Kareena Kapoor, Ananya Panday Revisit Old Photos As ‘2026 Is The New 2016’ Trend Goes Viral

With the start of a new year often comes a focus on fresh beginnings, ambitious resolutions and plans for the future. But while 2026 is all about moving forward, social media seems to be doing the opposite. Across Instagram, users are diving deep into their photo archives and revisiting moments from a decade ago specifically from 2016.

The trend, aptly titled ' 2026 is the new 2016 ', has quickly gone viral, tapping into a powerful sense of nostalgia. From everyday users to global celebrities, everyone appears to be looking back at what many remember as a carefree and culturally rich era of the internet.

In India, several celebrities have jumped on the 2016 nostalgia trend , including Kareena Kapoor, Ananya Panday and Kusha Kapila. Their throwback posts featuring old selfies, fashion moments and behind-the-scenes memories have struck a chord with followers who fondly remember the vibe of that year.


Instagram itself has acknowledged the trend. On its official page, the platform has been sharing throwback posts that transport users straight back to 2016. Interestingly, it was also a milestone year for the app, as that’s when Instagram unveiled its now-iconic logo.



Through Instagram Stories, the platform revealed that Selena Gomez was the most-followed person on the app in 2016 and shared the top three emojis users loved back then. As these memories resurface, so do the trends that once defined social media.

Why is 2016 trending again?

The renewed obsession with 2016 reflects a collective craving for a more relaxed, unserious digital space. Many users remember that time as one when posting felt spontaneous rather than performative, and social media was more about fun than flawless aesthetics.

For a generation that came of age during that period, 2016 represents a cultural “sweet spot” peak pop culture, fewer filters (both literal and metaphorical), and a sense of authenticity that feels rare today. Embracing that energy in 2026 feels like a subtle rebellion against today’s overly curated online world.

In India, 2016 was packed with unforgettable pop culture moments. It was the year Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made global headlines with her bold purple lipstick at the Cannes Film Festival, while a heavily pregnant Kareena Kapoor Khan confidently walked the ramp in a breathtaking Sabyasachi ensemble.

Make-up experimentation was at its peak, with bold colours and statement looks dominating headlines. Boomerangs ruled Instagram feeds, while Snapchat filters went wildly viral. Apps like Retrica were everywhere, and Dubsmash videos became a household phenomenon, with everyone from children to parents joining in.


The year also delivered global viral moments, including the endlessly catchy PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen) by Japanese comedian Pikotaro and yes, it’s probably playing in your head right now.

Beyond social media trends, 2016 was significant for entertainment and culture. Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Academy Award for The Revenant, Netflix officially entered India, and the Mannequin Challenge took over timelines worldwide.

As celebrities posting throwbacks , influencers and everyday users embrace this wave of social media nostalgia , one question remains: do we really want 2026 to feel like 2016 again or are we simply missing the freedom and fun that once defined the internet?