Everyone is posting pictures from 2016 because a new nostalgia trend called “2026 is the new 2016” has gone viral on Instagram and TikTok.

What the trend is

  • People are sharing old photos of themselves from 2016, often as a mini photo dump or carousel.
  • Posts are usually captioned with phrases like “2026 is the new 2016,” “wake up, it’s 2016 again,” or simple “2016.”
  • Many use era‑appropriate music (like “Closer” by The Chainsmokers & Halsey, “Broccoli,” or “All Time Low”) to match the 2016 vibe.

Why 2016 specifically?

  • 2026 marks a full decade since 2016, so it hits that emotionally powerful 10‑year nostalgia point.
  • For many millennials and older Gen Z, 2016 is remembered as a “simpler,” more carefree time in life and on the internet.
  • It was also a big year for pop culture, Instagram filters, and classic “Tumblr/Twitter era” aesthetics that people now romanticize.

The emotional side (nostalgia & “simpler times”)

  • Psychologists note that in periods of stress or uncertainty, people lean into nostalgic memories to feel more grounded and hopeful about the future.
  • Reviving 2016 lets people reconnect with younger versions of themselves, old friendships, graduations, first jobs, or “pre‑everything got heavy” vibes.

Who’s joining in?

  • Everyday users, influencers, and celebrities have all been posting 2016 throwbacks, often just dropping a date or a short caption with old pics.
  • Some celebrities have posted graduation photos, early career shots, or casual pics that highlight how much their lives have changed in ten years.

How to join the trend

  • Scroll back to your 2016 camera roll and pick a few photos that really feel like that year for you.
  • Post them as a carousel or short video with a caption like “2016,” “2026 is the new 2016,” or a line about where you were in life back then.
  • Add a very 2016‑coded song (like “Closer”) and maybe a classic over‑saturated or early Instagram‑style filter to fully lean into the vibe.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.