2016 Energy, 2026 Mindset

The internet has spoken, and it sounds a lot like 2016.

From dog ears and flower crowns to lip kits, low-fi selfies and throwback soundtracks, people across platforms are rallying around the classic Snapchat experiences that felt raw, playful and unapologetically real — and still define Snapchat today.

To help Snapchatters jump right back into the era, Snapchat is rolling out a special 2016 Flashback today, making it easier than ever to revisit the moments, Lenses and vibes that defined a decade.

Major celebrities, creators and everyday Snapchatters are already leading the charge, revisiting their favourite throwbacks with some of Snapchat’s most iconic Lenses, and clips declaring “Snapchat is in” for 2026 are racking up views, proving this isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a fully-fledged cultural return.

And it’s not just showing up in posts. It’s showing up in how people are using Snapchat:

• Searches for “2016” Lenses are up 613% year-to-date, compared to the previous year ¹

• Searches for the Dog Lens are up 352% ²

• Searches for “2016” in Snapchat’s music library have surged 621% ³

The current craving for 2016 isn’t just about what’s trending. It reflects a desire to return to digital experiences that offer something more human: spontaneity, carefree sharing and unpolished Stories that feel intimate rather than performative.

As culture comes full circle, Snapchat remains the place where being in the moment never goes out of style.

Happy Snapping, and here’s to a great 2026.