Will 2026 Bring Back 2016?

"With Kylie Cosmetics celebrating its 10-year anniversary through the relaunch of the "King Kylie" collection, social media has exploded with speculation that 2026 could mark the return of 2016's internet glory days. For many, this era was the peak of YouTube vloggers, influencer culture and the rise of beauty empires built from bedroom tutorials. But while the nostalgia is strong, the world that shaped 2016's digital culture no longer exists in the same way and the online landscape has shifted too dramatically for a true revival."

"In 2016, social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram were at the center of pop culture. They shaped beauty standards, defined personal style and elevated young influencers into global celebrities. Viewers spent hours watching long makeup tutorials, "What's in My Bag" videos and morning routines from creators who seemed both aspirational and relatable. That era produced a certain kind of influencer, one with curated perfection, matching aesthetics and highly edited content."

"The digital world that once fostered that kind of fame began to change after the 2020 pandemic. With millions confined to their homes and living online more than ever, users began to crave authenticity and self-expression rather than filtered perfection. The pandemic created a collective pause that allowed people to reflect on what truly mattered to them. Suddenly, it wasn't about chasing an influencer's approval or following a single trend. It was about individuality and emotional well-being."

Kylie Cosmetics' 10-year relaunch of the "King Kylie" collection has reignited nostalgia for the influencer-driven beauty culture of 2016. That era centered on YouTube and Instagram, long-form tutorials, curated aesthetics, and creators who blended aspiration with relatability. The 2020 pandemic shifted user priorities toward authenticity, self-expression, and emotional well-being, reducing appetite for polished, perfection-focused content. Audiences began valuing individuality and shared experiences over trend-chasing and staged highlight reels. Platform evolution and changing audience values have altered the digital landscape, making a faithful return to 2016's cultural dynamics unlikely despite strong nostalgia.

Read at Her Campus