A wave of nostalgia for the mid-2010s is sweeping across social media, with users revisiting and recreating trends from 2016. This resurgence, dubbed “2026 is the new 2016,” isn’t simply a matter of remembering past fads; it’s a full-blown recreation of the aesthetic, including fashion, music, and, notably, Snapchat filters. The trend gained momentum in January , with individuals sharing throwback photos and videos, often accompanied by music popular during that period.
The Return of Snapchat’s Iconic Filters
Central to this revival are the filters that defined Snapchat’s early popularity. Specifically, the flower crown and dog ear filters are experiencing a significant comeback. These filters, once ubiquitous in selfies and shared moments, are now being reapplied to older photos or recreated in current content. Snapchat itself has seen increased activity around its “Crowns Filter,” with millions of videos featuring the effect being viewed on the platform, according to Snapchat’s own topic page.
The appeal of these filters extends beyond mere nostalgia. As noted in a TikTok video by @chronicallytofu, the filters represent a playful and less-curated era of social media. The video, which has garnered 273 likes, frames the filters as a key component of the 2010s social media experience, highlighting the joy of “playful selfies.” This sentiment resonates with a generation that is increasingly reflecting on a time when social media felt less performative and more about spontaneous connection.
Beyond Filters: A Broader Cultural Reassessment
The “2026 is the new 2016” trend isn’t limited to Snapchat filters. It encompasses a wider range of cultural touchstones from that year. The Mannequin Challenge, a viral video trend where people freeze in place while a camera moves around them, is being referenced alongside popular music of the time, including “Panda” by Designer and “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd. Fashion trends, such as flower crowns at music festivals like Coachella and, somewhat ironically, skinny jeans, are also being revisited.
Celebrities are participating in the trend, sharing their own throwback photos and acknowledging the influence of 2016 on their personal brands and careers. Kylie Jenner, for example, posted a photo referencing the “Tumblr aesthetic” that was prominent during that period. Lea Michele shared images from her time on “Scream Queens,” and Jenna Dewan posted photos showcasing the festival fashion of the era.
Why 2016? A Generation’s Defining Moment
The specific focus on 2016 appears to be particularly strong among Gen Z. One explanation, as explored by Inflow Network, is that 2016 represents the last “real” year before social media became heavily algorithm-driven and focused on optimization. The visual language of 2016 – the aforementioned filters, the “King Kylie” makeup look – is seen as a return to a time when social media was primarily used for fun and self-expression, rather than for building a personal brand or chasing engagement metrics.
The trend also taps into a broader sense of nostalgia for a perceived simpler time. While 2016 certainly had its own challenges (creepy clown sightings were specifically mentioned), it’s being remembered through a rose-tinted lens, particularly by those who were coming of age during that period. The saturated colors and often over-the-top aesthetics of 2016 photos contribute to this feeling of nostalgia, offering a stark contrast to the more polished and curated images that dominate social media today.
Snapchat’s Role and the Filter Ecosystem
Snapchat’s filters, beyond their aesthetic appeal, played a significant role in shaping online identity and communication in the 2010s. The ease with which users could transform their appearance or add playful elements to their photos and videos fostered a culture of experimentation and self-expression. The platform’s focus on ephemeral content – photos and videos that disappeared after a short period – also encouraged a more casual and spontaneous approach to sharing.
The current trend demonstrates the enduring power of these filters and their continued relevance in the social media landscape. While new filters and platforms emerge constantly, the nostalgic appeal of the original Snapchat filters suggests a desire for a return to a more lighthearted and unpretentious form of online interaction. Snapchat’s “Crowns Filter” page highlights the ongoing popularity of these effects, showcasing a continuous stream of user-generated content featuring the filter.
The Broader Implications of Nostalgia-Driven Trends
The “2026 is the new 2016” trend is more than just a fleeting moment of nostalgia. It reflects a broader cultural conversation about the evolution of social media and the changing ways in which people connect online. The trend suggests a growing dissatisfaction with the pressures of maintaining a perfect online persona and a yearning for the more authentic and playful interactions of the past. It also highlights the cyclical nature of trends, with past aesthetics and technologies often resurfacing in new and unexpected ways.
As of , the trend shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to generate engagement and spark conversations across various social media platforms. The enduring appeal of Snapchat’s filters and the broader cultural context of 2016 suggest that this nostalgic wave may continue to shape online culture for some time to come.
