“2016 vs. 2026” Illustrates Why Consistency Still Outlasts Virality

Every time I log into Instagram or Facebook lately, I’m faced with a hit of nostalgia as most of my friends and associates are participating in the “2016 vs. 2026" trend. For those unaware, this meme involves people sharing photos of their key moments from a decade ago. We’re soaking in the nostalgia for grainy filters, the birth of the "Harambe" meme, and the summer millions spent obsessively chasing virtual monsters in Pokémon Go. But as fun as those memories are, they serve as a stark reminder for brands that virality is fleeting.