How Labubu Became a Social Media Sensation

Introduction

Labubu has become one of the most recognisable characters in the world of designer collectibles, and much of its rapid rise can be traced to the power of social media. What began as an artistic creation by Kasing Lung has transformed into a global trend, with millions of collectors and casual fans discovering Labubu through unboxing videos, photography posts, short clips, and community-driven content.
This article explores how Labubu captured the attention of social media users and became one of the most widely shared collectible figures of the past few years.

The Visual Appeal of Labubu

A major factor behind Labubu’s social media success is its strong visual identity. The wide eyes, mischievous smile, and expressive face make Labubu instantly recognisable, even in quick-scrolling feeds.
Whether photographed on a shelf, held in hand, or staged in a creative scene, Labubu has a photogenic quality that performs exceptionally well on image-driven platforms.

The variety of colours, themes, and poses across different series also ensures that Labubu content never feels repetitive. Each release gives creators new material to showcase.

The Role of Unboxing Culture

Unboxing videos have become one of social media’s most engaging content formats, and Labubu fits perfectly into this trend.
The blind box model taps into viewers’ curiosity and anticipation. Audiences love watching the moment a collector discovers which figure is inside, especially when the possibility of a rare or secret variant is involved.

Unboxing clips featuring Labubu regularly gain high engagement because they combine mystery, excitement, and visual charm. This has significantly accelerated Labubu’s popularity among new audiences who encounter the character for the first time through these videos.

Community Creativity and Photography Trends

Labubu collectors frequently share photographs of their figures arranged in themed displays, outdoor scenes, or custom-built environments.
This creative culture encourages interaction and inspires other collectors to attempt their own displays. As a result, Labubu-related hashtags continue to grow, creating a steady stream of user-generated content.

The character’s expressive face and distinct personality make it ideal for storytelling-style photography. Collectors often post images that capture emotions or humorous moments, making the content relatable and highly shareable.

TikTok and Short-Form Video Impact

Short-form video platforms have played a major role in Labubu's global spread. Quick clips showing unboxings, collections, reactions, and creative edits allow Labubu content to reach audiences far beyond traditional toy collectors.

Many users share:

• Blind box opening montages

• Reaction videos to rare finds

• Artistic transitions featuring different Labubu designs

• Custom music or sounds paired with figure showcases

These formats encourage rapid discovery and resharing, turning Labubu into a trend rather than a niche interest.

Influencer and Collector Influence

Influencers in the designer toy community have helped propel Labubu into the spotlight. When popular collectors share new releases, rare finds, or display setups, their audiences often follow suit.
Because Labubu is visually distinctive and inherently shareable, influencers naturally gravitate toward it for content.

Even outside the design toy niche, lifestyle influencers often feature Labubu in room tours, desk setups, and decorative backgrounds, introducing the character to entirely new demographics.

The Impact of Limited Releases

Limited releases generate excitement and urgency on social media. When a new Labubu series launches, collectors post countdowns, shopping experiences, and reactions, which builds anticipation and drives conversation.
Secret editions and rare variants add to this momentum, as viewers follow along to see who will find the next coveted piece.

This cycle of release, reaction, and discussion creates ongoing interest and helps maintain Labubu’s visibility year-round.

The Sense of Community

One of the strongest pillars of Labubu’s rise is its dedicated online community. Collectors use social media platforms to:

• Share news about upcoming drops

• Trade duplicates

• Offer authenticity tips

• Post collection progress

• Help newcomers learn about series and release dates

This collaborative atmosphere encourages new fans to join and makes the hobby feel welcoming rather than exclusive.

Memorable Character Personality

Labubu resonates with viewers on an emotional level. The blend of innocence, mischief, and charm gives Labubu a personality that appeals to both children and adults.
This emotional connection contributes to high engagement, as people react positively to content that feels playful, expressive, or nostalgic.

Conclusion

Labubu’s status as a social media sensation is the result of its unique artistic design, strong visual appeal, engaging unboxing experiences, and highly active fan community.
Through a combination of creative user-generated content, influencer interest, and platform-friendly aesthetics, Labubu has successfully reached audiences far beyond traditional collector circles.
As new series continue to launch and more collectors share their experiences online, Labubu’s presence on social media is likely to grow even stronger in the years ahead.