15 viral marketing trends for running apps in 2025
Marketing trends in 2025 are changing fast. For running apps, the winning moves are real progress, achievable goals, and inclusive running content.
If you want to use what's working now, we'll show you how.
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 strategies for running apps
- Viral Tiktok videos made by running apps
- Viral Instagram Reels made by running apps
Behind-the-Scenes Tutorial Magic
This trend takes viewers inside the process of creating content, showing the "how" behind polished posts.
People love seeing the machinery behind the magic, especially when it's simple enough to replicate.
The perfect example is The Unresolved Utility Hook (9 million views), where Canva demonstrates their text summarization tool but cuts off right before showing the final result. This creates massive curiosity and makes viewers want to try it themselves. Another standout is The Font Showcase Funnel (8 million views), which rapidly shows different trending fonts while revealing they're all available in GoDaddy Studio.
For running apps, show users how to create those satisfying pace overlay graphics or teach them to set up custom workout alerts. Film yourself navigating your app's hidden features or demonstrate how to sync data between devices. The key is making complex features look effortlessly simple.
@canva /Summarize text to help you process an insane amount of info 😉 #Canva #CanvaTok #CanvaHack #CanvaTip #CanvaDocs #MagicWriteTool ♬ original sound - Tiktok / IG strategy 🚀
Micro-Success Story Amplification
Short, punchy success stories work better than long testimonials.
People want to see real results fast, not sit through a documentary.
The Entrepreneurial Leap (170 million views) shows the exact moment someone made their first sale after quitting teaching. The raw emotion when that "cha-ching" sound hits is pure gold. Shopify's Feature Showcase (24 million views) breaks down four new features in under 75 seconds, each with immediate, tangible benefits.
For your running app, capture the moment someone hits a new PR, completes their first 5K, or finally nails their target pace. Show real users' before-and-after stats. Keep it under 30 seconds and focus on that emotional peak when the achievement hits. Numbers tell the story, but emotions sell the dream.
@shopify a teacher turned CEO is rewriting the rules of business. say hello to @The Mane Attraction ♬ original sound - Shopify
The Curiosity Cliffhanger Framework
Starting with the payoff, then explaining how you got there, keeps people watching until the very end. It flips traditional storytelling on its head.
The Canva "Magic Write" Love Language Spark (5.1 million views) opens with someone laughing at a poem, then shows how AI created it. Airport Sprint (1 million views) reveals a crazy Strava segment at Denver Airport, then shows the actual attempt.
Start your content with the most impressive stat or moment from a run, then backtrack to show the journey. "She just ran a 6-minute mile... here's how her training app made it possible." This pattern keeps popping up in our breakdowns of viral content. Lead with the victory lap, then show the work.
@canva New love language unlocked with Magic Write poem generator #poemgenerator #textgenerator #canvahack ♬ original sound - Canva
Data Storytelling with Human Stakes
Raw numbers mean nothing without human context.
People don't care about statistics until they understand what those numbers mean for real people.
The Ocean Spray Ripple Effect (2 million views) transforms a viral TikTok dance into a story about 700+ family farmers getting a massive sales boost. The Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 (51 million views) doesn't just show a shoe - it creates intrigue around its unusual design through close-ups and movement.
Turn your app's metrics into human stories. Don't just say "users run 30% more with our app." Show Sarah, who went from struggling with 2-mile runs to completing her first half-marathon in six months. Make the data personal, make it visual, make it matter to someone's actual life.
@shopify in case you were thinking of skateboarding with a bottle of ocean spray #feelinggood #smallbusinesscheck #entrepreneurtiktok #fyp #didyouknow #info ♬ original sound - Shopify
Relatable Struggle Documentation
Showing the messy reality of pursuing goals creates deeper connections than highlighting only the wins.
People bond over shared struggles more than shared successes.
Keep Fighting Moment (1.3 million views) captures a runner collapsing from exhaustion but getting back up, showing raw determination. The Unanswered Question (2.4 million views) asks runners about the most "unhinged" things they've done during long runs, creating a space for shared confessions.
Document the real moments in running: hitting the wall at mile 20, struggling with motivation on rainy mornings, or dealing with injury setbacks.
Your app can be the solution, but first, you need to acknowledge the problem exists. Show how your features help users push through these universal running challenges.
@welovetrail.app Cuando lo das todo en la montaña 🙌🔥 🎥 Goldentrailseries #trailrunning #trail #run #running #runners #fyp #viral #mountains ♬ som original - Football Moments
Product Demo Through Lifestyle Integration
Instead of explaining features, show them seamlessly woven into someone's actual routine. The product becomes part of the story, not the focus of it.
The Commuter's Companion (1.5 million views) shows someone transitioning from a workout to work, using their Garmin watch to play music without their phone. The Micro-Tutorial Powerhouse (25 million views) demonstrates giving store credit in under 30 seconds, solving a real business need efficiently.
Show your running app in action during real training scenarios. Film someone using voice coaching during interval training, or demonstrate how GPS accuracy helps during trail runs. The app should feel like a natural extension of their running routine, not an interruption to it.
@shopify give credit where credit is due
♬ original sound - Shopify
Community Challenge Showcases
People want to belong to something bigger than themselves. Showcasing group achievements and challenges taps into this fundamental human need.
Puppy-Powered Social Magnet (0.8 million views) shows how bringing a dog to a singles running club instantly creates connections and conversation. Running Truths (1 million views) validates different types of runners, breaking down gatekeeping in the community.
Highlight group challenges within your app, showcase diverse runner achievements, and celebrate different definitions of success. Create content around virtual races, team challenges, or milestone celebrations. Make every user feel like they're part of a supportive community, regardless of their pace or distance.
@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
Transformation Proof Points
Before-and-after stories work, but the "during" moments are what make them believable. Show the process, not just the results.
The Unyielding Finish (1.4 million views) captures a runner at 159km, exhausted but determined to finish the final kilometer. Perfecting Running Form (2 million views) shows real-time form corrections with immediate visual improvements.
Document the messy middle of running journeys. Show someone's pace improving week by week, their confidence growing through your coaching features, or their form getting better with your technique tips. The struggle makes the victory meaningful. Progress isn't always linear, and showing that reality builds trust.
@welovetrail.app Que opinan? 159km de carrera y entrar así 🥹 #trailrunning #trail #run #running #runnergirl #runners ♬ original sound - Warriors
Expert Knowledge Accessibility
Taking complex running science and making it immediately actionable creates massive value for viewers.
People want expert-level insights in beginner-friendly packages.
Small Business Marketing 101 (1 million views) breaks down marketing concepts using a simple bakery analogy, making complex ideas instantly understandable. Shopify's Feature Showcase shows four powerful features in under 75 seconds, each with clear benefits explained.
Break down running concepts like VO2 max, lactate threshold, or proper pacing strategies using simple analogies. Show how your app translates complex training science into easy-to-follow workouts. Make elite-level knowledge accessible to everyday runners through your content and your product features.
@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
Authentic Moment Captures
Unscripted, genuine reactions create stronger emotional connections than polished presentations. Real moments feel more trustworthy and shareable.
Canine Finish Line Celebration (1 million views) captures the spontaneous moment when a dog jumps up to "celebrate" with a runner crossing the finish line. The Unveiling of an Ultra-Runner's Foot (1.1 million views) shows the raw reality of extreme endurance - the shocking state of a runner's foot after 159km.
Capture real moments: the genuine surprise when someone beats their PR, the exhausted smile after a tough workout, or the determination in someone's eyes during intervals. These authentic emotions are what make people want to share your content and trust your app. Don't stage perfection; showcase real progress.
@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
Problem-Solution Narrative Acceleration
Quickly establishing a relatable problem and demonstrating an immediate solution creates compelling viewing. The faster you can show value, the more engaged viewers become.
The Financial Yo-Yo and the Walking Reward (1 million views) contrasts budget struggles with easy step rewards, showing a clear alternative. Canva's Instant Color Palette Hack (6.6 million views) solves design coordination problems in seconds with a simple right-click.
Identify common running frustrations - inconsistent pacing, motivation dips, or training plateaus - then show exactly how your app features solve them. Keep the problem setup brief and the solution demonstration immediate. It's one of the classic viral formats we have noticed. Viewers should see the value within the first few seconds.
@steplerapp Getting rewarded have never been easier! Do not take one more step before you’ve downloaded the Stepler app! 🏃🏃 #walking #steplerapp #rewards ♬
Comparative Performance Storytelling
Showing different approaches or results side-by-side helps viewers understand value through contrast. Comparison creates clarity and drives decision-making.
The Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 (51 million views) showcases an unusual shoe design through multiple angles and interactions, highlighting what makes it different. The "Strava Screenshot Upgrade" Revelation (1 million views) contrasts boring static screenshots with dynamic video overlays.
Compare training with and without your app's guidance, show pace consistency improvements over time, or demonstrate the difference between generic and personalized workout plans. Let the contrast tell the story - better results speak louder than marketing claims.
Seasonal Relevance Amplification
Tying content to current events, seasons, or trending topics dramatically increases discoverability and shareability. Relevance accelerates reach.
Hi Barbie Hi Ken (4 million views) leveraged the Barbie movie hype to showcase Canva design elements, using the trending audio and aesthetic. The Accidental Eavesdrop Tutorial (5.5 million views) pairs unrelated but relatable audio with a useful design tutorial.
Connect your running content to marathon seasons, New Year fitness resolutions, or summer training prep. Use trending audio, reference current events, or tie into seasonal challenges.
Your running app can help people achieve their seasonal goals - make that connection explicit and timely.
@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
Aspirational Lifestyle Positioning
Show the life people want to live, not just the product they might use.
People buy into visions of their future selves, not feature lists.
Empowerment in Action (2.1 million views) doesn't just show design tools; it shows someone creating empowering business content. Entrepreneurial Quick Wins (1 million views) presents business advice as a pathway to freedom from job-searching frustration.
Show the runner's lifestyle your app enables: early morning confidence, race day preparation, post-run satisfaction, or long-term health benefits. Position your app as the bridge between where someone is now and where they want to be. Make the aspiration tangible and achievable.
@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
Technical Innovation Storytelling
Making advanced features feel accessible and beneficial, rather than complicated or intimidating. Innovation should feel like magic, not complexity.
The Unresolved Utility Hook demonstrates AI text summarization as effortless problem-solving. The Font Showcase Funnel makes discovering design resources feel like uncovering treasure.
Present your app's advanced features - like AI coaching, predictive analytics, or biomechanical analysis - as simple solutions to real running challenges. Focus on the benefit, not the technology. Show how complex algorithms translate into easier training decisions and better results for everyday runners.
@canva /Summarize text to help you process an insane amount of info 😉 #Canva #CanvaTok #CanvaHack #CanvaTip #CanvaDocs #MagicWriteTool ♬ original sound - Tiktok / IG strategy 🚀
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 strategies for running apps
- Viral Tiktok videos made by running apps
- Viral Instagram Reels made by running apps