2016 Trends
Snapchat Dog Filter The iconic face filter with floppy ears and a tongue that appeared when users opened their mouths. It defined early filter culture and casual selfie trends. © Dimonic, © Prostockstudio | Dreamstime.com
© Good Studio | AdobeStock.com
Pokémon GoThe augmented reality game that sent millions of people outside to hunt virtual Pokémon on their phones. For one summer, parks and city streets became real-life PokéStops. © Giovanni Angello | Dreamstime.com
Fidget Spinners A small spinning desk toy that exploded in popularity, especially in schools. Marketed as stress-relieving and focus-boosting, it quickly became a classroom obsession. © Enterline Design Services
Killer Clown Sightings A wave of reported clown sightings across the U.S. sparked online panic and endless memes. It blurred the line between real fear and internet hysteria. © Seamartini | Dreamstime.com
Mannequin Challenge A viral trend where groups froze in place like mannequins while a camera moved through the scene. Set most famously to “Black Beatles,” it dominated social media feeds. © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com
Black Choker Necklaces A staple of 2016 fashion, especially the stretchy tattoo-style choker. Inspired by ’90s revival trends, it became a must-have accessory in teen wardrobes. © cava | AdobeStock.com
Bottle Flipping A simple trick challenge: flip a half-filled water bottle and land it upright. It became a viral schoolyard competition and YouTube sensation. © Izonda | Dreamstime.com
Musical.ly The lip-sync video app that launched a generation of teen creators. Short, vertical performance clips laid the groundwork for what would later become TikTok. © Piotr Swat | Dreamstime.com
2016 Trends
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2016 Trends
Snapchat Dog Filter The iconic face filter with floppy ears and a tongue that appeared when users opened their mouths. It defined early filter culture and casual selfie trends. © Dimonic, © Prostockstudio | Dreamstime.com © Good Studio | AdobeStock.com
Pokémon GoThe augmented reality game that sent millions of people outside to hunt virtual Pokémon on their phones. For one summer, parks and city streets became real-life PokéStops. © Giovanni Angello | Dreamstime.com
Fidget Spinners A small spinning desk toy that exploded in popularity, especially in schools. Marketed as stress-relieving and focus-boosting, it quickly became a classroom obsession. © Enterline Design Services
Killer Clown Sightings A wave of reported clown sightings across the U.S. sparked online panic and endless memes. It blurred the line between real fear and internet hysteria. © Seamartini | Dreamstime.com
Mannequin Challenge A viral trend where groups froze in place like mannequins while a camera moved through the scene. Set most famously to “Black Beatles,” it dominated social media feeds. © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com
Black Choker Necklaces A staple of 2016 fashion, especially the stretchy tattoo-style choker. Inspired by ’90s revival trends, it became a must-have accessory in teen wardrobes. © cava | AdobeStock.com
Bottle Flipping A simple trick challenge: flip a half-filled water bottle and land it upright. It became a viral schoolyard competition and YouTube sensation. © Izonda | Dreamstime.com
Musical.ly The lip-sync video app that launched a generation of teen creators. Short, vertical performance clips laid the groundwork for what would later become TikTok. © Piotr Swat | Dreamstime.com