There is something in the air lately, and it feels a lot like 2016. It feels like vanilla body spray, fresh
acrylic nails, bold glam makeup, and Instagram selfies edited with heavy filters. Trends from that year
are returning all over social media, and at the center of it all is the unforgettable era known as King
Kylie.
The Reign of King Kylie
In 2016, Kylie Jenner was not just a celebrity; she was a cultural movement. Her bold hair colors,
dramatic makeup looks, and perfectly curated Instagram feed influenced an entire generation. The
overlined lips and matte glam aesthetic quickly became the blueprint for beauty trends across social
media. The nickname “King Kylie” was more than a trend — it defined an era of confidence, boldness,
and unapologetic self-expression.
The Soundtrack of 2016
Music in 2016 felt electric and unforgettable. Songs like “Light It Up” by Major Lazer were played at
every party, in every car, and across countless Snapchat stories. Tracks like “Three Strikes” by Terror
Jr created mystery and conversation online, especially when fans speculated about hidden identities
behind the vocals. Streaming platforms were rising, SoundCloud artists were emerging, and music felt
organic rather than strategically manufactured for virality. Each song felt tied to a memory, a summer
night, or a specific moment in time.
Snapchat Filters and Viral Moments
Before Instagram Stories and TikTok filters dominated, Snapchat was the place to be. The dog filter,
flower crown filter, and the Rio de Janeiro Olympic-themed filter became instant cultural staples. These
filters made everyday moments feel exciting and shareable. Posting a Snapchat story felt spontaneous
rather than curated, and seeing who viewed your story genuinely meant something. The platform felt
like a digital diary shared with friends rather than a branding tool.
When Musical.ly Was Poppin’
Before TikTok became a global powerhouse, Musical.ly was where young creators first found fame.
Teenagers filmed lip-sync videos in their bedrooms, unknowingly building massive audiences.
Personalities like Baby Ariel and Jacob Sartorius gained millions of followers, and the concept of being
an “influencer” began to take shape. For the first time, internet fame felt accessible to anyone with
creativity and a smartphone.
The Rise of YouTube Personalities
YouTube in 2016 was raw, dramatic, and wildly entertaining. Creators like Tana Mongeau built
audiences through chaotic storytimes, while Shane Dawson leaned into conspiracy theories and
documentary-style content. The content felt less polished and less corporate than it does today. It was
messy at times, but it felt authentic and real, which made audiences feel personally connected to their
favorite creators.
Why 2016 Felt Different
Looking back, 2016 feels nostalgic because it marked the beginning of so much. Influencer culture was
emerging, streaming was transforming music, and social media was evolving rapidly. However, it had
not yet become overly saturated or commercialized. The internet felt like a playground rather than a
marketplace. Trends were born organically, and online culture felt exciting and new.
The 2016 Revival
Today, fashion trends, music playlists, and social media edits are bringing the 2016 aesthetic back to
life. Glossy lips, dramatic glam, throwback songs, and King Kylie edits are trending once again.
Whether 2016 was truly better or we simply miss the feeling of that time, it undeniably shaped digital
culture as we know it today. The return of this era reminds us of a time when the internet felt simpler,
more spontaneous, and full of possibility
