2016, group dynamics, and “Redbull please contact”

Missed January 2026’s trends? Check those out here.

TikTok trend #1: 2016 Throwback

This trend caught the internet by storm. Creators went back in time to 2016 and showed what their life was like back then. Set to popular throwback songs, creators shared old photos, videos, screenshots, challenges, and memories.

Posts often feature transitions from their 2016 selves to who they are now, highlighting everything from fashion choices and hairstyles to friendships, school days, and early social media aesthetics. The trend resonates with younger millennials and gen Z as many were in middle school or high school during that time. The trend celebrates humour, cringe, and cultural moments of the year.

Authors could play into the 2016 throwback trend by revisiting the era when they first started writing, published an early book, or were drafting the manuscript that launched their career.

You could share old photos of your writing setup, early cover designs, first book signings, or even cringey promotional posts from 2016, then transition to where you are now, current releases, updated covers, or major milestones.

Tiktok trend #2: Friendship/family dynamics

This trend highlights the chaotic dynamics within friend or family groups, playing on the idea that most group relationships thrive on contrasting personalities. Creators label each friend with a role, where one friend does something bold or inappropriate, the second apologizes on their behalf, and the third escalates the situation even further.

The trend resonates because nearly everyone can identify the roles within their own friendships or family groups.

Authors could play into this trend by assigning their own book characters to each role in the meme. For example, one character could be the bold, chaotic one, the second the sweet, apologetic one and the third the unapologetically dramatic one.

By acting out the roles themselves or using character art, text overlays, or book quotes, you can showcase the dynamics within your book’s cast of characters.

Tiktok trend #3: Redbull please contact

This trend exaggerates mishaps or pathetic tricks by framing them as extreme sports moments worthy of a Red Bull sponsorship. Users post low-stakes stunts, like a lame ski trick or a sports accident with the text “Redbull, please contact” overlaid. The humour is self-deprecating and ironic, poking fun at both the creator’s wipe-out or low skills and the intensity of Red Bull’s sponsorships.

Authors could play into the “Red Bull, please contact” trend by exaggerating the “extreme” side of the writing life.

For example, you could post a dramatic clip of yourself aggressively typing during a deadline crunch, spilling coffee while trying to write, frantically deleting an entire chapter, or celebrating wildly after fixing a single plot overlaid with the text “Redbull, please contact”.

Bonus if you like put Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life” in your post.

Tag me on Instagram if you used any of these to plug your writing life or book!

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