We’re used to Instagram feeds, endless TikTok scrolling, and Facebook posts reminding us of our past. But what if social media had existed a hundred years ago? What would be trending? Who would be the top influencers? And how would people create their favorite stories, memes, and viral challenges?
Luckily, we have exclusive archive photos that prove social media could have existed even in the 1920s! Just scroll, like, and comment below—which one do you prefer, retro Instagram or vintage TikTok?
Retro Selfie or “Take a Picture of Me but Make It Cool”
What did people do without smartphones? Of course, they found alternative ways to take selfies. For example, by using a telephone receiver as a camera and capturing the moment.
If Instagram had existed back then, the caption would be:
“Hello, future? My friend and I just invented a new trend!”
Extreme Content 1920s Style: The First Daredevil Influencers
If today’s influencers climb skyscrapers for viral videos, 100 years ago, thrill-seekers found other ways to get their adrenaline fix. Like casually riding a zip line in their best formal wear.
“If you’re not risking your life for content, are you even an influencer?” would be the perfect caption for this retro Instagram post.
Windy Challenge or the Struggle for Content
Think taking a yacht photo with a flowing dress is impressive? Pff, here’s the real deal! Back in the day, bloggers had no wind machines, so they worked with what nature gave them.
This woman would’ve been trending on TikTok:
“Just trying to hang laundry but ended up in the ‘Life vs. Me’ challenge.”
The First “Flying Photoshoot”
Gravity? Never heard of it. This daring woman didn’t just catch the perfect shot; she set a world record for levitation.
If social media had existed, the caption would read:
“Mary Poppins, who? I’m already living in the future!”
When the Weather Says “No Content for You”
Modern influencers complain when the wind messes up their hair. In the 1920s, the wind decided there would be no photos at all. Broken umbrellas, flying people, and photographers crying in the background…
This woman’s Facebook post would say:
“Outdoor photoshoot today. Me – 0, Wind – 100.”
1920s Memes: The Original Grumpy Cat
Cats have ruled the internet since the beginning of time. Just look at this mischievous furball—he’s clearly up to something. This could’ve been the first viral video: “Cat vs. Balloon. Who will win?”
Vintage Lifestyle Bloggers: When Sustainability Was Already Trending
Long before “bring your favorite item” challenges, this lady decided to go all in and take the biggest houseplant she could find. Imagine how many people stopped her to ask, “Um… what’s in the stroller?”
If she had been an influencer, her caption would be:
“Meet my new green friend! #EcoMom1920”
Family Content from a Century Ago
“Grandma, I’m a blogger!”—this is definitely what Grandpa was saying in this photo. A classic morning scene: coffee, sarcasm, and a bit of family drama.
A Facebook caption would read:
“Explaining to my husband (again) that the kitchen is my territory.”
Filters Without Filters: Aging 100 Years Ago
Snapchat filters? No thanks, we can do it ourselves! These kids decided to dress as grandmas, and honestly, the result is hilarious.
Their social media caption would be:
“New look. Grandpa approves!”
When Trends Make You Question Everything
We’ve had all kinds of viral challenges—Ice Bucket Challenge, Mannequin Challenge—but in the 1920s, kids came up with their own: “Fresh air? Never heard of it!”
This would’ve been trending on Twitter with the caption:
“Safety first! How do YOU protect yourself from the outside world?”
So, Social Media 100 Years Ago Was a Whole Different Art Form!
Who knew that people in the past were also meme creators, influencers, and trendsetters? Sure, they didn’t have smartphones, but that didn’t stop them from making history!
Comment below: Which “retro content” made you laugh the most? Or do you have your own ideas for a “vintage TikTok”?
