Why everyone — from Hollywood to Bollywood — is obsessed with 2016 again

International celebrities also joined the trend, sharing throwback pictures in a collective walk down memory lane.

The movement has gained massive traction, with both stars and fans revisiting old photographs, lo-fi aesthetics and what many describe as the simpler social media culture of 2016. Users are often recreating vintage filters or adding reflective, nostalgic captions to their posts.

Digital culture commentators describe 2016 as “the last happy internet year” — a period before algorithm-driven feeds, pandemic anxieties and the dominance of AI-generated content.

For many users, the year symbolises the peak era of Instagram and Snapchat, viral challenges like Pokémon Go and Mannequin Challenge, and a time when online spaces felt less commercial and polarised.

According to a BBC report, TikTok recorded a 452 percent spike in searches for “2016” over the past week. The report added that more than 55 million videos have already been created using the platform’s filter named after the year.

Former American actress Iva Mendes shared a throwback picture writing, "2016 had me with shorter hair and a shorter fit but always with da hoops!"

The Duchess of Sussex joined the trend by posting a throwback post on Instagram with husband Prince Harry.

Meghan wrote on Instagram, "When 2026 feels just like 2016….you had to be there."

American singer-songwriter and guitarist Jon Bon Jovi didn't stay far behind but joined the sweeping trend.

The singer wrote, "Heard we were taking it back to 2016."

Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan  joined the wave with throwbacks from her 2016 pregnancy and personal moments.

"The year of the bump," wrote Kareena.

Alia Bhatt posted a carousel of nostalgic 2016 photos from her personal and professional life, recalling film shoots, promotional moments and travel from that year.