Alright, now that April Fools’ Day is officially over, and we’ve survived the pranks, it’s time to look back at the brands that really knocked it out of the park this year. Some had us second-guessing everything, others had us cracking up, and a few were so good, we kind of wished they were real. We think April Fools’ is the perfect excuse for brands to get creative, have some fun, and show off their playful side. I mean, who doesn’t love a good prank? When it’s done right, it gets people laughing and talking and leaves a lasting impression.
But does it actually work?
Turns out, the numbers are all in, and they’re saying yes!
On average, April Fools’ campaigns get 26% more engagement on social media than regular content. A well-timed prank can boost brand recall by up to 40%, and branded search interest can jump by 20–50% in the days following. Some even score millions in free media coverage, like “2022 Duolingo’s toilet paper prank” which generated millions of media mentions globally. And, if you’re looking for more web traffic? When done right, campaigns can see spikes of 30–80% in visits on April 1st!
So, if you’re thinking of adding a little fun to your marketing, you’re in the right spot. Here’s a look at some of the best brand pranks that truly nailed the art of April Fools’ Day.
Dyson – “The Dyson Airbrow”
Dyson launched the Dyson Airbrow, a multi-styler designed to shape, sculpt, and set eyebrows with precision airflow, inspired by their iconic Dyson Airwrap. A miniaturised beauty tool that had us all wondering, “Do we really need this?” (Turns out, we kind of wanted one anyway!)
Why it worked: Dyson cleverly took its reputation for cutting-edge technology and applied it to the beauty space. The Airbrow, while absurd, played on the brand’s history of innovation and became instantly believable due to Dyson’s trustworthy image. It was an unexpected yet entertaining take on beauty tech that got people talking and laughing.
Yahoo – “The Touch Grass Keyboard”
Okay, who else has an indoor plant obsession? Yahoo might have just hooked you with their “Touch Grass Keyboard,” designed to literally encourage you to step away from the screen and, well, see and touch some grass.
Why it worked: With so much of our lives lived online, Yahoo’s joke about a keyboard that reminds you to get outside and touch some grass hit the mark. It was hilarious because it tapped into the culture of online burnout and people’s obsession with staying connected. By adding that touch of absurdity, it felt fresh and relatable.
Amelia Dimoldenberg – “Chicken Nugget Phone case”
Amelia Dimoldenberg took things to the next level with a chicken nugget-shaped phone case. Yes, you read that right. It’s a phone case with a hole shaped like a chicken nugget. Because, why not? It’s the perfect blend of absurdity and pop culture, and it also ties into her popular dating show, Chicken Shop Date.
Why it worked: Amelia Dimoldenberg nailed the humour with a touch of pop culture. The combination of the ever-popular chicken nugget meme and a totally unnecessary product made it ridiculously fun. It became a viral hit thanks to its unexpected combination of practicality and absurdity.
Duolingo – “The Duolingo World Cruise”
Duolingo went full speed ahead in April Fools’ Day with the announcement of the Duolingo World Cruise, a five-year global voyage in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Imagine hopping from one port to another, learning languages, soaking in the culture, and, apparently, eating a lot of shrimp. While you couldn’t actually book this five-year journey (bummer, right?), Duolingo still threw in some fun perks like a free month of Super Duolingo, cool cruise-themed merch, and discounts. No bucket hat required!
Why it worked: As usual, Duolingo nailed it with this one! The idea of a five-year cruise? Hilarious and a bit over the top, but it’s exactly what made it so funny. Plus, tying it back to their signature style, learning languages in a playful, quirky way, was genius. And, hey, who wouldn’t want to join a language-learning cruise… even if it’s all just for laughs?
Tips for Pulling Off Your Own Prank
Alright! Now you’re probably sitting there, hand on chin, thinking, “Hmmmm, how can we pull off a prank that’ll make people laugh and keep them talking?”
No worries, we’ve got you covered! After 30 years of marketing and getting brands to stand out, here are a few tips we’ve picked up along the way that’ll help you pull off your own pranks.
1. Understand Your Audience
I know, I know. It sounds super basic. But trust us, if the prank doesn’t fit your brand voice or resonate with your followers, it’s just not going to land. Whether it’s cheeky, clever, or just plain silly, it has to speak to the people who already love what you do.
2. Make It Shareable
The best pranks are the ones people want to share with their friends. Think about what’ll make your audience laugh out loud and want to send it to their group chats. The more they talk about it, the more your brand gets out there.
3. Keep It Light
Humour is the goal, but remember, don’t cross the line. Keep it light-hearted and fun. You want people to laugh, not get upset. And whatever you do, steer clear of anything too controversial. Keep the mood playful and light, not awkward.
4. Be Relevant
Tie your prank to something that’s happening right now, whether it’s a trending topic, a seasonal event, or something big in your industry. The timelier it is, the more buzz it’s going to create. It’ll show that you’re in the know and ready to jump on the latest trends.
Time to Get Creative!
Feeling inspired to pull off your own prank? Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little more fun into your brand. If you’re looking for some help brainstorming that next big idea, we’re here to help.
