The New Labubu Obsession Isn't in a Box.

It's on your lock screen. Here's how to get the magic. You know the feeling. The clock hits the exact second of the drop. You refresh. The app crashes. You refresh again. "Network error." By the time the page finally loads, the one thing you wanted is gone, replaced by two soul-crushing words: "Sold Out." Within minutes, you see it on a resale site for five times the price. This is the reality for many fans of Labubu, the mischievous, toothy elf-like creature that has taken the world by storm.20 Created by artist Kasing Lung and propelled to global fame by Pop Mart, Labubu has become more than just a collectible; it's a cultural phenomenon.6 From a viral "Lisa Effect" turning the keychains into fashion's hottest accessory to the chaotic energy of the hunt, being a fan is an emotional rollercoaster.14 But what if the truest expression of fandom isn't about owning the rarest physical object? In an age where our digital lives are as important as our physical ones, the most personal canvas we own is the one we look at a hundred times a day: our phone's lock screen. It's the new frontier of fan identity—a place to showcase what we love, instantly and intimately. It's where our passions live, right in our pocket. While the physical world of Labubu collecting can be fraught with bots, resellers, and frustrating scarcity, a vibrant digital world is emerging, driven by the creativity of fans themselves. And that's where the real magic is happening. I recently stumbled upon a fantastic fan project that perfectly captures this spirit: a site called Labubu Live Photo. It's a curated collection of stunning, high-definition animated wallpapers designed specifically for your phone. These aren't just static images; they come to life with your phone's flashlight, making Labubu's ears twitch or eyes sparkle. It’s a simple, beautiful way to carry a piece of that mischievous charm with you, without the stress of the drop. The quality of these fan-made creations is incredible. They capture the unique aesthetic of Kasing Lung's art, from the soft macaron colors to the classic character designs. It’s a way to celebrate the art, pure and simple. How to Bring Your Lock Screen to Life Getting one of these on your phone is surprisingly easy. If you've ever been confused by setting up a Live Photo, here’s a quick guide for iPhone users. Find & Save: Head over to a collection like labubulivephoto.art and find a wallpaper you love. Follow the site's instructions to save the Live Photo to your Photos app. It might involve saving it to your iCloud Photos library.39 Go to Settings: Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and tap on "Wallpaper." Add New Wallpaper: Tap the "+ Add New Wallpaper" button. Select Your Live Photo: Choose "Photos" and then "All" to find the Labubu Live Photo you just saved. Enable the Magic: This is the most important step! After selecting the photo, look for a small, circular icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a play button in a circle). Make sure this icon is active and not crossed out. This enables the "Live Photo" animation.38 Set It! Tap "Add" in the top right corner, and then choose "Set as Wallpaper Pair." That's it. Now, just long-press on your lock screen to see your Labubu come to life. In a world of hype and scarcity, finding these pockets of pure, creative fandom feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that loving something isn't just about what you can buy; it's about what you can create and share. You can explore the full collection of these amazing fan-made wallpapers at labubulivephoto.art. If you enjoyed this dive into modern fan culture, subscribe for more thoughts on art, tech, and the things we love.