What Is a Labubu — and How Do You Know If Yours Is Real?

Labubu was one of the biggest viral searches of 2025, and “How do I know if my Labubu is real?” became one of the year's most-asked questions on Google. Here's the rundown.

What is a Labubu?

Labubu is a small plush collectible character — a fuzzy creature with tall rabbit-like ears, big eyes, and a toothy, slightly mischievous grin. It was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and turned into a global collectible series by the brand Pop Mart, often sold as keychain charms in “blind boxes.”

Why did Labubu blow up?

A mix of cuteness, scarcity, and celebrity attention. Stars including Lisa of Blackpink, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa were seen carrying them, and limited “blind box” drops sold out instantly — fueling resale demand and a collecting frenzy.

How can I tell if my Labubu is real?

Counterfeits (nicknamed “Lafufu”) flooded the market. Key authenticity checks include: an authentic Labubu has exactly nine teeth; a soft pale-peach face with subtle, evenly placed blush; a QR code on the tag that links to Pop Mart's official verification site; a stamp on the foot and the artist's name; and matte, sharply printed packaging. Bright neon colors, the wrong tooth count, blurry QR codes, or prices that seem too good to be true are red flags.

Where should I buy one to avoid fakes?

Buy directly from Pop Mart or verified, authorized retailers, and always scan the QR code to confirm authenticity before trusting a purchase.