The 2016 Trend is trending on social media, especially on TikTok and Instagram, with creators posting throwback clips from a decade ago.
You post old videos of yourself that show early stages of your life, career, or content journey, letting outdated styles, settings, and habits create natural humor.
This viral trend works because it requires almost no editing.
The contrast between who you were in 2016 and who you are now becomes the story.
For many creators, this trend doubles as a subtle before-and-after narrative that needs no explanation.
The format is flexible. You can post personal clips, early business moments, or old team footage, as long as it clearly feels “2016.”
Why This Trend Matters Today
Nostalgia-based social media trends perform well because they trigger instant emotional recognition.
Viewers scrolling through TikTok or Instagram immediately recognize the era and connect it to their own memories.
This viral trend also builds relatability and credibility. By showing where you started, you signal growth without saying it.
That makes the content feel authentic, which is why this trend continues on social media feeds.
How To Do The ‘2016’ Trend
Start by searching your camera roll, cloud storage, old phones, or shared drives for videos or photos taken around 2016.
The clip does not need to be high-quality: low-resolution, shaky footage, or poorly lit videos actually perform better because they clearly signal the era.
Look for moments that feel casual or unpolished: early work setups, old outfits, team hangouts, first projects, or everyday life clips.
Post the clip as a short, minimally edited video. Add a simple on-screen overlay such as “2016,” “me in 2016,” or “us in 2016,” so viewers immediately understand the context.
Avoid heavy captions or explanations. Let the visual contrast between then and now carry the message.
If you’re a creator or business, choose a clip that quietly shows progress, an early office, a first client call, or a small team moment.
This makes the video relatable without feeling like a highlight reel. Post it natively to TikTok or Instagram Reels, and keep the video short so it loops naturally.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t have video, convert an old photo into a short clip by slowly zooming in or panning. Movement helps retention and keeps the video feeling native to short-form feeds.
You may also want to check out some of our other social media trend updates.
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