How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (2024)

Table of Contents
Things You Should Know Using a URL Shortener Using a QR Code Using a Hidden Email Link Community Q&A Tips You Might Also Like References About This Article Reader Success Stories Did this article help you? References
  • Categories
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Fun Activities
  • Pranks (Practical Jokes)

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Successfully fool your friends into getting Rickrolled with this quick guide

Written byRain Kengly

Last Updated: November 15, 2023Fact Checked

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  • Using a URL Shortener
    • |
  • Using a QR Code
    • |
  • Using a Hidden Email Link
    • |
    • |
  • Tips

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a URL Shortener

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  1. 1

    Find 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.

  2. 2

    Go 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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  3. 3

    Copy 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.

  4. 4

    Click Shorten URL. This is the green button at the bottom. Your new URL will be made.

  5. 5

    Click Copy. This is the green button with the two squares.

    • You can also use TinyURL to Rickroll someone using a QR Code.

  6. 6

    Share 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.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a QR Code

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  1. 1

    Find 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.

  2. 2

    Go 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.

  3. 3

    Copy 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.

  4. 4

    Click Shorten URL. This is the green button at the bottom. Your new URL will be made.

  5. 5

    Click QR Code. This is the blue button with four squares.

  6. 6

    Click 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.

  7. 7

    Share 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.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Hidden Email Link

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  1. 1

    Find 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]

  2. 2

    Compose 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.

  3. 3

    Click 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.

  4. 4

    Copy and paste the link into the URL field. In Gmail, this will be the Web address field.

  5. 5

    Edit 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.

  6. 6

    Send 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.

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Community Q&A

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  • Question

    How do I Rick Roll someone through email?

    How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (25)

    Community Answer

    Use 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.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 106Helpful 378

  • Question

    But won't the title give it away in the ad?

    How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (26)

    Community Answer

    If you use a link shortener it doesn't use the actual link, but a random url.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 171Helpful 301

  • Question

    What do I do if they like the song?

    How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (27)

    Community Answer

    Send it to them every hour until they don't like it anymore, and watch their reactions.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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    Not Helpful 122Helpful 875

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      Tips

      • Avoid overemphasizing the link. This could raise suspicions of the link's contents. Remember, your goal is to catch the person off-guard.

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      How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (28)

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      About This Article

      How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (43)

      Written by:

      Rain Kengly

      wikiHow Technology Writer

      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 viewed 660,308 times.

      73 votes - 82%

      Co-authors: 67

      Updated: November 15, 2023

      Views:660,308

      Categories: Pranks (Practical Jokes)

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      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (44)

        Chloe H.

        Apr 27

        "Hahahaha, I now love rickrolling! I will do it to all my friends!"

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      How to Rick Roll Someone: 3 Fool-Proof Methods (2024)

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