All the time we see social media amplifying the trends everywhere, 2025 included Dubai chocolate, Labubus, quarter zips, and way too much more to count.

This year people are trying to push the year we reminisce the most: 2016.

From Musically to King Kylie, people are trying to channel that spirit into this year with fashion, music, and culture.

Before The Brand Campaigns

In 2016, the internet was a breeding ground for iconic trends and memes to grace us. It was a shared space instead of a theater for influencers to perform. But, we might be starting to see that culture emerge again.

Then, the Instagram feeds were imperfect, Snapchat stories was a filter fest, and Tumblr was a look into users minds. Everyone posted blurry concert footage or some mirror selfie not because it would perform well but because they wanted too.

People are posting again, leaning into the humour, big trends, and we can see more than just polished get-ready-with-me and strict aesthetics.

If It Feels Familiar, It’s Because It Is

Right now, fashion is the biggest giveaway. Where in 2016 people were strutting around in their Brandy Tanks and Adidas, now we see them in Uniqlo knits and Artizia.

But back then it wasn’t an aesthetic: it was supporting the life you lived.

That 2016 mindset of repeating outfits, wearing basics, and dressing for real life mindset is coming back. Teenagers are wearing their messy buns again with their leggings.

A Full Face For The Grocery Store

Cakey is one word to describe it, but it was also expressive and fun. Full brows, contours, and excessive highlighter, even if you were just going to Target.

One of the biggest makeup gurus of 2016 James Charles commented on makeup back then in his new video recreating his old looks.

“A blast from the past… 2016… A year of creativity, dark lips, fun Halloween looks and trying to make a Youtube career.”

Makeup is a ritual, even if it isn’t as thick as before. Skincare and mascara show a calmer pattern of the glam routine.

Streaming The Classics

Old music is making a comeback for new listeners. Ariana Grande’s powerhouse vocals in “Dangerous Woman”, and “ANTI” from Rihanna’s most iconic era, to even the late nights with Drake. Pop, RnB, and electronics dominate the industry all over.

The emotional attachment to art is back. Albums are eras and memories and bonds are shared over your favorite artist.

6 Seconds of Chaos

“Damn Daniel, Back at it again with the white vans!”

Vine was the best form of chaos. The 6-second format forced users to fit their creativity, humour, and absurdity,turning those everyday videos into some of the biggest inside jokes of the decade.

Youtube felt just as alive during this time. Creators were experimenting with their videos and releasing quality content and the videos felt personal and authentic.

The cultural influence was a big part of why it was a big part of our lives, with vine and youtube quotes becoming a part of everyday language, we still do that now with vine and new memes.

Now 67 is the new 69 and youtube still has a few diamonds in the rough, but even then the impact remains visible on everyone’s childhood.

Same Feeling, Different Time

What keeps pulling people back into social media isn’t just nostalgia, but simpler times where the culture felt lighter and more expressive. As we see those elements resurface again in society they remind us of those better times.

So in short: is 2026 the new 2016, no it’s not. This moment isn’t about recreating our past but replaying the parts that made that era fun.