The Best April Fools’ Pranks by Brands in 2024: A Hilarious Roundup
April Fools’ Day is the one day of the year when brands get to loosen their ties, let down their hair, and indulge in some good old-fashioned fun.
It’s a day that marketing teams across the globe eagerly anticipate, plotting and planning their pranks with the kind of glee typically reserved for major product launches.
In 2024, companies once again pulled out all the stops, delivering a smorgasbord of gags that ranged from the laughably ludicrous to the cheekily clever. Here, we celebrate the most memorable April Fools’ pranks that not only entertained us but also showcased the creative genius of the brands behind them.
Duolingo on Instagram: “Introducing DUOLINGO ON ICE⛸️, the new multilingual musical! Learning a language has never been this cool🥶. Follow Duo the Owl and friends on a ✨magical adventure around the world✨ as they teach a series of fun lessons, by any means necessary👀. Buy tickets at link in bio🎟️”
1. Duolingo on Ice
Duolingo, the brand synonymous with bite-sized language learning, took a figurative and literal leap this year by announcing "Duolingo on Ice."
This faux multilingual musical promised to glide learners through lessons with an elegance never before seen in the world of language education. The imaginative concept, detailed in a faux ad, offered a "✨magical adventure around the world✨," featuring Duo the Owl and friends teaching languages through ice dancing.
While tickets weren't really up for grabs, the idea of pirouetting through pronouns and axel-jumping across adjectives was a delightful diversion that underscored Duolingo's reputation for making learning fun and engaging.
Watch the hilarious promo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEFRl6Lej_0&t=26s
2. Dunkin’ Dives into Doughnuts
Dunkin’, known for its coffee and doughnuts, purportedly decided to "go nuts for donuts" by renaming itself ‘Donuts’ and teasing a range of fake merchandise to celebrate.
This playful pivot poked fun at the brand's own identity. Though the merchandise was as fictional as the name change, Dunkin' demonstrated its knack for engaging with its audience through humour, keeping the brand at the forefront of its consumers' minds in a lighthearted way.
Dunkin’ on Instagram: “yeah idk might mess around and make merch”
3. IKEA’S INVSBÅL Range
IKEA, the global leader in furniture and home decor, unveiled its 'INVSBÅL' range, claiming to offer a collection of invisible products.
The campaign, complete with hilarious billboards, claimed to "declutter homes in the most invisible way possible." This prank played perfectly into IKEA's image as an innovator in home design, while also poking fun at the minimalist trend that suggests less is more.
By offering products that were literally not there, IKEA cleverly commented on the consumer culture of accumulation, making us laugh and think in equal measure.
They even hid the date (01/04) in the price: $1.04
4. Volkswagen’s ID.3 Harlequin
Volkswagen took a nostalgic trip, tricking fans with the launch of the ID.3 Harlequin edition, featuring multi-colored panels reminiscent of their 1995 Polo Harlequin.
The initial Instagram ad and subsequent faux billboards touted this "limited edition" electric vehicle as "Completely made up of contrasting panels," before clarifying in smaller print that when they said 'completely made up,' they meant it quite literally.
The Electroluminescent ID.3 Harlequin edition was a nod to Volkswagen's past and electric future, wrapped up in an April Fools' bow that reminded us all to not take things too seriously, even when it comes to our cars.
Volkswagen on Instagram: “New ID.3, hues this? Introducing the limited edition ID.3 Harlequin. On sale from today. 🟥🟦🟩🟨”
What Makes a Great April Fools’ Prank?
The brilliance behind these pranks lies not just in their creativity but in their ability to engage and entertain without alienating their audience. A successful April Fools’ joke by a brand accomplishes several things:
It stays true to the brand’s voice: Even in jest, the best pranks feel like a natural extension of the brand's personality.
It sparks joy and engagement: The primary goal is to entertain, creating a positive association with the brand.
It’s harmless: The best pranks are those that amuse without causing confusion, harm, or inconvenience to the audience.
The Takeaway
April Fools’ Day offers a unique opportunity for brands to showcase their lighter side, engaging with their audience through humour and creativity. This year’s pranks by Duolingo, Dunkin', IKEA, and Volkswagen reminded us that in a world that often takes itself too seriously, a little levity goes a long way. These brands succeeded not only in making us laugh but in deepening our affection for them, proving that sometimes, the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all.
Elevate your business with Soch Studio Marketing
At Soch Studio, we admire and draw inspiration from such marketing ingenuity. Our goal is to help brands in Hobart and beyond achieve their full potential through creative and impactful marketing solutions. Contact us to discover how we can elevate your brand in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
