What is the Run Boy Run trend?
The Run Boy Run trend is a viral challenge on TikTok where users film themselves running in slow motion to the 2012 song “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid. The trend started in September 2022 when TikTok user @cheyennegomo posted a video of herself running dramatically down a road as the song played (https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/run-boy-run-tiktok-trend). The video received millions of views and inspired many other users to create their own versions, often using the hashtags #ifiwas or #ifiwasa.
The trend really took off when celebrities like Lizzo, Simone Biles, and Jake Gyllenhaal joined in, leading to thousands more Run Boy Run videos. Part of what makes it so popular is the cinematic, slow-motion running paired with the driving beat of Woodkid’s song. It allows users to be creative with locations, camera angles, effects, and captions as they act out their own slow-motion running scenes (https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/09/25/tiktoks-run-boy-run-trend-explained-as-it-creates-a-buzz-on-the-platform/). Overall, the combination of music, movement, and creativity come together in the Run Boy Run trend to produce dramatic and engaging videos.
Step 1: Choose the right audio
The Run Boy Run trend on TikTok uses the song “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid. This specific version that went viral on TikTok can be found here. The original audio features the dramatic instrumental intro before Woodkid’s vocals come in. Using this precise audio is key – other versions of the song won’t give you the same effect.
Step 2: Find a location
The location you choose can make or break this trend, so picking the right one is crucial. You’ll want to find somewhere that fits the moody, somewhat mysterious vibe of the “Run Boy Run” song. Here are some ideas for locations that can work well:
Secluded forest path – A tree-lined trail in the woods evokes a sense of adventure and discovery. Make sure to film when golden hour light is filtering through the trees for extra atmosphere. Refer to this reel for inspo: https://www.tiktok.com/@meghanorourkee/video/7146230193332620590?lang=en
Abandoned building – An old, run-down structure like a crumbling mansion, factory, or castle can add intrigue. Capture yourself venturing inside or near the exterior. Just be safe and careful when choosing your location.
Deserted beach – A peaceful, windswept beach with nobody else around channels a pensive, introspective vibe.
Empty subway station – Filming on an inactive subway platform or in an unused metro tunnel conveys urban exploration.
Overgrown ruins – Ancient structures covered in vines and vegetation have a mystical quality.
The key is finding a location that aligns with the “Run Boy Run” mood and story you want to tell. Get creative with your surroundings!
Step 3: Film Yourself Running
Filming yourself running is key to nailing the Run Boy Run trend. Here are some tips for getting a good shot of you running:
Pick a location with a clear path to run on. Avoid locations with a lot of obstacles or distractions in the background. According to Cosmo UK’s tutorial, a beach or park with a path is ideal (source).
Film horizontally not vertically. This will give you the widest field of view to capture your run.
Have a friend film you if possible, rather than setting up a tripod. This allows them to follow you and keep you centered in the frame as you run.
Hold the camera very still. Any shake will be exaggerated in the slow motion effect.
Run directly toward the camera. This creates the illusion you are running at the viewer.
Add props if desired, like a hat or scarf that flows dramatically behind you as you run.
Take multiple takes to choose the best one later. Vary your speed and arm/body movements to give options for editing.
Step 4: Add special effects
Adding special effects can really take your Run Boy Run TikTok video to the next level. Some of the most popular visual effects used for this trend include:
Glitch effect – This makes it look like your video is glitching out and adds a cool, technological vibe. Use this sparingly at key moments like when the beat drops.
VHS effect – Give your video a retro VHS tape aesthetic. This effect includes vintage-looking overlays, distorted video, and VCR-style fast forwards/rewinds.
Zoom in – Strategically zoom in on yourself or objects in time with the beats. Quickly zooming in can punctuate the rhythm.
Other effects like slow motion, color filters, and flipping the video upside down can also creatively complement the Run Boy Run trend. Get creative and try mixing multiple effects! Just be sure not to overdo it – you still want the original video to shine through.
Step 5: Time the Beats
One of the most important parts of nailing the Run Boy Run trend is timing your running and effects to the beats of the song. The trend relies on perfect synchronization between the audio and visuals.
When editing your TikTok video, carefully listen to the song and pinpoint the exact moments you want key actions to happen. For example, you may want your character to start running on the first bass beat, jump over an obstacle on the next, and then slow into dramatic slo-mo on the lyrics.
Mark the timeline of your video editing software at each beat where you want something to happen. Then, line up your clips to those timeline markers. Zoom in on the audio waves to meticulously sync actions to beats.
Be prepared to tweak the timing over and over until everything lines up flawlessly. Having the spikes in audio align with footfalls, jumps, and other video motions is what makes the trend so satisfying!
With perfect timing to the catchy Run Boy Run track, your TikTok has a much better chance of going viral. So take the time to meticulously line up each movement and effect to the beats.
Step 6: Add the song
The Run Boy Run trend uses an instrumental version of the song “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid. You’ll need to add this instrumental track to your TikTok video’s audio.
To get the best audio quality, download the MP3 file for the instrumental version rather than recording it directly from someone else’s TikTok video. You can find clean MP3 downloads by searching online.
Once you have the MP3 file, import it into your video editing software and line it up with your video clips. The audio should start playing as soon as you start running in the video. Aligning the beats and tempo precisely is key to nailing this trend.
Use transitions in your editing software to fade the music in and out for a professional touch. Avoid clipping or distorting the audio by keeping volume levels in check.
Getting the audio editing right may take some trial and error. But clean, crisp audio that syncs perfectly with the visuals will really make your Run Boy Run TikTok stand out.
For more tips, check out this audio editing guide: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/run-boy-run-audio-edit?lang=en
Step 7: Write the caption
The caption is key for making your Run Boy Run TikTok stand out. Come up with a creative caption that fits the vibe of the trend. Here are some ideas for trendy Run Boy Run captions:
– “He said run boy run, this race is a prophecy” 1
– “I run through the forest like a fugitive on the run”
– “Can’t catch me, I’m too fast like Flash”
– “My legs keep running but my mind stays still”
– “Nowhere left to go so I keep on running”
– “I run for my life, I run for my soul”
Get creative and match the caption to your location, outfit, and video effects. Use puns, song lyrics, and poetically describe why you’re running.
Step 8: Hashtags to use
Using relevant hashtags is crucial for getting your Run Boy Run TikTok noticed and visible to others interested in this trend. Here are some popular hashtags to include:
- #runboyrun – This main hashtag helps connect your video to others doing the trend.
- #RunBoyRunChallenge – A hashtag for the overall viral challenge.
- #transition – For showcasing the video editing transition effects.
- #foryou – For visibility in the For You feed.
- #viral – For hitting the coveted viral status.
- #fyp – “For You Page,” where you want your video to end up.
- #looktransition – Related to the video transition effects used.
- #slowmo – Since the trend uses slow motion effects.
- #greenscreen – If you use any green screen elements.
In addition to the main hashtags, also include a few related to your specific video style, location, effects, etc. But keep hashtags focused and relevant – generic ones like #tiktok or #follow are less likely to get you views.
Tips for going viral
One of the best ways to get more views on your Run Boy Run TikTok video is to optimize it to show up in more feeds. Here are some tips:
- Use relevant viral hashtags like #runboyrun, #runboyrunchallenge, and #viral so your video shows up when people search those tags.
- Mention viral sounds in your caption like the Run Boy Run song so the algorithm connects your video to trending content.
- Engage with your audience in the comments section so the algorithm sees the video is getting attention.
- Post at optimal times based on when your target audience is most active on TikTok to increase your chances of getting on the “For You” page.
- Use viral effects like speed ramping and zoom transitions to make your video stand out.
- Collaborate with other creators to gain exposure to new audiences.
Optimizing your Run Boy Run TikTok in these ways can help it get picked up by the algorithm and gain more momentum to go viral. Consistently using relevant trends is key for increasing your chances of creating a viral hit.
