Learn vape tricks: vapour tricks step by step

Vape tricks are controlled aerosol clouds formed from the vapour of an e-cigarette. Unlike smoke, the vapour consists mainly of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) – both substances which, together with air, form a visible but relatively short-lived cloud. The VG ratio is crucial for stable tricks: the more VG (for example, 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG), the denser and slower-moving the cloud.

Unlike classic smoke tricks using shisha or cigarette smoke, vapour behaves differently. It is cooler, more humid and dissipates more quickly. This means you need more volume, a calm environment without draughts and precise technique. Many well-known vapour tricks – Ghost, O-Rings, Tornado, Dragon, Jellyfish – originally come from the shisha scene and have been adapted for vaping.

Important: Vape tricks are a hobby for adults aged 18 and over and not a competition to consume as much nicotine as possible. For longer practice sessions, many opt for nicotine-free bases or very low strengths.

Almost all vape tricks are based on two principles: a dense cloud in the mouth and a controlled burst of air that shapes it. Once you understand this, you can work out the tricks for yourself.

O-Ring (Ghost Ring)

The beginner’s trick. Collect vapour in your mouth, pull your tongue flat against the back of your throat, and form your lips into a round ‘O’. With a short, dry throat push – similar to a silent cough – a stable ring shoots out. Important: calm air, no talking, no fan.

Dragon

Here, the vapour escapes simultaneously through the nose and both corners of the mouth. You press your central lips together and breathe out forcefully. Result: four jets of vapour like a fire-breathing dragon.

Jellyfish Trick

The Jellyfish Trick is the ultimate challenge. First, blow a large, slow O-ring and then shoot a smaller cloud of vapour after it, which passes through the ring. The negative pressure in the ring sucks the second cloud in – creating a jellyfish-like shape with tentacles. Realistic: a few weeks of practice.

Tornado

Exhale vapour onto a smooth surface and pull it upwards with a quick hand movement. The vapour will spin upwards in a column-like shape.

Your equipment determines whether your vapour is even suitable for tricks. A pod system with a shallow draw produces too little volume. For clean vape tricks, you need a sub-ohm setup with direct-to-lung (DL) vaping.

• E-liquid: 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG, sweetish-neutral flavours. Nicotine 0–3 mg/ml, otherwise it will feel harsh on deep draws.
• Atomiser: Sub-ohm coil under 0.5 ohms, large airflow openings. Mesh coils produce particularly dense clouds.
• Wattage range: usually 40–80 watts, depending on the coil. Always stay within the recommended range.
• Airflow: wide open for volume, slightly restricted for warmer, denser vapour.
• Environment: enclosed room with no draughts, dark background, even lighting.

Common mistakes: too little vapour in the mouth, exhaling too quickly, damp lips, open windows. Practise in front of a mirror and film yourself – this way you can see your tongue position. Allow 1–2 weeks of daily practice for stable O-rings and significantly longer for combinations such as the Jellyfish Trick.

Which e-cigarette is best for learning vaping tricks?

A mod with a sub-ohm atomiser and direct-to-lung inhalation is ideal. Disposable vapes and classic pod systems produce too little volume to form stable vapour tricks.

Does the e-liquid have to contain nicotine?

No. Many people practise with 0 mg/ml, as large puffs with higher nicotine strengths can quickly cause a throat hit and headaches. Vape tricks are intended exclusively for adults aged 18 and over.

How long does it take to master the Jellyfish trick?

Those who have mastered stable O-rings usually need several more weeks before the second cloud glides cleanly through the ring. Ring size, stability and timing are crucial.

Why do my rings dissipate immediately?

It’s usually down to draughts, vapour that’s too thin, or exhaling too hastily. Check the VG content, close the windows and work with a short, dry burst from the throat rather than blowing through your lips.

Vape tricks are a matter of practice: a suitable sub-ohm setup, VG-rich e-liquid, calm air and clean technique – that’s all you need to work your way through from the O-ring to the jellyfish trick. Once you’ve mastered the craft, you can master almost any smoke trick yourself. In our selection of e-cigarettes and matching e-liquids, you’ll find setups with open airflow and a high VG content, which allow you to reliably perform vapour tricks. Take your time to browse and compare what suits your vaping style.