Labubu's popularity may last 1-2 years, depending on IP refreshes and cultural relevance. The next Chinese trend: original IPs blending traditional culture with modern aesthetics, tech-enhanced collectibles (AR/VR interactive features), and story-driven lines (toys + comics/animations). Key players: POPMART expanding original IPs, 52TOYS launching narrative-based series, and brands like 吾皇万睡 emphasizing eco-friendly, culturally rooted designs.

I believe that for an IP like Labubu to stay popular long-term, it must have real market influence. Relying solely on limited supply and price speculation isn't sustainable — after all, Chinese manufacturers are incredibly efficient, and the supply will quickly outpace demand.

To truly go viral, an IP needs to be more visual and accessible. For example, creating a movie or animated series based on the Labubu family could bring the characters to life and deepen emotional connections with fans.

As for who the next big name in the designer toy world will be — I honestly don't know. What I do believe is that in this post-economic boom era, cultural IPs will unleash a powerful wave of influence, much like what we've seen in Japan. The future of designer toys may depend more on storytelling, emotional resonance, and cultural identity than just the products themselves.

I think it will not go any further if it does not make innovation because it is just a hit coming from some celebrities, it will not be popular forever just with celebrities because its customers are ordinary people.

Labubu has released a collaboration with How to Train Your Dragon.

At first, I thought it was AI-generated — the visuals looked so surreal, almost too perfect to be real. 

But then I realized… it was official. That moment of surprise quickly turned into excitement. Two of my favorite worlds had collided, and I couldn't wait to see what the rest of the collab would bring.

It's just a causal popularity.

Labubu will stay popular at least until blind box fans start using them as flower kids at weddings.

Labubu is like bubble tea pearls — a timeless classic! 

Labubu will only be considered out of style when the resale price drops to "buy instant noodles, get one free"!

I think the popularity of Labubu reflects the characteristics of consumption habits of Gen Z. (Z世代)

Generation Z refers to the people born between 1995 and 2010. In China, Generation Z is close to 200 million, accounting for more than 1/8 of the total population of the country. The characteristics of this generation include, for example, unique consumption habits: Their consumption concept pays more attention to experience and personalization, so that the unique appearance of Labubu is kind of appealing to them. 

Maybe for a short time.
As the reason it went viral is so strange. It became popular for no apparent reason.