3 Effective Ways to Rickroll Anyone Online

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Successfully fool your friends into getting Rickrolled with this quick guide

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 7, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using a URL Shortener

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Using a QR Code

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Using a Hidden Email Link

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

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/.
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.^{[1]
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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
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]
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Research source}
- Official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
Go to https://tinyurl.com/ 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
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.
This is the green button at the bottom. Your new URL will be made.
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Click 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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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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a QR Code

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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.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
Go to https://tinyurl.com/ 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
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.
This is the green button at the bottom. Your new URL will be made.
This is the blue button with four squares.
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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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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Hidden Email Link

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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.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
Log into your email provider's website or app and start a new email. Be sure to address it to the recipient.
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.^{[5]
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In Gmail, this will be the Web address field.
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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.
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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Question

How do I Rick Roll someone through email?

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.

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Question

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

Community Answer

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

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Question

What do I do if they like the song?

Community Answer

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

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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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Warnings

Avoid Rickrolling teachers by emailing links that lead to Rickroll instead of the actual link. That might distract them from their job and it might lead to consequences.

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