33 viral content ideas made by running apps
If you're stuck on what to post for your running app, these ideas will help. They're motivating, practical, and made to show running is for everyone.
Need fresh content ideas? We've got you.
Napolify's Resources
- More than 500 viral content pieces analyzed
- Case Studies of viral accounts (Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook)
- Free Marketing Tools & Calculators
- Latest Tiktok Trends
More blog posts
- Viral marketing trends for running apps
- Viral marketing strategies for running apps
- Viral short videos made by running apps
Puppy-Powered Social Magnet, 0.8M+ views
This TikTok from Runna (a running training app) shows four people at a singles run club. A woman hands a small dachshund puppy to a man, and suddenly everyone wants to interact with him.
The puppy works as the ultimate icebreaker. Dogs trigger our "aww" response, which makes people feel good and want to share that feeling.
The "POV: you bring your dog to a singles run club" setup creates a relatable scenario for single viewers who struggle with dating.
The video shows social proof in action - when other people are drawn to someone, it makes that person more attractive. It's one of the classic viral formats we have noticed.
The short loop makes people rewatch to catch the moment when everyone's attention shifts to the puppy owner.
@runna He knew what he was doing…! First Solemates RunClub was a huge success? Whos in for round 2? @tinder uk #fyp ♬ Nasty x Naughty Girl - Jacobdior
The Financial Yo-Yo and the Walking Reward, 1M+ views
This TikTok from Stepler (a step-counting reward app) starts with someone frantically inputting numbers on a calculator, showing a budget spiraling out of control. Then it switches to show the Stepler app interface, with text saying "getting rewarded for walking is easy."
The contrast between chaos and simplicity drives retention. First, you relate to the budget stress (the calculator scene feels very real), then you get offered an easy solution.
The problem-solution format works because it addresses a pain point before presenting the fix.
The quick shift in music and visuals creates what we call a pattern interrupt - your brain notices the change and pays closer attention. People would probably share this with friends who also struggle with budgets or need motivation to walk more.
@steplerapp Getting rewarded have never been easier! Do not take one more step before you’ve downloaded the Stepler app! 🏃🏃 #walking #steplerapp #rewards ♬
The Unanswered Question, 2.4M+ views
In this TikTok from Runna, a woman running a marathon asks viewers to share "the most unhinged thing you have done on a long run" - but she never gives her own answer.
The video creates a curiosity gap that forces people into the comments. When someone asks a provocative question but doesn't answer it themselves, viewers feel compelled to fill that void.
The word "unhinged" sets a low bar for sharing embarrassing stories.
This pattern keeps popping up in our breakdowns of viral content.
The running community loves sharing war stories, and the marathon setting gives credibility - if she can run 26 miles, she's earned the right to ask this question.
The lack of resolution makes people stick around longer to read other responses.
@runna go. This is a no judgement zone 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫 #running #halfmarathon #marathon #longrun #runnergirl #unhinged ♬ (1938) Ромео и Джульетта - Сцена II: No 13, Танец рыцарей - Сергей Прокофьев
Running Truths, 1M+ views
This TikTok from Strava features a woman calling herself a "realistic runner" while sharing "hot takes" about running. She says you don't need to run marathons to be a runner, pace doesn't matter, and it's okay to wear longer shorts if your thighs touch.
The video works because it validates people who feel excluded from running culture. Many casual runners feel like they're not "real" runners, so hearing someone with authority (she's speaking at what looks like a Strava event) say these things provides relief.
The "hot takes" framing makes each statement feel bold and worth sharing. People would probably tag friends who need to hear these messages or comment with their own running insecurities.
The humor about thighs being "best friends" makes a potentially awkward topic feel normal and relatable.
@strava 🥵 Running hot takes with @the.realistic.runner ♬ original sound - Strava
The Unyielding Finish, 1.4M+ views
This TikTok from a trail running app shows a woman who has run 159 kilometers, struggling with trekking poles just 1 kilometer from the finish line.
The crowd rallies around her as she pushes through to complete the race.
Extreme human endurance creates a powerful emotional response. Seeing someone push their absolute limits makes you feel inspired and slightly in awe.
The specific distance (159km) and proximity to the finish (1km) creates perfect dramatic tension.
The community support angle amplifies the emotional impact. It's not just about individual achievement - it shows people coming together to help someone reach their goal. For us, it looks very familiar, because it's a proven format we've documented many times. Videos that combine extreme effort with community support tend to get shared as motivation or to show what humans can accomplish.
@welovetrail.app Que opinan? 159km de carrera y entrar así 🥹 #trailrunning #trail #run #running #runnergirl #runners ♬ original sound - Warriors
Airport Sprint, 1M+ views
This TikTok from Strava shows someone attempting the "Gate change gnar" Strava segment at Denver International Airport - a 0.10-mile sprint through the terminal in under 20 seconds.
The novelty factor hooks you immediately. Airports are for traveling, not racing, so seeing someone treat Terminal B like a track is unexpected and entertaining.
The Strava integration makes it feel legitimate rather than just random running.
The video succeeds by gamifying a boring environment. Everyone has rushed through airports, so this transforms that stressful experience into something playful.
The quick pacing and multiple camera angles keep energy high, while the "by one second" success provides a satisfying payoff.
@strava Strava Segment: Airport Edition✈️ @Cooldown ♬ original sound - Strava
Perfecting Running Form, 2M+ views
This TikTok from Runna shows a coach correcting a runner's form step by step, using graphics to illustrate each improvement. They address arm position, elbow angle, hip placement, and foot strike.
The transformation format creates natural retention - people want to see the before and after.
The coach's blunt opening ("this runner's form is dreadful") grabs attention, while the clear graphics make complex biomechanics easy to understand.
Educational content performs well when it solves a specific problem many people have. Most runners worry about their form, so seeing concrete fixes provides immediate value.
The visual aids (red X for wrong, green check for right) remove any confusion about what to do differently.
@runna Let’s perfect this DREADFUL running form… savage Ben mode activated #running #runningtips #runningform #runningcoach #runner #runnergirl ♬ Bluest Flame - Selena Gomez & benny blanco
The "Strava Screenshot Upgrade" Revelation, 1M+ views
This TikTok from Fitshot App shows a woman dramatically reacting to discovering she could create dynamic Strava videos instead of sharing boring screenshots.
The reveal shows running footage with data overlaid in real-time.
The "mind blown" reaction sells the discovery. Her exaggerated surprise makes viewers curious about what could be so amazing.
The problem-solution format addresses something many Strava users can relate to - wanting their posts to look more engaging.
The video works because it frames a technical feature as a personal revelation. Instead of a dry tutorial, it feels like accidentally discovering a secret. People would probably share this with running friends who still post basic screenshots.
@fitshotapp Ahh wish I knew sooner #Running #athlete #femaleathlete #fitness #easyrun #distancerunning #marathontraining #strava @Inca ♬ original sound - mcl0vin.c0m
Canine Finish Line Celebration, 1M+ views
This TikTok from a trail running app shows a runner finishing a race and ringing the bell, when her golden retriever immediately jumps up to "hug" her in celebration.
The dog's perfectly timed reaction creates an emotional peak. It looks like the dog understands the significance of the moment and wants to celebrate too. This interspecies connection triggers strong positive feelings and makes people want to share that joy.
The authenticity makes it special - this isn't a trained trick, it's a spontaneous moment of pure happiness. It's a recurring element we've seen in multiple viral case studies.
The runner's genuine laughter and the dog's enthusiasm create a feel-good moment that people bookmark or send to dog-loving friends.
@welovetrail.app Cuando entras a meta con tus dos perritos ❤️⛰️ Y tu? Eres de los que entra a meta con sus mascotas? #trail #trailrunning #dogs #viral #fyp #run #runners ♬ Originalton - Amorea
The Unveiling of an Ultra-Runner's Foot, 1.1M+ views
This TikTok from a trail running app shows someone slowly peeling off an ultra-runner's muddy sock to reveal an extremely waterlogged, pruny foot.
The runner laughs while onlookers gasp in shock.
The slow reveal creates anticipation that keeps people watching.
The "gross-out" factor triggers a visceral reaction - it's disgusting but fascinating.
The onlookers' audible reactions validate your own response and make you feel part of the experience.
For trail runners, this represents a shared reality of the sport. For others, it's a window into what extreme endurance costs your body.
The runner's good humor makes the content more palatable - he's not suffering, he's amused by his own condition. People would probably share this as a "you have to see this" moment.
@welovetrail.app 🏃♂️🔥 Acabas de correr un ultra trail y sientes que tu cuerpo pide auxilio?Aquí te dejo algunos consejos clave para recuperarte rápido y volver más fuerte que nunca! 💪⛰️ 1️⃣ **Rehidratación extrema** 💧: Has perdido muchos electrolitos, ¡repónlos con agua, sales minerales y bebidas isotónicas! 2️⃣ **Nutrición inteligente** 🍽️: Come proteínas y carbohidratos de calidad para reconstruir los músculos y recuperar energía. 3️⃣ **Descanso absoluto** 🛌: Dale a tu cuerpo al menos 48 horas de descanso total antes de volver a entrenar. 4️⃣ **Baños de contraste** 🛁❄️🔥: Alterna agua fría y caliente para reducir la inflamación y acelerar la recuperación. 5️⃣ **Masajes y estiramientos** 👐🧘♂️: Un buen masaje o una sesión de estiramientos suaves ayudan a relajar los músculos. 6️⃣ **Sueño reparador** 😴: Dormir bien es clave para la regeneración muscular y mental. 7️⃣ **Escucha a tu cuerpo** 👂: No te apresures a volver. Si sigues con molestias, dale más tiempo a la recuperación. 🔁 Guarda este post si tienes una carrera próximamente y etiqueta a tu compañero de trail! 🏔️✨ **¿Qué es lo que más te cuesta recuperar después de un ultra? Déjamelo en los comentarios!👇** #UltraTrail #RecuperaciónDeportiva #TrailRunning #CorrerMontaña #RunnerLife #Entrenamiento #Maraton #Deporte #Montañas #Aventura ♬ Scheming Weasel - Tsoulfas Panormitis
The Interactive Resume, 1.7M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Name.com showcases a software engineer's portfolio website that starts as a simple prompt, transforms into a 3D office scene, then lets you click into the virtual computer to access the actual resume content.
The unexpected transition from 2D to 3D creates immediate "wow" factor.
The interaction element keeps people engaged - you want to see what happens when you click different things. For tech professionals, this demonstrates skills in a way that's far more impressive than listing them.
The storytelling through environment makes it memorable. It's not just a resume, it's an experience. People would probably share this with colleagues in tech or save it for their own inspiration.
The Interactive Resume Marvel, 1.7M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Name.com features another portfolio - this time a cyberpunk ramen shop where clicking on signs reveals projects displayed as beverage cans and an arcade machine shows credits.
The thematic consistency elevates it beyond a gimmick. Everything ties together - the ramen shop setting, the beverage-themed projects, the arcade credits.
The gamification makes exploring the portfolio feel like playing a video game.
The technical execution impresses even non-developers. You don't need to understand coding to appreciate the creativity and effort involved. This aspirational content inspires shares within creative communities.
The Street Interview Method, 1.1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Meta for Business uses a street interview format to uncover "5 creative best practices for Reels," but most interviewees give joke answers or claim ignorance before the real tips are revealed.
The format subverts expectations by making the "experts" seem clueless at first. This builds anticipation for the real answers while keeping the tone light and entertaining.
The numbered list structure creates a completion loop - people want to see all five tips.
The blend of humor and education makes typically dry business content engaging.
The wrong answers (like filming horizontally) provide contrast that makes the right answers more memorable.
The Inspiration Catalyst, 1.2M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Notion addresses the common problem of forgetting great ideas.
The creator demonstrates using Notion to capture inspiration while admitting he can't even remember what he had for lunch.
The relatability hook works immediately - everyone has lost a good idea.
The self-deprecating humor about forgetting lunch makes the problem feel universal and the creator more trustworthy.
The solution (write it down) seems obvious but the demonstration shows how to do it properly.
The visual demonstration transforms abstract advice into concrete action. Showing the actual Notion interface makes the solution feel accessible rather than theoretical.
The Savvy Sell, 1.4M+ views
This Instagram Reel from QuoteIQ (a CRM for home services) shows someone pressure washing while explaining why they "hate" when customers delay additional services, because the minimum charge makes small add-ons much more expensive later.
The pressure washing provides visual satisfaction while the business advice unfolds.
The "I hate it for them, not me" framing positions the business owner as customer-focused rather than greedy.
The specific numbers ($50 add-on becoming $250) make the concept tangible.
The video reframes a potentially controversial business practice as customer education. By explaining the logic, it builds trust while demonstrating expertise.
The Roof Cleaning, 1.8M+ views
This Instagram Reel from QuoteIQ demonstrates roof cleaning while explaining it's the "most profitable service" but "hardest to sell" due to cost and awareness issues.
The visual transformation (dirty to clean roof) provides immediate satisfaction.
The honest assessment of pros and cons builds credibility - it's not just hype, it's realistic business advice.
The technical details (sodium hypochlorite, low pressure) add authority.
The contrast between high profitability and sales difficulty creates intrigue. People want to understand why something so valuable is hard to sell.
The Marathon World Record, 15M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Running PEAK captures Kelvin Kiptum setting the marathon world record, with an announcer's excited commentary and the emotional finish line moment.
Peak human achievement creates universal admiration.
The announcer's raw excitement is contagious and amplifies the viewer's emotional response.
The specific time (2:00:35) and pace data help people understand the magnitude of the accomplishment.
The tragic context of Kiptum's later death adds poignancy to the content, transforming it from a sports highlight into a tribute to a lost legend.
A Man's World, 1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Xero features a female entrepreneur discussing barriers in sports and business before sharing her personal health struggles that led to creating period and bladder leak underwear for athletes.
The vulnerability in discussing taboo health topics creates deep connection. Talking openly about endometriosis, hysterectomy, and bladder leaks breaks social barriers and validates other women's experiences.
The journey from personal problem to business solution feels authentic rather than calculated.
The mission-driven purpose elevates the product beyond commerce. It's not just underwear, it's a tool for keeping women in sports.
Woon's Recipe for Connection, 1.7M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Square follows Woon restaurant owner's story from pop-up to permanent location, showing how Square's payment systems enabled the transition.
The authentic behind-the-scenes feel makes it more documentary than advertisement. Seeing the actual owner, his quirky van, and the real food prep creates trust.
The Square integration feels natural because it solves his explicitly stated efficiency needs.
The underdog success story resonates with small business aspirations.
The announcement of a new location creates local community engagement.
The Amboy-Square Success Narrative, 1.2M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Square features chef Alvin Cailan explaining how accepting credit cards via Square transformed his food truck from $300 daily sales to tripling his intake.
The credible messenger elevates the testimonial. Alvin's genuine success with recognizable brands lends weight to his claims.
The specific numbers ($300 to tripling) provide concrete proof of impact rather than vague improvement claims.
The hero's journey structure (struggle, discovery, triumph) creates emotional investment in the outcome. Food visuals enhance the aspirational appeal.
The Unvarnished Truth of Endurance, 1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Running PEAK shows a montage of NYC Marathon runners struggling - cramping, walking, stretching, and painfully descending stairs afterward.
The raw authenticity contrasts with typical polished race coverage. Showing the struggle rather than just the triumph creates empathy and relatability. For runners, it validates their own difficult experiences.
The final stairs scene is universally relatable to anyone who's pushed their physical limits.
The specific focus on post-marathon mobility issues provides both humor and shared understanding.
The Entrepreneurial Leap, 170M+ views
This TikTok from Shopify shows a former teacher launching her business "The Mane Attraction" and capturing the moment of her first sale with raw, authentic emotion.
The anticipation buildup (countdown timer, anxiety, family doubt) creates dramatic tension.
The "cha-ching" sound and her genuine reaction provide explosive emotional payoff.
The rapid progression from first sale to quitting teaching delivers a satisfying transformation arc.
The universal dream of entrepreneurial freedom resonates broadly. Her vulnerability and authentic joy make the success feel earned and inspiring.
@shopify a teacher turned CEO is rewriting the rules of business. say hello to @The Mane Attraction ♬ original sound - Shopify
Entrepreneurial Quick Wins, 1M+ views
This TikTok from Qonto features an energetic young man delivering three pieces of business advice in rapid-fire style with dynamic editing and zoom transitions.
The presenter's peer-to-peer delivery style builds trust.
The "refreshing Indeed" reference creates immediate relatability for job seekers.
The fast-paced editing with micro-transitions maintains attention and prevents drop-off.
The actionable advice ("register that domain," "film that TikTok") provides immediate next steps rather than vague inspiration.
@qonto Ever wished you could ditch the job and be your own boss? It's not as crazy as it sounds. Here are 3 tips to escape the 9-to-5 and build something you actually love. #Entrepreneur #Startyourbusiness ♬ son original - Qonto
The Accidental Eavesdrop Tutorial, 5.5M+ views
This TikTok from Canva shows a screen recording of creating an animation tutorial, but the audio is completely unrelated - two women discussing height and aging.
The audio-visual mismatch creates powerful intrigue.
The conversation about height insecurity and "shrinking with age" feels authentic and relatable, making viewers feel like they're overhearing real people.
The perceived accidental nature makes it charming rather than forced. People share it for the unexpected human moment rather than the Canva tips.
@canva Creating your own animation in Canva is ✨very nice✨
♬ original sound - LX News
Empowerment in Action, 2.1M+ views
This TikTok from GoDaddy combines a motivational speech for women entrepreneurs with a quick design tutorial, creating a "YOU GO GIRL" graphic and showing it on merchandise mockups.
The target audience specificity ("every woman who wants to start a business") creates immediate connection.
The motivational message ("risk and fear are temporary, regrets are forever") provides quotable inspiration while the design demo offers practical value.
The seamless blend of inspiration and instruction makes the call to action feel natural rather than forced.
@godaddy Don’t listen to the naysayers, listen to @Lindsay Albanese. Go girl! 🔥 #breakthebias#WomensDay #Femaleentrepreneurs #WomanOwned #SmallBusiness #TikTokEntrepereneur #Buildyourbusiness #GoDaddyStudio #designapp ♬ original sound - Lindsay Albanese
The Micro-Tutorial Powerhouse, 25M+ views
This TikTok from Shopify promises to show how to give store credit "in under 30 seconds" and delivers exactly that through efficient screen recording.
The time constraint creates urgency and respect for viewers' attention.
The step-by-step visual demonstration removes all ambiguity about the process.
The high information density makes every second valuable.
For Shopify users, this solves a specific practical need.
The bookmark-worthy utility drives saves and shares among colleagues.
@shopify give credit where credit is due
♬ original sound - Shopify
The Font Showcase Funnel, 8M+ views
This TikTok from GoDaddy showcases "2022 trending" fonts with their names displayed in each typeface against stylish backgrounds, ending with a reveal that they're all available in GoDaddy Studio.
The "trending" hook taps into FOMO while the rapid-fire showcase maintains engagement. Each font gets its own aesthetic moment, creating a visually rich experience.
The practical font pairing suggestions add professional value.
The clear funnel from inspiration to tool access closes the loop between desire and fulfillment.
@godaddy These trending psychedelic fonts will make your business stand out ⚡ Find all the fonts you can dream of in the #GoDaddyStudioApp. #SmallBusinessTikTok #smallbusinessowner #entrepreneur #design #GoDaddy #FYP ♬ pope is a rockstar x rockstar - jovynn
The Ocean Spray Ripple Effect, 2M+ views
This TikTok from Shopify explains how the viral Ocean Spray skateboarding video actually benefited over 700 family farmers since Ocean Spray is a cooperative, not a big corporation.
The recontextualization of a known viral moment adds new meaning. Learning that Ocean Spray supports small farmers rather than corporate profits creates a feel-good revelation.
The sales impact data (10x searches, 5.6x sales) shows real-world positive outcomes.
People share this as "good news" content that makes them feel better about viral culture's impact.
@shopify in case you were thinking of skateboarding with a bottle of ocean spray #feelinggood #smallbusinesscheck #entrepreneurtiktok #fyp #didyouknow #info ♬ original sound - Shopify
The Unresolved Utility Hook, 9M+ views
This TikTok from Canva shows someone discovering the "summarize text" feature and starting to use it, but cuts off before showing the result.
The cliffhanger structure forces engagement. People want to see the outcome but are left hanging, driving comments asking for the result.
The utility is obvious - everyone deals with information overload - but the demonstration stops at peak curiosity.
The audio choice ("processing a tremendous amount of insane information") perfectly matches the tool's purpose.
@canva /Summarize text to help you process an insane amount of info 😉 #Canva #CanvaTok #CanvaHack #CanvaTip #CanvaDocs #MagicWriteTool ♬ original sound - Tiktok / IG strategy 🚀
The All-Seeing Slackbot, 0.36M+ views
This TikTok from Slack shows someone getting distracted by their phone, then Slack notifications start "talking" to them, warning about work and offering helpful tips.
The creator's face is superimposed on the Slack logo.
The personification of Slack creates humor through anthropomorphism.
The "conspiracy theory" angle (Slackbot knowing about management discussions) taps into workplace paranoia while the actual productivity tip provides genuine value.
The visual gag of the face on the logo creates a memorable character that stands out from generic workplace skits.
@slackhq Why Slackbot, you’re so…helpful. @CorporateDumpsterFire ♬ original sound - Slack
Small Business Marketing 101, 1M+ views
This TikTok from Qonto uses a bakery analogy to explain different marketing concepts (advertising, sales, promotion, PR, influencer marketing) in under 60 seconds with a visible timer.
The simple analogy makes complex concepts accessible.
The timer creates urgency and promises efficiency. Each concept gets a concrete example rather than abstract definition.
The rapid-fire delivery respects short attention spans while the clear structure makes information easy to remember and apply.
@qonto Marketing for small businesses in less than 60 seconds: it's not just about chocolate muffins (but it helps! 😉). #Businesstips #Smallbusiness #Marketing
♬ son original - Qonto
The "Gen Z Script" Effect, 0.8M+ views
This TikTok from Qonto features a professional product manager delivering a corporate script written entirely in Gen Z slang, creating humor through the contrast between formal business content and casual language.
The incongruity between professional setting and slang creates comedy.
The presenter's commitment to the bit (delivering it seriously) heightens the humor.
The multi-generational appeal works for different age groups for different reasons.
The video provides actual product information disguised as entertainment, making corporate communication more engaging than traditional approaches.
@qonto who is this diva presenting our latest product updates? ✨💖 #genz #slayed #freelancer #smallbusiness #entrepreneur ♬ son original - Qonto
Hi Barbie Hi Ken, 4M+ views
This TikTok from Canva uses the popular Barbie movie audio while rapidly displaying Canva element keywords for creating Barbie-themed designs.
The trending audio provides immediate cultural relevance and positive associations.
The rapid keyword display creates information density that requires multiple views to absorb.
The trend alignment makes the content feel timely and useful.
The perfect sync between audio theme and visual content creates cohesive experience rather than random trend-jacking.
@canva Replying to @Debbie Hoven It’s a #Barbie world, and we’re just living in it 💅 #Canva #CanvaTok #ElementKeywords #CanvaElementKeywords #CanvaElements #BarbieMovie ♬ Hi Barbie Hi Ken Barbie Movie Only In Theaters - Barbie Movie
Napolify's Resources
- More than 500 viral content pieces analyzed
- Case Studies of viral accounts (Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook)
- Free Marketing Tools & Calculators
- Latest Tiktok Trends
More blog posts
- Viral marketing trends for running apps
- Viral marketing strategies for running apps
- Viral short videos made by running apps