Today’s agenda: Perfecting your duck face, finding the rarest Pokémon on PokemonGo, and blasting Zara Larsson‘s “Lush Life” from your iPod touch. Bliss.

History may not repeat itself, but trends do—and right now, nostalgia is staging a dramatic return. According to the BBC, TikTok searches for ‘2016’ have risen by 452 per cent in the past two weeks. The minimalist, muted tones of 2025 are out, and the unapologetic cringe of 2016 is back in.

In honour of 2016’s comeback, here are the ultimate throwback highlights in fashion, pop culture, and music.

Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans were an absolute staple in every 2016 wardrobe. Looking to find something more unique? Why not try ripped skinny jeans, or pair them with your favourite Converse high-tops? Brands released skinny jeans in all colours and styles, with American Eagle and Old Navy leading the way.  Icons like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Jennifer Lawrence turned skinny jeans into a must-have look. While baggy jeans now dominate, skinny jeans still hold a sacred place in fashion history. It even seems as though skinny jeans are making a comeback—whether this is a blessing or a curse is up for debate.

Coachella

Hosted in Indio, California, Coachella was not just a music festival, it was the music festival of 2016. Known as the defining event of the time, Coachella was what every teen and young adult dreamed of. Those lucky enough to attend planned for months, while everyone else refreshed their Instagram feeds and Snapchat stories in desperate anticipation. Influencers flooded their feeds with sporting flower crowns, boho-chic, and peace signs. Coachella 2016 was the biggest Coachella to date, making $84 million USD in revenue. Headliners included Major Lazer, Guns n’ Roses, Calvin Harris, and Sia. It wasn’t just a festival; it was a place of self-expression, and a symbol of the cultural moment of freedom and community defined by social media, fashion, and music.

Musical.ly

Before TikTok’s rebrand, we called it ‘Musical.ly.’ The app allowed users to create short, lip-synced videos to popular songs and trending sounds, turning everyday teenagers into viral stars overnight. Lisa and Lena, teenage twins from Germany, went viral on the app for making dancing videos. In March 2016 alone, their number of followers increased by 256 per cent, bringing them from 112,000 to 377,000 followers. Musical.ly became a launchpad for influencers, musicians, and artists alike, encouraging creativity, humour, and self-expression. It had something for everyone, from beauty influencers like Baby Ariel to upcoming young artists like Jacob Sartorius. Its popularity highlighted a shift in how young people consumed media. It was a clear indicator of shifting focus from long-form media to short, fast-paced digital content.

 The Mannequin Challenge

Speaking of social media, the Mannequin Challenge was a must-try with all your friends. The trend involved groups imitating mannequins, while Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles” played in the background. Soon, this trend spread to family gatherings and classrooms. One of the most famous Mannequin Challenge videos was titled ‘High School Mannequin Challenge 1500 Students’ and was uploaded by a teacher at a secondary school. This video alone had 9.4 million views. It even reached some well-known faces, from Beyoncé and The Rock to Michelle Obama and the New York Giants.

YouTube

Instead of high-tech, polished studios and scripts, YouTube allowed viewers to watch content filmed in something as simple as a bedroom. Liza Koshy was just 19 when she began making funny YouTube videos at home, but gained over five million followers almost overnight, leading her to win the Streamy’s 2016 Breakout Creator award. Creators like PewDiePie, who had more than 50 million subscribers in 2016, rose to the top by yelling at video games, somehow building a fanbase larger than many TV networks. They even coined their own name—the ‘Bro Army.’ On the other side of the platform, creators like Emma Chamberlain took over with chaotic vlogs, challenges, and fashion videos. Her popularity came from the personal connection she built with viewers. These forms of videos offered something television couldn’t: Intimacy and immediacy. YouTube remains a major entertainment platform today, exemplifying the idea that anyone with a camera could be a star.

And finally, the ultimate playlist of 2016

 Justin Bieber, “Love Yourself” – The perfect breakup anthem. 

 Major Lazer, “Lean On“- A must-play at any house party, club, or event that involves dancing.

Drake, “One Dance” – Smooth, rhythmic, and the perfect beat for a chilled summer night.

The Chainsmokers, “Closer” – A nostalgic and catchy pop hit, perfect for sing-alongs.

Mike Posner, “I Took a Pill In Ibiza” – For those who are at a beach club somewhere, or who wish they were.