Is 2026 the new 2016?

2016 was nine years ago—a year defined by VSCO filters, chokers, high-waisted jeans, and a mix of grunge, pastel, and streetwear fashion.

Now, in 2026, content creators and vloggers both here and abroad are taking a nostalgic look back, reminiscing about that time with fondness. It was a period many remember as carefree and full of youthful energy—a time when we were young, wild, and free.

Some of the OG YouTubers from 2016 are sharing throwbacks that have fans reliving “the good ol’ days.” Among them:

Best known for her iconic “Nerdy Nummies” series, Rosanna Pansino brought creativity and fandom to the kitchen like no one else. In 2016, she frequently combined pop culture and baking, crafting treats inspired by video games, movies, and TV shows.

From Pac-Man cookies to Harry Potter-themed cupcakes, her videos offered both step-by-step tutorials and a playful, charming energy. Beyond baking, her personality and storytelling made viewers feel like they were cooking alongside a friend, cementing her status as one of YouTube’s most beloved culinary creators.

Cristine, known as Simply Nailogical, turned nail art into an internet phenomenon. By 2016, she had built a unique niche combining intricate, over-the-top nail designs with hilarious, sarcastic commentary.

Her “100 Layers” challenges became viral staples, and her humor, wit, and honest personality made her stand out in a crowded beauty scene. Beyond nails, her videos often included DIY experiments, product reviews, and comical takes on internet trends, giving fans a mix of skill and entertainment that kept them coming back for more.

In 2016, Bretman Rock was already a force of nature in the beauty and lifestyle world. Known for his unapologetic, larger-than-life personality, he blended humor, beauty tutorials, and everyday vlogs in a way that felt both outrageous and relatable.

From bold makeup looks to cheeky commentary and over-the-top antics, Bretman’s content celebrated individuality and self-expression. His infectious energy and honesty resonated with audiences worldwide, helping normalize confidence, fun, and queerness in the online space long before it became mainstream.

Here in the Philippines, OG vloggers were also defining the era:

In 2016, Pham Swing became known for her charming, relatable lifestyle vlogs that captured everyday experiences with humor and heart. She covered fashion hauls, casual “day in the life” videos, and challenge content, all delivered with a warm and approachable personality.

Fans connected with her authenticity—she wasn’t afraid to be herself on camera, showing both the fun and messy sides of life. Her content reflected the teenage and young adult experience of the time, and she became a role model for aspiring Filipino creators looking to make their mark on YouTube.

A pioneer in Philippine YouTube, Janina Vela’s 2016 content was centered on fashion, beauty, and teen lifestyle. From makeup tutorials to outfit lookbooks and personal vlogs, she inspired viewers with her style and confidence.

Beyond tutorials, Janina also shared insights about school life, friendships, and growing up online, making her a relatable and aspirational figure for many Filipino youth. Her polished content and approachable personality helped set the standard for local YouTubers, especially in the beauty and lifestyle niche.

Kyo Quijano’s 2016 videos were a mix of humor, creativity, and energy that captivated Filipino audiences. Known for her comedic sketches, challenge videos, and playful interactions with friends, she brought laughter and personality to every upload.

Her content often depicted everyday scenarios with exaggerated humor, making even mundane experiences entertaining. Kyo’s relatable yet over-the-top style helped solidify her position as one of the early Filipino vlogging personalities who truly understood how to engage and grow an online audience.

Looking back, 2016 feels like a simpler, more carefree time in the online world—a period of experimentation, self-expression, and the rise of personalities who are still influencing content today. Perhaps 2026 is the new 2016, as nostalgia continues to shape both creators and audiences alike.