Why Labubu Is So Popular: The Artist Behind the Toy

What Is Why Is Labubu So Popular??

Labubu is a collectible vinyl toy created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and mass-produced by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart. According to Pop Mart’s 2024 annual report, the Labubu series alone generated over $150 million in global revenue, representing approximately 18% of the company’s total toy sales.

The Blind Box Collecting Model

Each sealed box contains one randomly selected figure from a series of 12 to 24 designs, including one or two “secret” ultra-rare variants. This mechanic triggers the same dopamine-driven reward system as loot boxes in video games, encouraging repeat purchases. According to a 2024 study by the Toy Association, blind box toys accounted for $4.2 billion in US sales in 2023, with Pop Mart holding a 12% market share. The average collector spends between $50 and $200 per month on blind boxes, with Labubu being the most frequently purchased single character line.

Celebrity Endorsements and Social Media Amplification

Other celebrities like Dua Lipa, Rosé, and actor Timothée Chalamet have also been photographed with Labubu figures.

The Artist and Design Philosophy

Kasing Lung, the Hong Kong-based artist who created Labubu in 2015, originally designed the character for his children’s book series “The Monsters.” The design features a round, furry body with pointed ears, a mischievous grin, and large, expressive eyes. Lung’s artistic style blends Japanese kawaii aesthetics with a slightly subversive, punk-inspired edge that appeals to adult collectors. Pop Mart acquired the exclusive production rights in 2018 and has since released over 40 Labubu series, including collaborations with artists like Kenny Wong (creator of the Molly doll) and brands like Disney. According to Lung’s 2025 interview with Design Milk, he personally approves every new Labubu design, maintaining strict quality control over the character’s emotional range.

Limited Editions and Scarcity

Limited edition releases are the primary driver of Labubu’s secondary market value. Pop Mart releases approximately 6 to 8 new Labubu series per year, with each series having a production run of 50,000 to 200,000 units globally. “Secret” figures, which appear in only 1 in 144 boxes on average, can sell for $500 to $3,000 on resale platforms like StockX and eBay. The most expensive Labubu figure ever sold was a one-of-a-kind artist proof from the 2024 “Monster Carnival” series, which fetched $12,000 at a private auction. According to StockX’s 2025 market report, Labubu figures have an average resale premium of 180% over retail price, compared to 45% for traditional collectible toys like Funko Pops.

Comparison: Labubu vs. Other Collectible Toy Trends

Feature	Labubu (Pop Mart)	Molly Doll (Pop Mart)	Funko Pop!	Beanie Babies
Launch Year	2015 (toy), 2018 (Pop Mart)	2006	1998	1993
Average Retail Price	$12-$25 per blind box	$10-$20 per blind box	$12-$15	$5-$10
Resale Premium (Avg.)	180%	90%	25%	15%
Social Media Hashtag Views	2.5 billion (TikTok)	800 million	1.2 billion	200 million
Celebrity Endorsement Impact	Very High (Lisa, Dua Lipa)	Moderate	Low	Low
Scarcity Model	Blind box + limited editions	Blind box	Common + exclusive variants	Retired production
Primary Collector Age	18-35	25-45	18-40	30-55

The Resale Market and Investment Potential

The Labubu resale market has matured into a structured ecosystem with dedicated platforms and price tracking. According to a 2025 report by the Collectible Toy Market Association, the global secondary market for Labubu figures was valued at $280 million in 2024, growing 45% year-over-year. The most sought-after figures are from the “Mega Space Molly” collaboration series (2024), which saw a 400% price increase within six months of release. However, not all Labubu figures appreciate in value. Common figures from high-production series often sell at or below retail price on the secondary market. According to StockX data from 2025, only 35% of Labubu blind box figures trade above their original retail price, making the investment potential highly selective and dependent on rarity and condition.

Why Collectors Are Drawn to Labubu

Collectors are drawn to Labubu for multiple psychological and social reasons. The thrill of blind box randomness triggers the same neural reward pathways as gambling, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, which found that blind box purchases activate the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s reward center, at levels comparable to winning a small monetary prize. The community aspect is equally important: collectors trade figures on platforms like Reddit’s r/Labubu (350,000 members as of 2026), attend Pop Mart pop-up events, and display their collections in custom shelving units. The character’s expressive design allows for personalization through accessories and display arrangements, creating a sense of ownership and identity.

How to Start Collecting Labubu

Starting a Labubu collection requires understanding the blind box system and setting realistic expectations. First, purchase a complete series box (12 to 24 figures) from Pop Mart’s official website or authorized retailers like Amazon or Target to maximize your chance of getting a rare figure. Second, join collector communities on Discord or Reddit to learn which series are currently in production and which are retiring. Third, set a monthly budget — the average collector spends $75 per month, according to a 2025 survey by the Toy Collectors of America. Fourth, store figures in their original boxes to preserve resale value. Fifth, attend Pop Mart’s quarterly “Monster Carnival” events, where exclusive figures are released and trading is encouraged.

The Future of Labubu’s Popularity

Labubu’s popularity is expected to remain strong through 2027, driven by Pop Mart’s aggressive expansion into North American and European markets. The company opened 50 new stores in the US and Canada in 2025 alone, according to its 2025 annual report. New collaborations with major entertainment franchises, including a confirmed partnership with Marvel for a 2027 series, will introduce the character to new audiences. However, the blind box model faces increasing regulatory scrutiny in several US states, with California and New York considering legislation that would require disclosure of rare-figure odds. According to a 2026 analysis by market research firm NPD Group, the collectible toy market is projected to grow at 8% annually through 2030, with Labubu positioned as the category leader.