Successfully fool your friends into getting Rickrolled with this quick guide
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Rickrolling is the act of tricking a person into opening a video of Rick Astley singing his hit song "Never Gonna Give You Up". This internet meme became popular around 2007, though it still claims unsuspecting victims today. While most seasoned internet-surfers know how to avoid an obvious Rickroll, there are still ways to catch them off-guard. This wikiHow will show you the best ways to Rickroll someone on the internet.
Things You Should Know
- Hide the URL by using a URL shortener such as https://tinyurl.com/app.
- You can also use TinyURL to generate a QR code. Paste the link to the Rickroll video, and select "QR Code" to save it to your device.
- When sharing a link or QR code, don't overemphasize it. Bring it into the conversation naturally to avoid any suspicion.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Using a URL Shortener
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1Find a Rickroll video link. The most popular option is the official music video on YouTube, but you can use any version of the video, as long as it has the same contents.
- Official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
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2Go to https://tinyurl.com/app in a web browser. This is a popular site used to shorten long URLs into shorter ones. This can hide the link to the Rickroll video, which makes it easier to fool others into clicking it.
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3Copy and paste the link into the URL field. Highlight the URL and press CTRL + C (Windows) or CMD + C (Mac) to copy. Click the field in TinyURL and press CTRL + V (Windows) or CMD + V (Mac) to paste the link.
- Be sure to check the box above the green button to agree to TinyURL's Terms of Service.
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4Click Shorten URL. This is the green button at the bottom. Your new URL will be made.
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5Click Copy. This is the green button with the two squares.
- You can also use TinyURL to Rickroll someone using a QR Code.
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6Share the shortened link. The link is copied to your device's clipboard. You can now paste it into a social media website or app such as Facebook Messenger, Discord, Instagram, or another app.
- When the recipient clicks the link, they'll be Rickrolled.
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Using a QR Code
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1Find a Rickroll video link. The most popular option is the official music video on YouTube, but you can use any version of the video, as long as it has the same contents.
- Official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
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2Go to https://tinyurl.com/app in a web browser. This is a popular site used to shorten long URLs into shorter ones. This can hide the link to the Rickroll video, which makes it easier to fool others into clicking it.
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3Copy and paste the link into the URL field. Highlight the URL and press CTRL + C (Windows) or CMD + C (Mac) to copy. Click the field in TinyURL and press CTRL + V (Windows) or CMD + V (Mac) to paste the link.
- Be sure to check the box above the green button to agree to TinyURL's Terms of Service.
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4Click Shorten URL. This is the green button at the bottom. Your new URL will be made.
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5Click QR Code. This is the blue button with four squares.
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6Click a download option. Select between SVG, PNG, or PNG 1200. For simple usage, you can select PNG. This downloads the QR code to your device.
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7Share the QR code. Now that you have the QR code image, you can send it to the recipient. You can put the image in a text, an email, or even print it out. Keep in mind the recipient will need to know how to scan a QR code, but most modern smartphones have the capability built-in.
- When the recipient opens the link, they'll be Rickrolled.
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Using a Hidden Email Link
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1Find a Rickroll video link. The most popular option is the official music video on YouTube, but you can use any version of the video, as long as it has the same contents.[1] X Research source Go to source
- Official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
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2Compose a new email. Log into your email provider's website or app and start a new email. Be sure to address it to the recipient.
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3Click the "Insert link" icon. The icon may vary depending on your email provider, but this should look like a chain or link. When you click it, you'll have the option to link to a web address.
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4Copy and paste the link into the URL field. In Gmail, this will be the Web address field.
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5Edit the display text. In Gmail, use the Text to display field. Insert an unassuming title that won't give away your Rickrolling intentions. For example, if you're emailing a friend about a movie, label the link as the movie's trailer.
- Be sure to click OK to add the link to your email.
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6Send the email. This should be a large button at the bottom of your email draft. When the recipient opens the email and clicks the link, they'll be Rickrolled.
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I Rick Roll someone through email?Community AnswerUse bit.ly so it doesn't show the thumbnail, it makes the link different so people won't recognize the URL. Also, think of something relevant so it isn't really random.
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QuestionBut won't the title give it away in the ad?Community AnswerIf you use a link shortener it doesn't use the actual link, but a random url.
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QuestionWhat do I do if they like the song?Community AnswerSend it to them every hour until they don't like it anymore, and watch their reactions.
Tips
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Avoid overemphasizing the link. This could raise suspicions of the link's contents. Remember, your goal is to catch the person off-guard.
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 653,707 times.
Reader Success Stories
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