Unicorn frappes, Snapchat’s dog filter, skinny jeans, cropped flannels, cut crease eyeshadow and tattoo chokers… do all these things remind you of a time, better yet a year? In 2016, these were some of the most popular trends in social media.
The social media trends that emerged in 2016 shaped the online culture of an entire generation.
Now nearly a decade later, these trends are resurfacing on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, making people compare the two time periods.
To better understand the whole hype around this specific era making a comeback, Aaliya Brownie a digital creator who can be found on both TikTok and Instagram as @aaliyabrownie shared her perspective on social media nostalgia and its influence in this day and age.
Brownie describes her relationship with social media as something that is constantly shifting; she describes the pros and cons she experiences with it. While trends come and go, she believes that social media holds the power to connect people with similar interests and experiences.
“I’d say my relationship with social media is ever changing. I have my highs and lows with it but I will always love social media for directly connecting me with so many people just like myself. Trends can be fun especially when people of different niches apply their own unique touch to them,” Brownie said.
Brownie noticed several 2016 trends returning on her social media feed, particularly throwback content and the recreating of makeup that was popular at the time.
“The biggest trends I’ve noticed on my timeline are people posting their Snapchat archives from 2016 and people recreating the iconic 2016 glam,” Brownie said.
She believes that this new renowned interest in older fashion trends, reflects a larger pattern of generational nostalgia.
“With every decade that passes people are drawn to the nostalgia of the last decade. I’m kind of noticing that pattern. In 2015 I feel like my class was drawn to the 2005 emo aesthetic,” Brownie said.
Brownie states that well known platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a major role in making these trends popular again. She explains how comfort and familiarity contribute to the desire for nostalgia.
“People are easily drawn back to places of familiarity and comfort, and for a lot of people they associate these things with better times,” Brownie said.
While modern versions of these trends have made a comeback, Brownie believes that the originality of the 2016 trends is what made them special.
“The original version has all the authenticity behind it automatically making it the best version. I’m way more skilled in my makeup now but if I were to attempt to recreate 2016 makeup, 2016 me would have me beat,” Brownie said.
Despite this, Brownie enjoys seeing the younger generation have their own creative take on these trends.
“As someone who was a teenager in 2016 seeing today’s teenagers making fun or approaching the 2016 aesthetic from a place of admiration is such a treat,” Brownie said.
She also noted that brands are most likely experiencing a huge boost in sales because of the new demand for nostalgic products, especially brands that had featured products in trend back then.
“There’s always a coveted product or brand tied to different eras that people are seeking out for the purpose of feeling like they’re participating authentically,” Brownie said.
While Brownie finds this 2016 trend to be exciting, she also realizes that the chances of this trend being long lasting is very thin.
“A trend? Maybe, but never a phase,” Brownie said.
Brownie’s reflections highlight the emotional connection that many may be experiencing towards this era coming back. However, she is not the only one who remembers this era.
Ruby Cortez, 31, an active social media user since 2016, shared a similar experience, offering additional understanding into how the trends were viewed at the time and their impact now.
Cortez describes her relationship with social media as realistic, meaning she enjoys trends and aesthetics, particularly in fashion and beauty, without feeling the urge to follow every new trend that may peak her interest.
“I’d say I have a pretty balanced relationship with social media. I enjoy keeping up with trends and aesthetics, especially in fashion and beauty, but I don’t feel the need to follow everything blindly. I like picking and choosing what actually resonates with me rather than doing something just because it’s popular,” Cortez said.
She goes on to mention how she has noticed various 2016 trends making an appearance, from winged eyeliner, matte makeup or statement lashes, to fashion trends such as crop tops, ripped jeans and bold statement pieces. Cortez points out that the modernized versions of these trends are now intentional and more customized.
“The modern versions feel more toned down and customizable. Instead of going all-in like we did in 2016, people now mix those trends with current styles. It’s less about copying the look exactly and more about adapting it in a way that feels more intentional and personal,” Cortez said.
Cortez feels that people are drawn back to 2016 nostalgia because it represents a time when everything was more simple and carefree. Many were younger at the time, and less burdened by adult responsibilities, reflecting on that era can give a sense of comfort during uncertain times.
“People associate 2016 with a simpler, more carefree time. A lot of us were younger and less overwhelmed by everything happening in the world. Nostalgia can feel comforting, especially when things feel uncertain, so revisiting that era gives people a sense of familiarity and escape,” Cortez said.
Cortez also mentions how known platforms like TikTok and Instagram are important when it comes to reviving these trends. Archived content including old videos, photos, or even better known as throwback content are reposted and presented to a new audience, meanwhile people who lived it get a chance to relive it. Algorithms help boost content that may resonate with people emotionally, which then allows the nostalgic trends to grow.
“TikTok and Instagram play a huge role in reviving trends. Old photos, videos and ‘throwback’ content get reposted and reintroduced to a new audience, while others relive it. Algorithms push what performs well, and nostalgia content tends to connect emotionally, so it spreads fast,” Cortez said.
She notes that she enjoys seeing the new revamped versions of the 2016 trends. She believes that these nostalgic trends aren’t just for show, but moreover for showing the deep connection and experiences some people may have in association with them.
“Nostalgia trends show how much emotion plays a role in fashion and social media. It’s not just about how things look, but how they make people feel—and that’s why these trends keep coming back in different ways,” Cortez said.
Cortez adds that these trends tend to recur time and time again. Some specific elements of that trend may disappear, but some might stay, and develop over time.
“I think it’s more of a cycle than a permanent trend. Nostalgia trends tend to come and go, but certain elements will probably stick around longer while others fade once something new takes its place,” Cortez said.
Together Brownie and Cortez show that the return of 2016 trends is more than just a fad. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram help bring this era back, giving people the chance to express themselves, connect with others and relive memories.
Trends might become forgotten and some might continue to change over time, but the emotional pull of nostalgia people feel ensures that elements of 2016 will continue to influence younger generations. In 2026, 2016 is back now reinvented and better than ever, now for sure to be remembered for good, and contributing to reshaping the trends of today.
