Labubu has successfully crossed over from a popular Pop Mart blind box toy to a Solana-based meme coin, $LABUBU, blending collectible culture with Web3 innovation. With a market cap exceeding $56 million, this article explores Labubu’s IP rise, celebrity influence, social media impact, meme coin dynamics, and investment risks, offering insights for collectors and crypto enthusiasts alike.
The Rise of Labubu and Collectible Culture
Labubu first appeared in 2015 as a character in Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s Nordic mythology-inspired picture book, The Monsters. With long pointed ears, tiny fangs, a fuzzy body, and a mischievous expression, Labubu stood out with its unique “ugly-cute” aesthetic. This distinct style resonated with younger audiences seeking individuality, setting the stage for its popularity.
In 2019, Pop Mart integrated Labubu into its blind box series, releasing plush keychains and vinyl figures that ignited global demand. The blind box model, where buyers enjoy the thrill of unboxing randomized collectibles, fueled a sense of excitement and community among collectors. By 2024, Labubu’s “Forward High Energy” series saw standard editions originally priced at ¥99 reselling for 10% to 200% premiums, while rare hidden versions commanded over 20 times their original value.
Internationally, Labubu became a cultural icon. In Thailand, collectors traded Labubu toys for Hermès bags. In London, Harrods hosted swap events featuring high-end fashion items. At toy conventions in Shanghai, people exchanged multiple iPhone 14 Pros for a single rare figurine. These behaviors highlighted Labubu’s status as social currency and even an alternative investment among Gen Z audiences.
Pop Mart’s global expansion played a key role. In 2024, the company’s overseas revenue increased by 259.6%. Labubu盲盒sold out across the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Japan. In Thailand, enthusiasm reached such heights that the national tourism authority named Labubu the “Amazing Thailand Experience Officer.” What began as a toy had evolved into a cross-cultural symbol with emotional resonance.
Celebrity Influence and Social Media Amplification
Celebrity endorsements and social media trends significantly boosted Labubu’s visibility. In 2024, BLACKPINK’s Lisa shared a photo of a Labubu keychain on Instagram, triggering sell-outs across Southeast Asia. Rihanna was photographed carrying Labubu, and the image spread through European fashion magazines. Artists like David Beckham incorporated Labubu into their creative projects, further blending toy culture with high fashion.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, fans posted unboxing videos, customization tutorials, and memes, turning Labubu into a participatory cultural phenomenon. By May 2025, global search volume for Labubu had risen by 480%, outpacing interest in established meme icons like Pepe and DOGE. This organic, community-driven content created a solid foundation for the later emergence of the $LABUBU meme coin.
$LABUBU Meme Coin: A Web3 Cultural Experiment
In October 2024, $LABUBU was launched on Pump.fun, a meme coin platform on the Solana blockchain. Though not officially licensed by Pop Mart, the token leveraged the existing popularity of the Labubu IP. Solana’s low transaction costs and high efficiency helped the token gain rapid attention.
The token’s market performance has been volatile. After an initial surge to a $10 million market cap, it dipped below $1 million before climbing again to over $49 million—a gain of nearly 6,000%—driven by renewed interest in Labubu’s third-generation toy release and regional market scarcity.
Several factors contributed to this growth. Labubu’s established fan base provided something many meme coins lack: cultural relevance and emotional connection. Technologically, Solana enabled frictionless trading with zero fees and locked liquidity. The token is fully community-owned with no team allocation, and it offers perks such as exclusive art events or limited collectibles for holders.
Still, risks remain. Meme coins are inherently volatile—$LABUBU once fell 26% in a single day. The lack of official endorsement from Pop Mart introduces regulatory uncertainty. Over 27 copycat tokens with similar names have also appeared, increasing the risk of investor confusion or scams.
For those interested in the token, it is essential to use trusted platforms like Raydium or GMGN and to verify the official contract address. 👉 Explore secure trading platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Labubu?
Labubu is a character designed by artist Kasing Lung, popularized by Pop Mart’s blind box toys. It has a distinctive “ugly-cute” appearance and has gained a global fan base.
What is $LABUBU?
$LABUBU is a meme coin on the Solana blockchain inspired by the Labubu character. It is community-driven and not officially affiliated with Pop Mart.
How can I buy $LABUBU?
You can trade $LABUBU on decentralized exchanges like Raydium. Always confirm the official contract address to avoid counterfeit tokens.
What are the risks of investing in $LABUBU?
Like all meme coins, $LABUBU is highly volatile and speculative. There is also regulatory risk since it lacks official branding. Investors should only use discretionary funds.
Will Pop Mart support $LABUBU in the future?
There has been no official statement from Pop Mart. The project remains a community-led initiative without corporate backing.
How does Solana help $LABUBU?
Solana offers low fees and fast transactions, making it easier for traders and small investors to participate in meme coin markets.
Conclusion: Labubu as a Crossover Cultural IP
Labubu represents more than a toy or a cryptocurrency—it is a case study in how cultural narratives can bridge physical and digital worlds. Unlike purely internet-born memes, Labubu enters Web3 with existing fan engagement and cross-market appeal.
Future growth will depend on Pop Mart’s continued innovation, the expansion of $LABUBU into NFTs or gaming, and broader adoption across international markets. For collectors and investors, Labubu offers a compelling look at the convergence of culture and crypto—a space where community, art, and technology intersect.
Whether you are a toy enthusiast or a crypto trader, understanding the cultural momentum behind assets like Labubu can provide valuable insight into the future of digital collectibles and decentralized engagement.