Brands are flexing their creative muscles with April Fool’s Day pranks becoming a staple on the marketing calendar.
From light-hearted to mind-bending, these pranks offer a spectrum of entertainment, sometimes doubling as test runs for potential ideas. Striking a balance between believability and fun is crucial, all while staying true to brand identity. We’ve gathered a collection of clever April Fool’s Day pranks pulled off by brands both last year and this year.
CSIRO’s amazing magpie translation app
CSIRO introduced the world’s first magpie translator app. MagpieTranslate allows you to translate hundreds of common phrases between English and Magpie. Just type, write, or speak into the app.
OLIPOP and Pringles: No Sour Cream & Onion Soda Collaboration
Amidst a landscape of bizarre flavor combinations like Peeps-flavored Pepsi, Frank’s RedHot sauce-infused Vlasic pickles, and Doritos Nacho Cheese-flavored liquor, it may come as a surprise that healthy soda brand OLIPOP and Pringles aren’t actually collaborating to introduce a Sour Cream & Onion soda to the market.
Currys Serves Up Curries
Tech giant Currys unveiled an amusing April Fool’s initiative, allowing customers to swap their old tech for something unexpected: curries. Indulge your taste buds with Mixer Masala, Air Fried-Aloo, Crock Pot-ato Vindaloo, and the signature Currys Curry. Available for a limited time at select stores, it’s a flavorful twist on tech upgrades.
McDonald’s Tempting McFry
McDonald’s introduced the McFry – a Quarter Pounder stacked with irresistible French fries. The idea gained traction, with customers eagerly rallying for its realization. While the concept has its allure, persuading a major fast-food chain to adopt it might be a tall order. Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme – just add fries to your own burger.
LEON’s Aioli Toothpaste
LEON Grocery flipped the script with its April Fool’s Day product: Aioli Brite toothpaste. Described as tangy, creamy, and with an extra bite, it promises a garlicky freshness that lasts all day – doubling as a morning snack for the adventurous.
Spotify’s Bluetooth Carriage
Spotify Australia teased the Spotify Carriage, a train car where passengers could sync their Bluetooth speakers and curate their own musical journey. While some embraced the idea of personalized soundtracks, others dreaded the prospect of enduring someone else’s musical preferences during their commute.
Duolingo’s ‘Love Language’ Reality Series
Duolingo made waves with its announcement of ‘Love Language,’ a reality dating series where singles cohabitate despite language barriers. Partnering with US streaming service Peacock, the captivating trailer left viewers longing for more. If only this whimsical concept were a reality, it would undoubtedly be a hit.
Scratch’s Whimsical Good Dog Tea
Scratch, a dog food delivery service, introduced Good Dog Tea, a playful concoction for furry companions. With flavors like “the faintest touch of freshly-mown grass” and “memories of your dog’s mother,” it promises to delight office dogs everywhere – if only it existed beyond the realm of April Fools’ Day.
Toolstation’s Trade-Inspired Fragrance Line
Toolstation took a playful turn with an April Fool’s stunt, launching a trio of trade-inspired fragrances: Sawdust Seduction, Plumbers Paradise, and Welding Whisper. Transport yourself to a world of craftsmanship with scents that evoke the essence of manual labor. Alternatively, spritz away to feign hard work – even if your toolbox is gathering dust.
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