If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably heard it:
Labubus.
No context. No explanation. Just chaos. A frog. A song. And somehow… it’s everywhere.
But here’s the thing: this weird little word is actually a window into how the internet works now, and why marketing is shifting right alongside it.
Wait, What Even Is Labubus?
Let’s be honest: Labubus doesn’t mean anything. That’s kind of the point.
It started as a random, silly audio clip paired with a frog, and for reasons that only the internet understands, it caught fire. It’s become an in-joke, a vibe, a piece of cultural currency that makes no sense but still spreads like wildfire.
People are remixing it, reusing it, and turning it into content because it’s just…funny. It’s unexpected. It breaks the scroll because it’s weird.
Why Is Randomness So Viral Right Now?
In 2025, attention is scarce, and predictable content gets ignored.
The internet loves random, chaotic humor because:
- It feels authentic (no brand committee would approve Labubus)
- It’s easy to share (because it doesn’t require a lot of thinking)
- It creates community through inside jokes
- It gives people a break from the algorithmic sameness of “perfect content”
Labubus hits that sweet spot where humor meets absurdity, and suddenly, you’re hearing it everywhere.
When the internet decides something is iconic, there’s no stopping it. Today’s nonsense is tomorrow’s trend. Three-panel meme of Meryl Streep from The Devil Wears Prada inspecting a toy keychain like it’s a high-fashion accessory, highlighting how absurd things can suddenly become status symbols online.
What Can Marketers Learn from Labubus?
Brands spend millions trying to “go viral.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
The internet decides what wins. Not the marketing department.
Still, there are lessons here:
1.Inside Jokes Drive Community
Memes like Labubus make people feel like they’re in on something. Brands can tap into this by embracing playfulness, not perfection.
2.Chaos Is a Strategy
Sometimes the best way to stand out isn’t with a polished message, it’s with something unexpected. Think Duolingo’s unhinged TikToks, or Ryanair’s savage replies. Weird works.
3.Culture Moves Faster Than Campaigns
Labubus wasn’t planned. It wasn’t scheduled into a content calendar. It just happened. And that’s why it feels real.
From internet chaos to collectible culture: Labubu dolls at Pop Land in Beijing show how memes evolve into merch. Dolls of the character Labubu dressed in costumes, on display at a theme park, showing the transition of viral internet trends into physical products.
Final Thought:
Labubus isn’t just a meme, it’s a reminder of how the internet operates now.
In a world where everything is optimized, packaged, and branded, sometimes the most powerful marketing moment is the one that makes people say:
“What did I just watch?”
And then send it to 5 friends.
Mansi's Blog 
Leave a comment