Labubus are selling out everywhere thanks to TikTok, and the anti-bucket list trend is reminding us what social media is all about.
You know that feeling when you’re so hungry you could eat just about anything in sight? The saying “I could eat a horse” might come to mind.
A new hilarious TikTok trend sees creators turn to a friend or family member, and tell them they’re so hungry they could eat [insert name chosen at random from their parents' Facebook friends list]. The more rogue the choice of person, the better the prank lands.
This trend makes the disconnect between boomers and their Gen Z/Millenial children extremely apparent. Although many people from older generations are becoming more switched on to social media, Facebook is often where their involvement starts and finishes. This means that a trend a Gen Z-er sees on their FYP has little to no chance of reaching their parent, making them the perfect prank victim.
Some of the responses show parents utterly confused, others catch on and love that their offspring has gone to the effort of playing the joke, and some are left offended that anyone would bring up a name from the past that they were planning on never hearing again.
Brands can jump on this trend by sharing employee-generated content stating, “I’m so hungry I could eat X product” listing the USPs of the product that make it oh so delicious!
Many of us have a bucket list of things we aspire to do or experience during our lifetime. They are often major events like skydiving, swimming with sharks, or visiting the seven wonders of the world.
Social media is a great place for people to document their bucket list moments, connect with people who share similar lists, and attract engagement on videos showcasing their once-in-a-lifetime moments.
However, like we saw with the “de-influencing” trend – a social media trend where creators encouraged their followers to not buy certain products or services, often ones that are being heavily promoted or overhyped – audiences don’t always want to see aspirational content on their feeds. Sometimes they want to see the less glamorous side of life too, something that’s more relatable.
Enter the anti-bucket list.
Creators are taking to TikTok to share the things they have no desire to achieve, and how they’ve found peace with that. Popular anti-bucket list items include:
This trend is a reminder that social media is evolving beyond just highlight reels and curated perfection.
Are you familiar with the fuzzy little toys, often with semi-creepy eyes, that have arisen as the must-have accessory? Meet the Labubu.
The collectible toys were first created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, then grew in popularity in 2019 when the brand collaborated with Chinese toy company Pop Mart.
So why is the Labubu suddenly taking over everyone's social media feeds?
The item isn’t new, but before this spring, the Labubu hype remained within its niche community of trinket collectors. But as more and more people got their hands on the endearing collectible, the Labubu entered the spotlight thanks to popular influencers. Now, Labubu’s sell out in seconds after a new drop, and people are queuing for hours just to get their hands on one.
Many people put the rise in popularity down to UK social media and television personality Olivia Attwood. Olivia posted a Labubu unboxing on TikTok, revealing that they were her new obsession. The video got millions of views, and since gaining so much traction, Olivia has continued to post about her “Labubu” journey. Even her most skeptical audience members are starting to jump on the bandwagon.
We’ve seen similar with novel toys like Jellycats, Sonny Angels, and Sylvanian Families. Influencers unboxing their “blind bags” to reveal which toy they received sparks joy and intrigue amongst their audience, and of course, encourages them to get involved.
It’s incredible to see the power of social media in selling out products, and when these sellouts happen, the products are in even higher demand.
Want to receive the latest social trends in your inbox weekly? Sign up here to get the bulletin.
