At school and online many people have been talking about the trend, “2026 is the new 2016.” At first it may sound confusing but the idea behind it is actually very simple. People are looking back at 2016 because it was a fun, memorable, and a very exciting time and everyone wants to bring that same energy and happiness into 2026.
The trend is mostly about nostalgia. For many people, 2016 felt easier and more carefree. Social media was more fun than pressure and it seemed like there was always a new trend everyone was participating in. In 2026, people are using social media to remember those moments and recreate the feeling of being connected.
Celebrities have helped make the trend even more popular. Kim Kardashian posted throwback photos from her life in 2016 on Instagram on January 16 with the caption,
Kim Kardashian’s Instagram Post
“I promise whatever happened to you in 2016 mine was cooler.”
Her post reminded people how unforgettable that year was. Hailey Bieber also posted photos from 2016 on January 16 with the song “Exchange” by Bryson Tiller playing. Her caption,
Hailey Bieber’s Instagram Post
“you just had to be there”
shows how special that time felt. Singer Khalid Robinson joined the trend earlier on January 15 by posting photos from 2016 with his song “Location” which became very popular in May of that year.
Khalid Robinson’s Instagram Post
However, the trend is not just about celebrities. Everyday people are participating too, especially on TikTok. Many users are creating 2016 style edits using old photos, videos, and filters to match the look of that time. Others are lip-syncing to songs that were popular in 2016 bringing back music that many people grew up listening to. Some users are also recreating old viral trends like the mannequin challenge where everyone freezes in place just like they did years ago.
Along with the throwback pictures and videos people are sharing from 2016, people are also showing outfits inspired by the era. Fashion in 2016 was very bold and memorable. It was the year beauty really took off with trends like cut crease makeup, bold eyebrows, and full matte makeup with heavy contour becoming popular. Ripped skinny jeans were worn by many people along with the over the knee and thigh high boots. Flannels were often tied around the waist or worn over t-shirts with combat boots. Men’s fashion included ankle lengthed pants worn with sandals and bucket hats that had a hipster style. Oh and of course the famous longline t-shirts.
This trend is mainly seen on Tiktok and Instagram where people enjoy sharing memories and joining trends together. Overall, “2026 is the new 2016” shows how much people miss that time and want to relive it. It reminds everyone of a period when social media felt exciting, trends were fun, and almost everyone was part of something popular.
Emily , a senior and first-year staffer, serves as a Staff Writer and Photography consultant for The Viking Call, primarily contributing to the Entertainment and Student Life section. She enjoys covering inside stories of people’s lives and accomplishments, drawn to the idea that everyone has their own unique experiences. Emily is most proud of her recent Student Life article, “Finding Perfection in The Flaw,” which highlights her ability to find connection through storytelling. Beyond The Viking Call, Emily works behind the UMASD Buzz News Channel. She focuses on improving her camera work and editing skills. When she’s not reporting, Emily loves working behind the scenes and exploring new technology. She decided to “Answer the Call” because she finds it exciting to meet new people and use advanced equipment to bring stories to life.
