24 viral short videos made by running apps
Short videos can help your running app grow fast. These clips show what works—training tips, real progress, and running motivation.
Want to try it for your app? Let's do it.
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 social media strategies for running apps
- Viral marketing strategies for running apps
Marathon Milestones, 1.5M+ views
In this Instagram Reel from Strava, the app for active people, we see Joe Sugg documenting his London Marathon journey with his girlfriend Dianne Buswell supporting him and friend Savannah Sachdev as his pacer.
The hook starts with an intimate moment - a kiss from his girlfriend - which immediately sets emotional stakes before jumping into "after months of training, this was it." This creates investment because viewers want to see if he'll succeed after all that preparation.
What works here is the authentic struggle. At 30km, he's visibly exhausted but keeps going, which taps into that universal experience of pushing through when things get tough.
The selfie-style filming makes you feel like you're running with him, not just watching from the sidelines.
The payoff comes when he crosses the finish line with Savannah, gets his medal, and references avoiding a previous "Bake Off situation" where he fainted. That self-deprecating humor makes him relatable despite being a known personality.
A Viral Marathon Moment, 1.4M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Strava opens with text that mirrors what viewers are thinking: "They really ran that pace for a whole marathon." This immediately creates connection by voicing the disbelief most people feel watching elite runners.
The video cycles through four different runners with their paces and achievements shown on screen. Eilish McColgan gets labeled as "British & European Record Holder," Alex Yee as "Olympic and World Triathlon Champion" but also "Just a chill guy." This mix of impressive credentials with down-to-earth descriptions makes elite athletes feel more human.
The crowd cheering throughout acts as social proof that these performances matter. But the real hook is Phily Bowden getting recognized for "1st stirring up the crowd" - a unique award that shows personality matters as much as pace.
People would probably share this because it showcases superhuman performance while making the athletes feel approachable through those personality snippets.
London Marathon Triumph, 0.6M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Strava starts with "You did it babe!" and shows a medal against the London Eye backdrop.
The instant celebration hook draws you in before cutting to the journey that led there.
The vulnerability comes when she admits "something I never thought I'd be able to do." This self-doubt angle works because most people have felt that way about big challenges.
The training montage with Strava data overlays serves as proof of the work, but she's honest about having "dreadful runs" too.
The emotional peak happens when she sees her husband and the Strava team at mile 20. That support system visualization hits hard because running a marathon really does require your people.
The final reveal - a 13-minute PR and Boston qualifying time - gives concrete achievement to celebrate.
The "cheeky pints" ending adds authentic British culture that makes the whole thing feel more real than polished.
The "Pregnant Pause" Payout, 1.4M+ views
In this Instagram Reel from INFLUISH, India's 1st Influencer Marketing Platform, a man appears on a rooftop wearing a purple palm-tree shirt stuffed to look like he has a large belly.
The visual immediately breaks the scroll pattern. Your brain expects normal content, gets this weird "pregnant" presenter, and has to stop to figure out what's happening. That curiosity gap keeps people watching.
He then delivers pricing advice for influencers - charge 1/3rd of your follower count if under 100K, or 50-70% if your engagement is high.
The stuffed shirt makes this otherwise dry information memorable and discussion-worthy.
The pivot to promoting the INFLUISH app feels natural because he's already established himself as someone giving helpful advice. People would probably comment asking about the shirt or debating his pricing formula, both of which boost engagement.
It's one of the classic viral formats we have noticed.
Adizero, 1.1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from adidas Running shows a runner tossing white Adizero shoes into the air where they defy gravity and hang suspended. Your brain expects them to fall, but they don't, creating immediate intrigue.
While the shoes float, the runner does a quick outfit change and ties his laces. This keeps multiple things happening so attention doesn't drift during the "magic" moment.
The payoff comes when the text completes "Everything's faster...in Adios Pro 4s" and the shoes finally snap onto his feet with a visual effect.
The leg appears to turn white or merge with the shoe, adding another layer of visual interest.
This works because it uses magical realism to represent the product benefit. Instead of just saying the shoes are innovative, they show it through impossible physics. People would share this for the "how did they do that?" factor alone.
Glassdoor's Viral Hit, 1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Glassdoor promises "the top five best places to work for 2025" then adds that "#4 company has made most of their employees millionaires." That specific detail creates a curiosity gap that hooks viewers immediately.
The countdown format keeps people watching to see each reveal, especially to discover who #1 is. But the real engagement comes from mixing expected companies like Nvidia with surprises like In-N-Out Burger and Crew Carwash.
Each company gets a "secret sauce" explanation - Nvidia's leadership, In-N-Out's culture despite being fast food, Crew Carwash promoting from within. These insights make the list feel more valuable than just names and rankings.
The presenter's energy and direct eye contact build trust, while mentioning the data comes from employee reviews adds credibility. People would probably share this with colleagues or save it for job hunting reference.
The Oversized Treadmill Experience, 1.1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Running PEAK shows a man jogging on an exceptionally wide treadmill.
The sheer scale immediately breaks expectations because everyone has a mental image of standard treadmill size.
The camera work transforms a simple demonstration into an experience. It tracks him from behind, moves to his side, then goes low-angle looking up, making both the runner and treadmill seem more imposing.
The final shot has him running directly toward the camera with a focused expression, wearing retro athletic gear with a headband and mustache. This gives him personality beyond just being a faceless athlete.
The upbeat, slightly quirky music matches the unusual visual perfectly. People would probably comment on the treadmill's size or joke about wanting one, making it highly shareable for its novelty factor.
This pattern keeps popping up in our breakdowns of viral content.
The Heartbeat of Hope, 0.8M+ views
This Instagram Reel from KIPRUN opens with scenic shots of Iten, Kenya, establishing it as the land of champions before introducing "42 HOUSE" as more than just a training camp.
The hook comes when they say "KIPRUN is a big family!" This shifts focus from athletic performance to human connection, which is universally appealing.
The athletes aren't just fast runners, they're people in a supportive community.
When an athlete shares "my life has changed a lot," it taps into that desire for transformation we all have.
The video emphasizes working "as a team" and cooperating "as a family" rather than individual achievement.
The pacing mixes inspiring landscape shots with personal testimonials and race footage. This broader narrative about community and growth appeals to anyone interested in human potential, not just hardcore running fans.
The Unbreakable Bond, 1.1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from RunMotion Coach shows a couple running the Paris Half Marathon hand-in-hand.
The woman waves and smiles while the man looks exhausted, but they stay connected throughout.
The French text overlay "À l'amour, à la force de l'esprit, à ta renaissance" frames this as a story about love and rebirth. When they cross the finish line together and share an emotional embrace, it delivers on that promise.
The real emotional trigger comes from context revealed in comments - the man has RCH (Ulcerative Colitis) and was in a flare-up but decided to run "with rage for me" while she ran "with fear for you." This transforms a sweet couple moment into an extraordinary story of determination.
The authentic emotion at the finish line - tears, exhaustion, relief - creates strong empathetic connection. People would share this to spread the inspiring story of love and perseverance.
The Perfect Morning Motivator, 2.5M+ views
This Instagram Reel from KIPRUN starts with a friendly voice saying "Hey! This looks like the perfect morning!" while showing someone tying running shoes.
The enthusiasm feels like a supportive companion rather than a detached advertiser.
The video follows a runner from lacing up to beach sunrise scenes, with the voiceover building excitement: "You. And me. And the sunrise!!! And the beach!!!" Each exclamation is backed by beautiful visuals.
What makes this work is the personal connection. It doesn't feel like watching someone else run - it feels like the shoes are talking to you, promising to be your partner in achieving that perfect morning.
The pacing is energetic with quick cuts synchronized to an almost musical beat. People would probably share this as morning motivation or save it for inspiration before their own runs.
For us, it looks very familiar, because it's a proven format we've documented many times.
Shopify's Feature Showcase, 24M+ views
This TikTok from Shopify, the entrepreneurship company, announces "Here are 4 NEW THINGS from Shopify" with clear, digestible structure.
The countdown format builds anticipation and ensures people watch to the end.
Each feature gets concise explanation with visual UI mockups.
The "Subscriptions App" becomes a "magic button for predictable revenue." Semantic Search lets people search for "something warm to wear in winter" instead of "thick socks," showing clear improvement.
The AI image editing promises "no design skills necessary" while the Ship from Store feature offers "win-win" efficiency. Each benefit is stated clearly rather than buried in technical specs.
This succeeds because it shows features in action through clean visuals while explicitly stating user benefits. Business owners would share this with colleagues because it contains immediately actionable information.
@shopify new things from Shopify ✨
♬ original sound - Shopify
The Relatable Rush to Relief, 1.9M+ views
This TikTok from GoDaddy shows a woman in panic mode with text identifying her as "a stressed influencer and business owner who can't create content fast enough." She lip-syncs frantic audio expressing inability to cope.
Then there's a quick cut. Same woman, now cool and confident in sunglasses and leather jacket, with text reading "discovers the GoDaddy Studio app" and audio shifting to a nonchalant "Anyway..."
The dramatic transformation in just six seconds provides a satisfying problem-solution narrative.
The exaggerated panic makes the pain relatable while the stark visual contrast shows the "after" state people want to achieve.
People would probably share this with peers experiencing similar creative pressure because it offers both relatable humor and a potential solution.
@godaddy From crisis to casual 😎 @Reagan Baylee uses #GoDaddyStudio to grow her business 📲💻 #youngentrepreneur #smallbusinessowner #femaleentrepreneur #design #GoDaddyStudio #GoDaddy #SmallBusinessTikTok #FYP ♬ original sound - Welshy🏳️🌈🏴
Canva's Instant Color Palette Hack, 6.6M+ views
This TikTok from Canva shows a design with clashing lime green background and purple border. A user drags a beach sunset image onto the design, then right-clicks and selects "Apply colors to page."
Instantly, the entire design transforms to match the sunset's color palette - soft pinks, beiges, and muted purples.
The "Voila!" text emphasizes the magical simplicity.
This works because it solves a real problem many people have with color coordination.
The hack is so simple - drag, right-click, done - that it feels accessible to any skill level.
The visual transformation is highly satisfying.
The "before" looks amateur while the "after" looks professional, providing clear proof of the hack's value. People would save this for future reference or share it with other Canva users.
@canva What do you want to see next? 👀 #Canva #CanvaTok #CanvaHack #CanvaTip #CanvaTutorial #CanvaDesign #CanvaLove ♬ original sound - Kate | RIR
Canva Keyword Goldmine, 2.2M+ views
This TikTok from Canva opens with "Canva Element Keywords (Part 2)" and a comment requesting "Part 2 neooow," providing immediate social proof that this content is in demand.
The video uses popular audio expressing enthusiastic approval ("Ooooh, this is nice! Girl!") that syncs with reveals of beautiful floral graphics. This creates a dopamine hit when discovering each new keyword.
Four distinct keywords are revealed rapid-fire: "canvauaewildflorals," "canvasavibrantflora," "canvadetailedfloral," "canvauaegradientflorals." The quick pace maintains engagement and encourages rewatches.
People would probably save this for future design projects or share it with fellow creators.
The trending audio makes learning feel fun rather than educational.
It's a recurring element we've seen in multiple viral case studies.
@canva Replying to @Legacy Youth Leadership You can buy your self flowers or add them to your designs with these Canva element keywords 😌 #canvatok #canvaelementkeywords #canvaelements #canva #canvatip ♬ original sound - ItsVyvica
The Canva "Magic Write" Love Language Spark, 5.1M+ views
This TikTok from Canva starts with "POV: Magic Write poems are your new love language" while showing someone smiling at their laptop.
The setup immediately establishes an emotionally resonant scenario.
The user navigates to Canva Docs, clicks "Add Magic," selects "Magic Write," and types "write a funny poem for my best friend at work." The AI generates a poem, then we see the recipient genuinely laughing at her computer.
The payoff shows the generated poem beautifully formatted on a celebratory card design. This demonstrates the complete workflow from idea to finished, shareable product.
The "work bestie" angle is widely relatable, and framing AI as a "love language" makes technology feel emotionally intelligent. People would probably try this immediately with their own workplace friendships.
@canva New love language unlocked with Magic Write poem generator #poemgenerator #textgenerator #canvahack ♬ original sound - Canva
The Ocean Spray Ripple Effect, 2M+ views
This TikTok from Shopify acknowledges the viral Nathan Apodaca skateboarding moment with "we all obviously know THIS by now," then pivots with "but... do you know about this?" This creates curiosity about related information.
The revelation is that Ocean Spray isn't a typical corporation but a cooperative of over 700 family farmers. This reframes the brand from faceless entity to collective of small businesses, triggering desire to support underdogs.
The video shows a graph with "10x increase in searches" and "5.6x increase in sales," plus images of empty store shelves. This demonstrates real-world impact on actual farmers.
People would share this because it transforms a fun meme into a feel-good story about supporting small businesses.
The positive revelation makes viewers feel good about a brand they already knew.
@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 text already highlighted in a document with "POV: you discover Canva's summarize text tool" overlay. Audio plays saying "I'm sorry, I'm trying to process a tremendous amount of insane information."
The cursor clicks a plus icon, revealing a dropdown with "Summarise text" among options.
The user selects it, and a "Summarising text..." notification appears before the video cuts off.
The unresolved tension is the key hook. By showing the tool's activation but not the result, viewers feel compelled to rewatch or seek completion. This psychological trigger significantly boosts engagement.
People would probably comment demanding to see the result or asking about the tool's effectiveness.
The high utility of AI summarization makes this valuable content to save or share with colleagues.
@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, 0.4M+ views
This TikTok from Slack shows a person distracted by their phone when a Slack notification sound plays. Instead of a normal notification, a voice speaks as the Slack alert itself: "Hello put the phone down and get back to work."
The video transitions to show an actual Slackbot message warning about an overdue project mentioned in the Management Channel, saying "you didn't hear it from me." This makes the bot seem conspiratorial and all-knowing.
The visual escalation happens when the creator's face gets superimposed onto the Slack logo, creating a memorable character.
The Slackbot then offers a genuine tip about using keyword notifications.
This works because it anthropomorphizes a familiar tool in an unexpected way. People would share this with colleagues who "get" the office humor and workplace anxiety it captures.
@slackhq Why Slackbot, you’re so…helpful. @CorporateDumpsterFire ♬ original sound - Slack
Small Business Marketing 101, 1M+ views
This TikTok from Qonto, the business finance solution for SMEs and freelancers, promises to explain "small business marketing in less than 60 seconds" with a visible timer counting up.
Using a bakery analogy, he breaks down concepts: flyers for new muffins is "advertising," saying they're "only available this weekend" is "sales," behind-the-scenes content is "promotion," food influencer partnerships are "influencer marketing," and press coverage is "public relations."
The rapid-fire delivery respects viewers' time while the simple analogies make complex marketing concepts accessible. Each term gets a concrete example that small business owners can immediately understand.
People would save this for reference or share with fellow entrepreneurs because it provides genuine educational value in an extremely digestible format.
@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 shows James, a Product Marketing Manager, delivering a script "written by Gen Z colleagues." He opens with "Hey besties" and promises to "spill the tea on all our latest features."
The humor comes from the contrast between corporate features and slang delivery. Complex workflows become "iconic," bad processes were "kind of mid," and VAT management prevents "negative aura." He concludes that automation gives "glow up energy."
The deadpan delivery without winking at the camera heightens the comedic effect. His commitment to the bit makes it funnier than if he seemed embarrassed about the language.
People would probably share this with colleagues for the humor while still absorbing information about Qonto's features.
The rapid cuts and varied locations maintain visual interest throughout the slang-heavy delivery.
@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 immediately deploys the recognizable "Hi Barbie, Hi Ken" audio from the blockbuster movie, creating instant cultural connection before any visual content is revealed.
The promise of "Canva Element Keywords Barbie Edition" targets users wanting to capitalize on the Barbiecore trend. Keywords like "canvaglitterstickers" and "canvadreamypopculture" are revealed rapid-fire.
The audio isn't just background noise - it thematically aligns with the Barbie-themed visual elements being showcased, creating a cohesive experience rather than randomly attached trending sound.
People would share this to participate in the Barbie cultural moment while getting practical value.
The speed necessitates rewatches to catch all keywords, directly boosting watch time metrics.
@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
The Stepler Money-Making Reveal, 1.7M+ views
This TikTok from Stepler - Get rewarded for every step you take! - shows a woman looking stressed while staring at her phone with text "POV: Stepler launched 💎's and you're freaking out."
The scene shifts dramatically. Same woman, now relaxed and serene with sparkle effects and dreamy music, as text reads "vs. when you realize that you can actually make money 🦋."
The final reveal shows the phone's "DIAMOND REWARDS" screen where diamonds convert to real currency amounts (£8, £20, £80) through familiar payment methods like PayPal and Visa.
The transformation from confusion to calm realization creates a powerful problem-solution arc. People would share this because it demonstrates a clear path from app currency to real money, making the abstract concept tangible.
@steplerapp Have you earned any diamonds yet? 💎💎 #getrewarded #rewards ♬ All American B Scream Ending Olivia Rodrigo - Khaleesi
The "Overlay Revelation" TikTok, 1.7M+ views
This TikTok from Fitshot App opens with exaggerated surprise and text "Wdym I've been posting running pics without adding this overlay :///" This immediately creates FOMO - what overlay is everyone else using?
The quick screen recording shows pasting text to generate a sophisticated running data overlay with distance, pace graph, and min/km stats.
The transformation from basic photo to data-rich post is instantly appealing.
The music choice adds unexpected humor - "These hoes ain't loyal" plays right as the overlay appears, creating a meme-like pattern interrupt that makes it more memorable than a standard tutorial.
People would save this for their own running posts or share with fellow runners.
The brevity and high visual payoff make it perfect for immediate application and easy rewatching.
@fitshotapp So quick an easy, would be rude not to!! #Running #distancerunning #fitness #fitshot #strava #runningcontent #intervaltraining #marathontraining #athlete #instagramstories @Inca ♬ original sound - Chanel😽
Keep Fighting Moment, 1.3M+ views
This TikTok from Trail running APP shows runner Malen battling through foggy, muddy conditions with encouraging text "Keep fighting, Malen, keep fighting!" As she passes the camera, she suddenly collapses from exhaustion.
The camera focuses on her race bib reading "WORLD ELITE" before showing her face, arm thrown over her eyes, completely spent.
The poignant music intensifies during and after the collapse.
This raw display of giving everything until total physical shutdown taps into admiration for elite-level dedication.
The encouraging text guides viewers to emotionally invest in her struggle before the dramatic climax.
People would share this to show what giving your all looks like or to inspire others facing their own challenges.
The authentic vulnerability combined with elite-level context makes it deeply moving and highly shareable.
@welovetrail.app Cuando lo das todo en la montaña 🙌🔥 🎥 Goldentrailseries #trailrunning #trail #run #running #runners #fyp #viral #mountains ♬ som original - Football Moments
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 social media strategies for running apps
- Viral marketing strategies for running apps