A Chubby Yellow Dino Mascot Known As ‘Nailoon’ Is Making Starting To Make His Presence Known In Western Memes

About

Nailong or Nailoong is a chubby yellow dragon or dinosaur-like 3D cartoon character that went viral on TikTok in early August 2025. The cartoon was created by the Chinese Shenzen-based company Seventh Impression Culture & Media, and was first launched in China under the name 奶龙 or “milk dragon” in early 2020 via short animated clips on platforms like Douyin (Chinese TikTok) and Bilibili. The IP gained viral traction in China around 2022, and was subsequently licensed to create merchandise, theme parks and generate brand collaborations. In August 2025, digital “stickers” featuring Nailong sticking his tongue out began to gain viral traction on American TikTok, with internet users commenting on how cute they found the creature to be, and posting memes similar to other “tongue out” memes like Rigby the Cat or Flight Reacts. Nailong also featured prominently in the Gucci Bucket Hat trend of August 2025. In Indonesia, Nailoong is also known as “Dino Kuning” or “Yellow Dino,” and in the U.S., he’s sometimes mockingly called “Chopped Charmander.”

Origin

Nailong (奶龙) is a short‑form 3D cartoon IP created by Shenzhen-based Media company Seventh Impression Culture & Media. The chubby golden dinosaur-like creature’s name translates to “milk dragon” in Chinese. The cartoon was officially launched online on January 22nd, 2020, via short animated clips on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin. Nailoong was conceptualized by Xie Cheng’en and designed by Lu Siying.

Nailong is often depicted going on comedic sci-fi adventures alongside his human friend, a small boy named Xiao Qi. By 2024, the IP had been licensed to products beyond cartoons, and Nailong-themed merchandise, theme parks and toys began appearing across China and Southeast Asia.

The YouTube channel Nailoong Official began posting short clips of the animated character on September 2nd, 2024, with the most viral video appearing on May 2nd, 2025, gathering over 1.5 million views in three months.

Spread

Wo Shi Nailoong Dance

A prevalent Nailong meme in China is a viral dance in which two Nailongs face off and say “Wo Shi Nailong” (我是奶龍 意思), which translates to “I am Nailong.” TikToker @melody1020804 reposted a version of the “Wo Shi Nailong” dance on November 21st, 2024.

In China, memes about Nailong also often revolve around plushy versions of him being injured or manhandled by his owners, to the point where a popular merch variation of Nailong shows him bruised and battered with bandages on his face.

This trend can be seen in a November 1st, 2024, Douyin video by user 晓小姑娘, which shows versions of Nailong being boiled like dumplings. The post gathered over 420,000 likes in nine months.

On August 1st, 2025, TikToker @mayonayzeee posted a video talking about Nailong and its history in China. The post gathered over 900,000 plays and 190,000 likes in five days.

Nailong Stickers

Memes about Nailong began making the rounds on Western TikTok in late July and early August 2025. On July 31st, TikToker @angelbanglebagel posted a compilation of Nailong clips, gathering over 3 million plays and 600,000 likes in a week.

On August 2nd, 2025, TikToker @itsme_hiiyes posted a video sharing a montage of Nailong stickers, gathering over 9 million plays and 2 million likes in three days.

Also on August 2nd, TikToker @nailongstickerz posted a compilation of Nailong photos as well, gathering over 3 million plays and 400,000 likes in three days.

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References