Labubu, Veo 3, bbno$, and “Pretty Little Baby” trend on YouTube

New Delhi: Creators today are at the forefront of what’s trending across platforms such as YouTube and other social media platforms. From nostalgic collectibles and rediscovered music tracks to AI-generated videos and sports game simulations, they reshape how content is made and shared.

In a blog, YouTube recently published what’s trending on its platform. Creators are driving a rise in user-generated content by turning niche interests into mainstream conversations and collaborative formats.

Recent trends across fashion, music, AI, and gaming show how creators are using digital tools and cultural moments, often amplified through platforms like YouTube Shorts to engage audiences in new ways.

Labubu collectibles cross into fashion and creator culture

Labubu toys, created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung in collaboration with Pop Mart, have seen a surge in popularity, fuelled by their presence in the “blind box” collectible format. 

The figurines, characterised by their pointy teeth and stylised appearance, have gained attention from public figures such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and LISA from BlackPink. 

The appeal lies in the surprise element of the packaging, as well as the creative customisation opportunities they offer. Social media users are repurposing Labubus into crocheted versions, keychains, and accessories, integrating them into fashion aesthetics and event-based themes.

Connie Francis track resurfaces on YouTube Shorts after six decades

“Pretty Little Baby”, a 1962 B-side release by American singer Connie Francis, has seen renewed interest following widespread use on YouTube Shorts. 

Originally not a chart success, the song has now climbed the platform’s global Daily Top Songs chart. The official audio, released on Francis’s YouTube channel on May 27, has received over 3 million views. 

Francis has since uploaded the track in multiple languages, including French, Japanese, and Spanish. The resurgence highlights the role of short-form video formats in reviving older music catalogues.

AI video model Veo 3 generates audio-visual content natively

Veo 3, an AI video generation model, introduces native sound capabilities, including dialogue, ambient noise, and sound effects, eliminating the need for post-production sound integration. 

The tool is being used by creators for short-form content and experimental narratives, with clips often stitched together to maintain the continuity of characters and themes. Veo 3 will be integrated into YouTube later this year. Its adoption has been notable for reducing production barriers and expanding creative experimentation among users.

Online fan engagement by bbno$ through animation and community content

Canadian rapper bbno$, whose real name is Alexander Gumuchian, has built a following through content embedded in online culture, referencing memes, slang, and internet figures such as Hatsune Miku. 

He engages directly with fans by reposting artwork, holding open contests for visual content, and commissioning animated music videos. 

His approach represents a shift in how musicians interact with digital audiences, making room for fan-led participation and collaborative content.

Sports simulations attract audiences through alternative storytelling

Creators are increasingly turning to video game simulations to explore speculative scenarios within real-world sports. Using titles like NBA 2K and Madden, content creators simulate alternate tournament structures, matchups, and outcomes. 

Customisable variables such as player statistics and home-field advantages are adjusted to reflect imagined possibilities. 

These simulations have gained traction across gaming and sports audiences, providing commentary-based entertainment and engaging discussion around hypothetical outcomes.