It is officially 2026, which marks a decade since one of the most memorable years in recent pop culture history. On TikTok, Musical.ly’s successor, users have been calling for 2026 to be the new 2016. While similar phrases have circulated in the past, this renewed focus on 2016 feels more genuine, highlighting the lasting and meaningful cultural impact of that year.

Here are 10 ways we can honor this unforgettable year:

1. Play a 2016 playlist from start to finish 

2016 was a golden era of pop, looking back on the year with a lot of nostalgia and admiration. Add “One Dance” by Drake, “Closer” by The Chainsmokers and “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber, three of the most defining bangers of the time, to your throwback playlist. 2016 was also a year of dance trends with songs like “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae),” “Juju on that Beat” and “My Boo” for the running man challenge and “Black Beatles” for the mannequin challenge. And we can’t forget the dab — a staple 2016 dance move — used when “Rolex” is played. 

1. Go to Sky Zone 

Gymnastics skills became a huge flex online, especially when the Olympics were taking place in Rio de Janeiro, and stars such as Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas showcased their talents. Many people took photos at this time doing handstands on the beach, in the pool or against walls. Head to the Sky Zone, only a 15-minute drive from campus, and whip out some old gymnastics tricks.

1. Make a 2016 Instagram photo dump post 

Gen Z and Millennials are nostalgic for how social media used to feel more authentic, and have been sharing old photos of themselves. Go through your old photos, edit some on VSCO or play around with the dog or crown Snapchat filters and take silly pictures with your friends.  Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez and Charlie Puth have already participated in posting their throwbacks.

1. Watch 2016 YouTube videos

Whether it’s Liza Koshy, David Dobrik, Jenna Marbles or Emma Chamberlain sit back, relax and enjoy your used-to-be favorite vloggers’ old content.

1. Watch Lifetime’s “Dance Moms”

Season 6 of “Dance Moms” was filmed in 2016, and it marked a turning point because the girls were becoming real celebrities rather than just kids on a show. The show went viral during this time as its dancers like Maddie Ziegler rose to fame through Sia’s music videos and others got popular on Musical.ly. We also can’t forget that JoJo Siwa’s “Boomerang” hit came out that year, and her famous side ponytail with a bow became a national trend. 

1. Enjoy previously trendy snacks

Have a rainbow bagel and recreate the faux Unicorn Frappuccino that Starbucks once had on the menu. People lined up just to post photos of the drink, and people were obsessed with the rainbow bagel. Their bright colors were perfect for Instagram.

1. Recreate the 2016 popular style 

G-Eazy’s “Tumblr Girls” reflected the popularity of Tumblr-inspired aesthetics. Wear flannels, oversized graphic tees, ripped skinny jeans, Converse or Doc Martens, chokers and scrunchies and a messy bun to achieve the “2016 look.” Use Urban Decay makeup products, which were a staple for neutral, everyday makeup looks.

1. Use the old must-have items

Find your old hoverboard or popsocket, make slimes and bath bombs or use fidget spinners and squishies. Feel free to grab a water bottle and practice the bottle flip challenge, too.

1. Take photos with a Polaroid camera

There are endless options for colors of Polaroid cameras and film. I still have prints from my camera that I keep stored in my room to remind me of this memorable time. I recommend writing the date or occasion on the bottom in Sharpie. 

1. Play Pokemon GO, Minecraft and Slither.io 

“They too busy playing Pokemon GO,” said Drake in “Child’s Play,” a testament to how popular the game was at the time. It got people outside and meeting complete strangers. Minecraft continued to be popular from previous years, and Slither.io went viral, especially among students.