Nostalgia trend takes social media back to 2016

09:35

By: Dakir Madiha

Nostalgia trend takes social media back to 2016

Social media users are embracing a wave of nostalgia, dubbing 2026 as the new 2016. The trend, which began on TikTok, has spread across Instagram and other platforms, as people recreate the aesthetics, music, and challenges of a decade ago. This viral phenomenon blends celebrity participation with widespread yearning for what many see as a simpler, pre-pandemic era.

The origins of the trend

The movement gained momentum late last year when TikTok user @taybrafang posted a montage of memorable 2016 moments. The video sparked over a million posts under the hashtag #2016 and inspired 37 million similar posts on Instagram. Participants are revisiting iconic elements from the past, including Snapchat’s dog filter, the Mannequin Challenge, and pop songs like Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez’s “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” On TikTok alone, searches for “2016 makeup” surged by 600 percent, with brands like Reformation leveraging the trend to connect with consumers.

Celebrities join the wave

The nostalgia trend has gained traction with notable celebrity involvement. Charlie Puth recreated his 2016 duet, captioning the video, “Heard it was 2016 again?” Karlie Kloss shared a photo using a classic Snapchat filter, playfully writing, “Did someone say 2016?!” Meanwhile, Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner teamed up to recreate popular songs from the era. Public figures like Reese Witherspoon and John Legend also contributed by sharing family memories from 2016, further fueling engagement.

Public sentiment and reactions

Prominent social media figures and everyday users alike have amplified the trend’s emotional appeal.

- Charlie Puth: “Heard it was 2016 again?” alongside a recreation of his hit song.

- Karlie Kloss: “Did someone say 2016?!” accompanied by the signature dog filter.

- Kylie Jenner: “You just had to be there,” a post that garnered 2.4 million likes.

- TikTok creator @taybrafang: The original montage received widespread comments such as “Missing those simpler days.”

- Jenna Bush Hager: Shared a heartfelt post referencing 2016 with the caption, “Two babes, same man, lots of love.”

Analysis of the impact

Experts interpret the revival of 2016 as a form of escapism, offering comfort in a world transformed by technological advancements and political shifts. The trend has driven a 425 percent increase in related searches, underlining its commercial and cultural significance. For media professionals and marketers, the phenomenon highlights the power of nostalgia to generate viral success and inform strategic content creation.