Why 2016’s Glow Is Lighting Up Social Media in 2026

In 2026, social media is experiencing a wave of nostalgia for the year 2016. TikTok users are especially drawn to a filter that gives videos a pink, vintage look, similar to the popular Instagram effects from a decade ago. Searches for '2016' on TikTok have increased by 452 percent in just one week, and more than 55 million videos have been created using the filter named after the year. This trend has sparked memories of favorite songs, fashion styles, and internet challenges from 2016. Zara Larsson's hit song 'Lush Life,' which first became popular in 2016, has returned to the UK music charts and is now in the top ten. Other artists like The Chainsmokers, Justin Bieber, and Drake were also big names during that time, and their music is being rediscovered by fans.

Radio 1 DJ Lauren Redfern, who was a teenager in 2016, says the music from that year is very nostalgic and brings back good memories. She remembers the bright makeup trends, such as bold pink eyeshadow and thick winged eyeliner, which are now making a comeback thanks to Zara Larsson's influence. Spotify reports that there has been a 71 percent increase in playlists featuring 2016 songs compared to last year. The revival of these trends and tracks is making people reflect on how much things have changed in the past decade.

Joel Marlinarson, a TikTok creator and social media strategist, believes that 2016 represents a simpler time for many people. He explains that the pink filter on TikTok instantly transports users back to a period when social media was less complicated and more fun. Instagram was mainly used for sharing photos, and people did not worry as much about getting likes or making short videos. Lauren Redfern agrees, saying that Snapchat stories were very popular, and life felt more relaxed. Psychologist Clay Routledge, who studies nostalgia, says that people often look back at the past when they feel uncertain about the future. He suggests that the current interest in 2016 may be related to changes in technology and concerns about artificial intelligence. Many young people who were teenagers in 2016 now feel nostalgic for that time, remembering it as a period of discovery and carefree fun. Sharing these memories on social media helps people feel connected and comforted during times of change.