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(Top) 1 Origin and spread 2 Criticism 3 See also 4 References 2026 is the new 2016 Add links Tools Actions
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In other projects From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Social media phenomenon focused on 2016 culture Items commonly associated with the social media phenomenon, including Pokémon Go (top left), the Mannequin Challenge (top right), and EDM duo the Chainsmokers (bottom) popular in the year 2016.
" 2026 is the new 2016 " is a phrase linked to a social media phenomenon that began in late 2025 and gained attention in early 2026. It focuses on nostalgia for 2016, with people sharing photos, videos, and other posts that showcase the fashion, music, and online trends of that year.[ 1 ][ 2 ] It has appeared mainly on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram and has been followed by online users, including celebrities and influencers.[ 3 ] Many participants in the phenomenon have shared where they were in 2016 or why the year mattered to them. The trend is also associated with the retro style and with oversaturated colours, including bright Instagram photos and Snapchatfilters that were popular at the time and seen as fun.[ 2 ] The phrase reflects nostalgia for a time predating the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread online misinformation, and the increasing ubiquity of artificial intelligence (AI)–generated content. Social media apps such as Dubsmash and Vine were often used in 2016, and cultural moments such as the Mannequin Challenge and Taylor Swift at Coachella took place. Successful songs by Drake, Justin Bieber, and the Chainsmokers were released.[ 4 ][ 5 ] The hashtag #BringBack2016 has become popular as people recall mid-2010s trends; TikTok has noted increased searches for "2016", over 55 million videos are using 2016-style filters, and Spotify playlists titled "2016" are seeing increased playback.[ 6 ] In narrative media, Marvels' Captain America: Civil War debuted in 2016, cementing the studio's cinematic dominance at a time when the franchise appeared unstoppable, while Netflix released the first season of Stranger Things.[ 2 ] Origin and spread [edit] The phrase appeared online in late December 2025 and became popular at the start of 2026, ten years after 2016, which many in Generation Z remember.[ 7 ] The phrase gained attention in December 2025 through the Great Meme Reset, a social media movement, when searches for it increased worldwide.[ 8 ] On December 31, TikTok user @taybrafang posted a video featuring a montage of popular 2016 moments and items from that year.[ 1