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Let’s be real—some years just hit different, and 2016 was one of those years. It wasn’t just a year; it was a vibe. A global mood. A collective moment. Whether you lived through it or just discovered it through TikTok edits, 2016 is often remembered as the last truly carefree internet year before things started to feel a little heavier.
You couldn’t scroll without hearing “One Dance” by Drake, “Work” by Rihanna, or “Closer” by The Chainsmokers(yes, that one song we all knew way too many lyrics to). Music in 2016 wasn’t just popular—it was personal. It blasted through headphones on the way to school, soundtracked friend group hangouts, and lived in the background of every Instagram Story (back when that was brand new).
Pop, EDM, and trap were having a moment, and artists like Beyoncé (Lemonade, hello?), ZAYN (PILLOWTALK), and Twenty One Pilots were taking over charts and hearts.
If you weren’t doing the Running Man Challenge, you were probably still recovering from "Damn Daniel!" or saying “catch me outside, how ’bout dat?” in a terrible accent. Let’s not forget the iconic Arthur fist meme, the rise of Vine comedy, and the absolute domination of dabbing.
Vine (RIP) was everything. It gave us stars, jokes, and unforgettable six-second moments. It was short, chaotic, and somehow brilliant—just like the internet wanted to be.
In 2016, “It Girl” wasn’t about fame—it was about the aesthetic. Think:
Tumblr vibes: Oversized flannels, chokers, black nail polish, and messy buns.
Coachella queens: Glittery makeup, flower crowns, bralettes as tops.
VSCO-before-VSCO: Brandy Melville everything, Hydro Flasks before they were VSCO-coded.
Instagram Feed Goals™: Sepia tones. Flatlays. Coffee shop vibes. Captioned with lowercase quotes like “feelin’ kinda cute today.”
Instagram was still pretty, Snapchat had everyone obsessed with filters and streaks, and YouTube vlogs were entering their golden era. People still commented “first!” unironically.
In 2016, the internet felt fun, not overwhelming. Social media was about showing off your Starbucks Frappuccino, posing with flower crowns at Coachella, and taking mirror selfies in Brandy Melville.
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