Are Labubu Still Popular in 2025? The Truth Behind the Hype

The world has fallen hard for Labubu, Pop Mart's delightfully weird monster creation. Since hitting Western markets in May 2025, this "ugly-cute" phenomenon has taken the toy and collectible world by storm, showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. Here's what's fueling this unstoppable hype train.

Western Markets Go Wild
The launch in Europe and North America created pandemonium. Picture this: lines stretching around city blocks in Los Angeles, London, and Milan as fans waited hours for their chance to own a Labubu. Stores actually had to pause sales at some locations because the crowds became unmanageable. Pop Mart's app shot to the top of the U.S. App Store charts during the launch period, thanks largely to the wildly popular Labubu 3.0 "Big into Energy" series. When celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and BLACKPINK's Lisa started sporting Labubu accessories, the frenzy reached new heights.

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Social Media Explosion
Labubu has completely taken over social platforms. The #Labubu hashtag has racked up an astonishing 10 billion views on TikTok, where unboxing videos and creative customizations go viral daily. Over on Instagram, more than 1.1 million posts feature Labubu as the ultimate fashion accessory, perfectly blending high-end style with streetwear edge. The meme potential of these quirky figures has spawned countless parody accounts and hilarious "worst Labubu custom" challenges that keep engagement sky-high.

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Brilliant Business Strategy
Pop Mart has played the scarcity game masterfully. Limited edition Labubus have been reselling for up to 877% above retail - imagine paying $3,000fora$99 doll! Their strategy includes ultra-rare hidden variants (with a tantalizing 0.69% chance of finding one) that drive collector FOMO to extreme levels. Regional exclusives, like the French Louvre collaboration or Singapore's merlion-inspired designs, have created a thriving international collector community constantly hunting for the next must-have piece.

Cultural Phenomenon
What makes Labubu truly special is how it taps into contemporary culture. That "ugly-cute" aesthetic with sharp teeth and a mischievous grin perfectly captures Gen Z's love for imperfect charm. There's something deeply satisfying about the blind box experience that fans describe as pure "dopamine hits," tapping into childhood nostalgia while feeling completely fresh. Online communities on Discord, Reddit, and TikTok have become thriving hubs where collectors trade tips, showcase their finds, and bond over their shared obsession.

The Future Looks Bright
With rumors swirling about luxury brand collaborations and even an animated series in development, Labubu's cultural impact is only growing. The numbers speak for themselves - Pop Mart's overseas revenue skyrocketed 475% in Q1 2025, with Labubu driving a whopping 65% of those sales.

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The bottom line? Labubu's Western debut wasn't just successful - it completely reset the collectibles landscape. Through clever scarcity tactics, celebrity appeal, and pure quirky charm, this little monster has captured the world's imagination and shows no signs of letting go. For those wanting to dive deeper, check out BBC's viral analysis of Labubu's global impact or Pop Mart's latest investor reports.