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You open a group chat and someone types “remember 2016?” Instantly the thread fills with old selfies, goofy filters, and that one weird viral video everyone sent. If you want a fast refresher or a stack of copy-ready ideas for posts, games, or party prompts, this list gathers the biggest trends that defined 2016 and explains why they stuck.
The biggest trends of 2016
1. Augmented reality goes mainstream: Pokémon Go
Why it mattered. Millions left their couches to catch pocket monsters in real life. That app turned streets and parks into shared play spaces and made phone-based scavenger hunts a real thing.
Use it now. Organize a neighborhood photo scavenger hunt and theme clues like a mobile game.
2. Meme culture reached fever pitch
Why it mattered. Harambe, “Damn, Daniel,” and Arthur’s fist became shorthand for jokes, outrage, and inside jokes. Quick images and short clips became the language of conversation.
Use it now. Run a meme remix contest: have people update one classic 2016 meme to reflect today’s life.
3. Snapchat filters and ephemeral content
Why it mattered. Dog ears and rainbow vomit turned casual selfies into performance art. The appeal was raw, in-the-moment sharing that did not live forever.
Use it now. Host a “filter face-off” where people recreate their favorite 2016 snap and caption it like a mini-story.
4. Visual albums and surprise releases in music
Why it mattered. Big-name artists dropped albums with cinematic visuals and unexpected release styles. That changed how fans experienced a record.
Use it now. Make a short playlist titled “2016 visuals” and share a quick note about the single that made you replay it.
5. Pokémon Go-era location meetups and IRL viral moments
Why it mattered. Real-world meetups tied to mobile trends proved online buzz could create spontaneous public gatherings.
Use it now. Plan a themed meet for friends with a simple checklist of spots and a nostalgic prize.
6. Streaming binge culture sharpens
Why it mattered. Shows released in one go and social spoilers became part of modern life. That shifted how people scheduled hangouts and TV talk.
Use it now. Start a mini rewatch night of a hit series first released around 2016 and ask guests for one scene they still remember.
7. Instagram influencers shift advertising
Why it mattered. Influencers started moving from hobby to career, and sponsored posts became common. Visual storytelling became a business model.
Use it now. Make a short post mimicking a classic influencer unboxing or coffee-photo and tag it #ThrowbackInfluencer.
8. Chokers, ripped denim, and athleisure
Why it mattered. The fashion mix was low-effort but deliberate. Comfort met 90s revival and streetwear influence.
Use it now. Do a “then vs now” outfit post showing a 2016 look compared with your current style.
9. Avocado toast and brunch culture blew up
Why it mattered. Aesthetic plates and craft coffee ruled weekend plans. Simple food choices became identity signals on social feeds.
Use it now. Share a photo of your most over-the-top brunch plate and caption it with a one-line memory from 2016.
10. Viral challenges and short-form stunts
Why it mattered. Challenges spread fast and were easy to copy, from dance clips to staged stunts. They built community and rivalry at the same time.
Use it now. Recreate one easy challenge with friends, film it vertically, and post it with a nostalgic caption.
11. Smartphones as culture hubs
Why it mattered. Mobile-first content, live updates, and push notifications made culture feel immediate and shared. Phones shaped how trends caught on.
Use it now. Make a throwback poll in a group chat: pick the most iconic phone moment you remember from 2016.
12. Bite-sized political and social shockwaves
Why it mattered. Big global events made 2016 feel politically loud and unpredictable. Social media amplified emotions and turned news into a constant group conversation.
Use it now. If you bring this up, use it to frame a thoughtful memory rather than to relitigate politics.
13. Visual nostalgia: photo edits and then-vs-now posts
Why it mattered. People loved side-by-side photos and before-and-after edits that showed growth or cringe. That format is still a social media staple.
Use it now. Share a “glow-up” comparison that’s funny, honest, and short.
14. The rise of binge podcasting and voice-first content
Why it mattered. People started devouring serialized audio and experimenting with listening routes beyond radio. Long-form storytelling went mobile.
Use it now. Recommend a short early podcast season from the era and ask followers for the episode that hooked them.
Common mistakes people make when using 2016 nostalgia
- Treating every meme like timeless humor. Some things age into cringe quickly.
- Overloading posts with long captions. Short, sharp lines worked in 2016 and they still do.
- Trying too hard to be “on trend.” Genuine memories land better than forced references.
Quick tips for using 2016 trends in content or parties
- Keep posts short and copy-friendly. One-liners and single images get shared.
- Pick one trend per post. Mixing five references in one caption confuses readers.
- Use props or filters for authenticity. A dog-ear filter or a choker-style shot signals “throwback” fast.
- For classrooms or icebreakers, use a two-minute meme quiz. Four to six images, name the meme, move on.
My pick for the single biggest trend
Pokémon Go. It changed how many people used their phones in public and proved a mobile app could create mass, spontaneous participation. That blend of online buzz leading to offline behavior is still the cultural template for big trends.
2016 throwback prompts you can copy
- “Post your best 2016 selfie. No edits.”
- “Name one song you played on repeat in 2016.”
- “Recreate a meme from 2016 in one photo.”
- “Share a short story about your weirdest 2016 fashion choice.”
If you want to run a 2016-themed mini event, pick three elements from this list: a song, a meme, and a signature snack. Keep each one copyable and short. Nostalgia works when it is sharable and simple.
