Why Millennials Are Nostalgic for 2016 on Instagram

The past is back in vogue—at least on Instagram. Those born in the millennial generation are flooding the platform with photos from around ten years ago, showing off dramatic eye makeup styles from that era.

Many social media specialists suggest that users are sharing these photos to relive a time that felt more genuine and uncomplicated.

A Return to 2016

Scrolling through Instagram recently might trigger memories of early-Tumblr and Snapchat days. Think about low-resolution selfies, bold eyeliner, and that famous cartoon dog filter from Snapchat.

Both influencers and ordinary users have been uploading nostalgic images from 2016 on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

The Allure of Past Trends

Some share a sense of sorrow as they remember the good times of 2016, a period when wearing ultra-tight jeans didn’t invite ridicule from younger generations at work, and when Instagram feeds were adorned with filters like Clarendon and Gingham.

2016 was a tremendous year for music too, marked by defining hits such as 'Closer' by The Chainsmokers, Justin Bieber's 'Love Yourself,' and 'Faded' by Alan Walker.

It's unsurprising that millennials are eager to travel back down this memory lane.

The Pull of Nostalgia

Kar Brulhart, a social media strategist residing in Mexico City, attributes 2016's revival to a sense of longing and a growing inclination toward older technologies—picture paper books, retro mobile phones, and digital cameras.

According to Brulhart, revisiting memories from 2016 offers a kind of mental respite.

"In the United States, where societal tensions are running high, many people find themselves unsure of what to post these days. By focusing on the past, they avoid the need to engage with present-day pressures," she explains.

Celebrities and Their Take

Public figures like Charlie Puth, Eva Longoria, Lucy Hale, and Karlie Kloss have joined the movement, happily sharing less-than-perfect personal photos from the past.

On Thursday, Kylie Jenner uploaded a throwback with the caption, "You just had to be there," garnering over 2.4 million likes.

Meanwhile, makeup mogul James Charles released a nostalgic video replicating a 2016 makeup look that has since amassed around 5.6 million views.

Milestone Memories

Others are using this shift to highlight significant life events. John Legend shared a snapshot of a tender moment with Chrissy Teigen, marking the birth of their first child in that same year.

Fashion brands have been quick to hop on the emotional bandwagon. For instance, Reformation from Los Angeles resurrected images of stars like Taylor Swift wearing their 2016 collections.

Craving Simplicity

Experts in social media and public relations note that this wave of reminiscing speaks to a collective wish for less complicated times.

Hailey Bailey, chief at Image PR based in LA, says the trend resonates because many millennials long for the hopeful and straightforward world they inhabited during the summer of 2016.

As Bailey puts it, "A lot of us imagined our lives would be different by now. We're facing significant financial challenges, and balancing careers has made the idea of starting families seem remote."

Adapting to Change

Brulhart notes that back in 2016, Instagram was more about chronological posts and less about meticulously curated profiles.

"People were less inclined to treat their profiles as personal brands. They shared moments authentically, not for likes or engagement," she reflects.

This trend serves as both a moment of introspection and a reminder of a more carefree version of ourselves.