Labubu Doll Crypto Craze: Community Meme Coin Explodes 120x in Wild Rally

From plush toy to profit machine—Labubu's meme coin detonates traditional valuation models.

When Cute Meets Crypto

The viral doll character just orchestrated one of the most absurd—and profitable—community-driven pumps in recent memory. Retail traders flipped collectible affection into pure digital momentum, bypassing every institutional gatekeeper in the process.

120x: No VC, No Problem

That triple-digit surge didn't come from some Sand Hill Road pitch deck. It spawned from Telegram groups, Twitter threads, and pure meme alchemy. Forget seed rounds—this was a community seed that grew into a redwood overnight.

Finance traditionalists are clutching their pearls—and missing the point entirely. While hedge funds over-analyze P/E ratios, meme coins are rewriting the rules of engagement right under their polished shoes. Sometimes the market isn't rational—it's rebellious.

Labubu's lesson? In today's landscape, culture moves faster than capital. And the suits are still playing checkers while degens play 4D chess.

This is the story of how the viral Labubu doll crossed into crypto and briefly became one of the runners in this summer’s meme coin market.

Did the Labubu Doll Community Trigger the Rally?

One of the standout trends in crypto in 2025 has been the rise of community tokens — meme coins that grow not because of utility, but because of a strong, dedicated following.

The trend arguably began with Vine (VINE), a token inspired by the short-form video app that once rivaled TikTok. Launched in January 2025, VINE token quickly went viral, helped by nostalgia, a “Do it for the Vine” slogan, and even a 2024 tweet from Elon Musk. As is often the case with meme coins, the token was soon corrected — some thought it was dead. But in July, Musk gave it a second wind, and interest returned, fueled by the broader AI boom.

Then came Launch Coin (LAUNCHCOIN), which surged 50x in May. It’s tied to the Believe.app, but it isn’t the platform’s official token. The idea behind Believe is simple: launch tokens as tokenized ideas. But for these tokens to thrive, they need a community.

Believe launched in January 2025, the same time the community token trend really started gaining steam. And it was during this wave that LABUBU quietly emerged. While it wasn’t linked to a viral app or a meme dog, it had something different: a real-world toy with a passionate following.

LABUBU stood out in this new meme coin cycle. It wasn’t born from a tweet or joke — it already had a recognizable brand. That gave it a unique position among new community tokens.

Most of the online action happens on X (formerly Twitter). The Labubu Fans page has over 16,000 followers, including meme coin influencers like Marcell. Community posts and reposts are shared daily.

Even though the token is currently in a correction, many holders still believe another rally is coming. Some have even changed their profile pictures to the Labubu doll — a hallmark MOVE in the world of community tokens.

Finally at peace ⊹₊⟡⋆

────୨ৎ──── pic.twitter.com/hEsqyQCmQS

Asia, Toys, and Crypto Crossovers

While the on-chain data doesn’t show where LABUBU holders are located, the doll’s roots point clearly toward Asia. Originally created in 2015 by artist Kasing Lung, who was born in Hong Kong, the character became a cult favorite after Chinese toy giant Pop Mart began mass-producing it. The collectible’s signature look — part creepy, part cute — made it a viral hit, especially in East Asia.

In crypto, the Asian market remains one of the most active and influential. Many major exchanges are based there, and several high-performing projects in 2025 have emerged from or targeted this region. Take Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), one of the most talked-about meme coins this summer. The team has invested heavily in building community across Asia, including a dedicated Korean branch.

Anyong haseyo 안녕하세요@pengukorea first pickleball meetup. Definitely not the last. pic.twitter.com/phyryykqjt

The Pudgy Penguins brand has also leaned into physical toys, selling plushies and collectibles in parallel with their NFT collection. It’s a hybrid approach — part Web3, part real-world merchandising. In particular, the team has launched a broad marketing campaign in Korea, where the project continues to build strong local traction.

Where should Pengu go next? pic.twitter.com/Tj52sT6SI6

LABUBU doesn’t have the same massive army behind it. The token isn’t officially tied to Pop Mart and hasn’t been promoted by the toy company. Instead, it appears to be a fan-driven project — born out of passion, not partnerships. That may explain some of the current challenges it’s facing. For example, the token still hasn’t been listed on CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap, suggesting a lack of developer support or formal infrastructure.

Hey @LabubuARMY,

Wen @coingecko & @CoinMarketCap applications & listings? Be the first choice $LABUBU token.

Wen @JupiterExchange verification? It's not a honeypot.

Wen @phantom verification? It's not spam.

These prevent people from buying the token.

Should be a priority! pic.twitter.com/CHgz9TbzXp

From Toys to Tokens: What’s Next?

The story of LABUBU isn’t just about a meme coin. It reflects a larger trend that’s taken hold in 2025 — the rise of community tokens. These projects don’t rely on advanced utility or DEEP tech. They grow around fandoms, culture, and real-world symbols that people already love. In this case, toys.

Tokens like LABUBU and PENGU launched during the same period that community-driven coins began gaining traction. They show how crypto can tap into nostalgia and identity rather than just functionality. You no longer need a killer app. Sometimes, a strong idea and an active base are enough to drive momentum.

This trend became even more visible when Hello Kitty returned to pop culture in 2025 through new collaborations and viral appeal. A few months later, fans launched the KITTY meme coin. Like LABUBU, it’s entirely community-driven and not officially tied to the brand.

Finally at peace ⊹₊⟡⋆

────୨ৎ──── pic.twitter.com/hEsqyQCmQS

However, the community token trend comes with risks. While a loyal base can keep posting, building, and believing, new capital depends on fresh interest. Once traders stop showing up, growth can stall. In many cases, hype fades and the crowd moves on to the next trend.

Neither LABUBU nor KITTY is listed on major crypto exchanges yet. Their small market caps limit exposure, which could hold them back — or help them stay under the radar until the next wave hits.