Somewhere between reruns of the blockbuster Rockstar and Jab We Met returning to our cinema watchlists, a Charlie Puth video casually captioned “Heard it was 2016 again?”, and grainy photo dumps that look straight out of a VSCO-coded flashback, the Internet has entered its own throwback era of the decade.
If your food suddenly feels warm, soft, and a little loose in the best possible way, you’re definitely not imagining it. With shouts of nostalgia “Can we please go back?”, “I miss 2016” is basically the mood of the moment. So if 2026 is going to be less important than the new 2016, here are some throwbacks that feel right at home – once again!
1. DIY has a main character moment (again)
Do you remember sticking to 5-minute craft compilations, decorating your school notebooks with stickers and doodles, turning old jeans into shorts, or playing with phone charms and Scubido bracelets? That “I made it myself” itch is back.
2026 is seeing the return of old-school DIY skincare hacks, as well as patchwork outfits, beading and handmade decorations that seem suspiciously familiar – hello gram flour face packs, coffee scrubs and aloe vera straight from the plant! After years of over-consuming everything mass-produced, India’s Gen Z is all about making it their own, customizing and experimenting. Less “buy the trend,” more “make your own.” Very 2016. Now – all again. Take Snap star Dikshita Patel’s crocheted parandi as an example of how handmade creativity is going viral on social media.
2. Skinny low-waist jeans are on their redemption arc
Love them or hate them, skinny low-waist jeans took off in 2016. Styled with crop tops, oversized jackets, band tees, they were bold, a little controversial, and very “I wear it for me” – opinions be damned!
In 2026, the comeback isn’t just retro, it’s fashion rebellion. After years of safe silhouettes, muted tones, and dull and drab copy-paste outfits, people are rocking what they like, getting thrifty like pros, and throwing out “off-the-rack” vibes. Fearless, fun, and main character energy. And honestly, we’re here to cheer with a bright green flag!
3. Snapchat and selfies aren’t letting us be serious again
In 2016, selfies weren’t about looking hot, but about having fun. If there was a face that year, it was the dog lens, the flower crown, or the blurry front-camera moment that didn’t take much effort.
Flash forward to 2026, and that carefree energy is quietly making a comeback. Photo dumps are resurfacing with a throwback lens, featuring creators and celebs taking a trip down memory lane. Snap star Ananya Panday recently shared a flower crown selfie with the caption “2016 was really like this”, while Snap star Mauli Patel is bringing that same 2016 energy back to our phones. Globally too, the throwback obsession is visible in practice. Searches for ‘2016 dog’ in Snapchat’s Lens Explorer have increased by 352% this year, while searches for ‘2016’ have increased by 613%. Less picture-perfect grid, more “This is me, unfiltered, having fun” energy – Pinnacle 2016.
4. Bitmojis and digital avatars: crafting your online self
Another 2016 habit we wouldn’t mind reviving is your Bitmoji obsession. Spending a lot of time making your digital avatar actually look like you, from matching outfits to changing hairstyles and finally getting the look just right, is becoming fun again. Unlike today’s hyper-curated feeds, Bitmojis aren’t about looking flawless; They’re about capturing personality without being overwhelming. Think of it as low-risk digital dress-up for adults. Honestly, we missed it. Have you made your Bitmoji dance to Zara Larsson’s Lush Life yet?
5. K-dramas are giving us the ultimate 2016 vibes
2016 was the golden year of K-dramas, where the bittersweet intensity of the tear-jerkers makes you cry at 2 a.m., makes you emotionally connect with the fictional characters, and feels everything all at once. And now, 2026 is shaping up to bring back that same intensity. With many of the actors from that era returning after completing South Korea’s mandatory military service, fans are once again counting down the days, analyzing the teasers and coming forward with their feelings. With upcoming releases this year like Spring Fever, Perfect Crown, Boyfriend on Demand and The Remarried Empress, suddenly 2016 is starting to feel like excitement, chaos and collective obsession. sincerely? We are ready to feel it all again.
6. 2016 pop music is officially back on loop
2016 gave us more than just Bollywood hits — screaming along to Bieber’s “Sorry,” Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life,” and memorizing every Bruno Mars chorus. Fast forward to 2026, and it will all be repeated again. Justin Bieber headlining Coachella? Is the “Lush Life” dance challenge taking over your feed? Is Bruno Mars releasing his latest solo album after 24K Magic in 2016? This is solid proof that the soundtrack of our adolescence is back, this time even brighter, louder and more sonorous!
