Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-09 09:39Market Overview - The IP toy market in China is rapidly reshaping the consumer landscape, with a market size projected to reach 67.8 billion yuan in 2024 and expected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2027, reaching nearly 130 billion yuan by 2029 [2] - IP toys are defined as trend toys with high recognition and independent intellectual property, primarily targeting adult consumers rather than children [2] - The industry has evolved through three key phases: the initial phase from the late 1990s to early 2000s, the exploration phase from 2010 to 2015, and the maturity phase from 2016 to the present [2] Industry Structure - The IP toy industry can be categorized into three main types and ten subcategories based on IP sources: original IP, licensed IP, and public symbol IP [8] - The industry chain consists of upstream IP sources, midstream IP operation and production, and downstream sales channels, with large enterprises often integrating the entire chain [8] Company Case Studies - Pop Mart, established in 2010, transitioned from trend retail to IP commercialization, launching the MOLLY blind box series in 2016, which spurred explosive growth [10] - LABUBU's success is attributed to its unique design inspired by Nordic mythology and effective marketing strategies, including collaborations with celebrities [14] - Bandai Namco's "IP Axis Strategy" focuses on maximizing IP value across various media, achieving significant sales growth through diversified business forms [17] Consumer Insights - The primary consumer demographic for IP toys is young adults aged 21-35, with a significant portion of consumers being middle-class individuals with monthly incomes between 6,000 and 10,000 yuan [26] - Over 60% of consumers frequently purchase blind boxes and figurines, with a strong inclination towards collection and display [26] - Social media platforms are the primary source of information for consumers, with immersive unboxing videos being the most effective marketing format [27] Social Media Trends - The social media presence of IP toys is expected to rise significantly by 2025, driven by key events and new product launches [22] - Different social media platforms have distinct focuses, with Xiaohongshu emphasizing refined sharing and Douyin focusing on entertainment-driven engagement [25] Future Opportunities - The future of the IP toy market is promising, with over 50% of consumers expecting to increase their spending on IP toys [28] - The overseas market presents new growth opportunities, particularly in Europe and the U.S., although challenges such as cultural adaptation and intellectual property protection remain [28] - Digital toys are emerging as a new frontier, leveraging blockchain technology and the metaverse for enhanced consumer engagement [29] Industry Challenges - The industry faces challenges including regulatory uncertainties, technological barriers, and issues related to product quality and homogenization [29] - Companies must balance innovation with compliance to foster long-term value in the digital toy sector [29] Diversification Strategies - Brands are increasingly diversifying their product offerings to break through growth ceilings, with examples including Pop Mart's entry into the luxury jewelry market and Disney's layered licensing ecosystem [30] - Challenges in diversification include brand dilution, supply chain adaptation, and consumer price sensitivity [30]