furry, chaotic, and surprisingly powerful.