Labubu Core: The Quirky Toy That Defines Gen Z Style
Wait... What Even Is Labubu?
Labubu is a mischievous little monster from the MONSTERS series by artist Kasing Lung. Think:
Fluffy ears, wild grin, haunted eyes — the kind of doll you’d kind of want to cuddle but also kind of think might follow you in your dreams.
Originally designed as a vinyl art toy for collectors, Labubu lived in niche toy worlds… until the internet discovered it.
Then everything changed.
The Viral Moment: Enter social media, Chaos & Mystery Boxes
It started quietly. A few unboxing videos here and there.
Then suddenly — boom — Labubu was everywhere.
What made it blow up?
Mystery box unboxings: People love surprises. Especially when they might get a rare glow-in-the-dark demon version.
Reaction gold: The joy. The pain. The “NOOOO I got a duplicate again.”
instagram ate it up.
FOMO trigger: Everyone was hunting Labubus. So obviously... you wanted one too.
“If you didn’t film your Labubu unboxing, did it even happen?”
FOMO Hit Like a Truck
You know that feeling when you see everyone online with the cool new thing, and suddenly you can’t stop thinking about it?
That’s Labubu’s real power.
It wasn’t just a toy. It became a status symbol for:
Your desk setup
Your shelfie background
Your “soft but slightly unhinged” aesthetic
And because the dolls came in limited drops and blind boxes, it created the perfect storm of internet panic:
“WHAT IF I MISS THE DROP?!”
“HOW DO I GET THE RARE ONE?!”
“IS THIS THE NEW BEANIE BABIES??”
FOMO marketing? 10/10. No notes.
Influencers Made It a Personality
Soon, Labubu was more than a doll. It was an accessory to your identity.
Creators used it in:
Study vlogs (“my emotional support Labubu”)
Aesthetic desk tours
“Weird things I can’t live without” videos
Mental health check-ins
Even celebrities jumped in, showing off their rare hauls, limited editions, or massive collections.
Suddenly, collecting Labubu wasn’t just cute — it was cool. What Can Brands Learn from Labubu?
You don’t need a massive marketing budget to go viral — just the right vibe. Here’s what Labubu teaches us:
1. Make Your Product Shareable
Labubu looked weird and different. That made people curious. That made people talk.
Pro tip: If your product is photogenic or makes people feel something, it’s more likely to trend.
2. Create Moments, Not Just Products
Unboxings. Reactions. Collection reveals. These are micro-moments people want to post.
Build for content, not just commerce.
3. Let the Fans Build the Hype
There was no huge ad campaign. Just fans making content — over and over again.
UGC is the most powerful form of marketing in 2025. Let your community take the wheel.
4. Scarcity Sells (When Done Right)
Limited drops and “chase” versions made Labubu collectible — and that kept the hype alive.
Make it feel exclusive. Even if it’s not.
Final Thoughts: Labubu Wasn’t Just Cute
Labubu Wasn’t Just Cute — It Was Clever
Labubu wasn’t pushed. It was pulled into culture. It tapped into:
Aesthetic culture
Fandom energy
Social proof + identity
And good old fashioned FOMO
And the result? A slightly chaotic, surprisingly adorable, super smart case study in modern viral marketing.
So… Is It Just a Doll?
Technically, yes.
But in the world of digital culture, anything can go viral — if it taps into emotion, identity, and obsession.
Labubu did all three. And it did it in style.
Labubu’s just the beginning—explore more cultural curiosities at filmycurry.