It is officially 2026, marking a decade since one of the most memorable years in recent pop culture history. On TikTok, Musical.ly’s successor, users have been calling for 2026 to be the new 2016. While similar phrases have circulated in the past, this renewed focus on 2016 feels more genuine, highlighting the lasting and meaningful cultural impact of that year.
Here are 10 ways we can honor this unforgettable year:
### 1. Play a 2016 Playlist from Start to Finish
2016 was a golden era of pop, filled with nostalgia and admiration. Add “One Dance” by Drake, “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, and “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber—three of the most defining bangers of the time—to your throwback playlist. It was also a year of dance trends with songs like “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae),” “Juju on That Beat,” “My Boo” for the running man challenge, and “Black Beatles” for the mannequin challenge. And who could forget the dab, a staple 2016 dance move, especially when “Rolex” played?
### 2. Go to Sky Zone
Gymnastics skills became a huge flex online, especially during the Rio 2016 Olympics. Stars such as Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas showcased their talents, inspiring many to post photos doing handstands on the beach, in pools, or against walls. Head to the Sky Zone, only a 15-minute drive from campus, and whip out some old gymnastics tricks of your own.
### 3. Make a 2016 Instagram Photo Dump Post
Gen Z and Millennials are nostalgic for how social media felt more authentic back then, sharing old photos of themselves. Dig through your archives, edit some on VSCO, or play around with dog and crown Snapchat filters. Take silly pictures with friends for a throwback photo dump. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Charlie Puth have already joined in on the trend.
### 4. Watch 2016 YouTube Videos
Sit back and enjoy old content from some of 2016’s favorite vloggers such as Liza Koshy, David Dobrik, Jenna Marbles, and Emma Chamberlain.
### 5. Watch Lifetime’s *Dance Moms* Season 6
Season 6 of *Dance Moms*, filmed in 2016, marked a turning point when the girls started becoming real celebrities rather than just reality TV participants. The show went viral as dancers like Maddie Ziegler rose to fame through Sia’s music videos. Others gained popularity on Musical.ly. Plus, JoJo Siwa’s hit “Boomerang” came out that year, and her iconic side ponytail with a bow became a national trend.
### 6. Enjoy Previously Trendy Snacks
Indulge in a rainbow bagel and recreate Starbucks’ faux Unicorn Frappuccino. These colorful treats were incredibly popular in 2016, with lines forming just to snap photos. Their vibrant hues made them perfect for Instagram and today’s throwback content.
### 7. Recreate the 2016 Popular Style
G-Eazy’s “Tumblr Girls” captured the Tumblr-inspired aesthetic craze. Try wearing flannels, oversized graphic tees, ripped skinny jeans, Converse or Doc Martens, chokers, scrunchies, and rocking a messy bun for the ultimate 2016 look. Use Urban Decay makeup products to achieve that signature neutral, everyday makeup vibe.
### 8. Use the Old Must-Have Items
Dust off your hoverboard or popsocket. Make slimes or bath bombs. Play with fidget spinners and squishies. Don’t forget to grab a water bottle and attempt the bottle flip challenge one more time!
### 9. Take Photos with a Polaroid Camera
Polaroid cameras come in countless colors and styles. Many still treasure the physical prints as keepsakes from this memorable era. Pro tip: write the date or occasion on the bottom of each photo with a Sharpie to make the memory even more special.
### 10. Play Popular Games from 2016
Celebrate by diving back into the gaming culture of 2016 with classics like *Pokémon GO*, *Minecraft*, and *Slither.io*.
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Celebrating 2016’s cultural footprint is a fun and meaningful way to connect with our past, relive great memories, and appreciate the trends that shaped a generation. Here’s to honoring a truly unforgettable year!
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