10 brands who are seriously funny on April Fools' Day

April Fools’ Day is more than just an opportunity to bake your coworker’s stapler into a pie of jello. It also presents brands with a unique opportunity to boost engagement, widen audience reach, and, if done right, create a viral campaign.

While some companies, such as Microsoft, have banished the holiday altogether, other brands have thrived in the chance to share witty posts.

To get into the spirit of the season, we’ve gathered a list of 10 of the best April Fools' posts by brands. If you’re considering using this April 1 to create some seriously funny marketing content, make sure to get some inspiration from these brands who have mastered the art of April Fools.

1. Petco

This animal supply store notified customers that it’s not only ‘where the pets go’, but where owners can receive an extreme makeover to bear a closer resemblance to their furry friend. While they might not have had everyone convinced, they certainly got a laugh from us!

2. Yelp

Yelp knew just how to give users a good scare, creating the illusion that their smartphone screen had cracked. This particular user believed he had pressed too hard, on his already cracked screen, causing further damage.

Let’s be honest, this is everyone's worst nightmare.

https://twitter.com/mikmaaac/status/980511806463533056?s=20

3. Virgin Atlantic

If you’re a fan of dry humor and Richard Branson, check out this airlines parody on unveiling new flight technology. They cleverly dubbed it “flap energy”, claiming that the idea came from Branson’s childhood dream of flying like a bird.

While this invention would be cool, we couldn’t imagine the turbulence that accompanies all the flapping!

4. Rent the Runway

This subscription fashion service joked around with customers, claiming that they would be launching a spin-off addition catered to dogs. Many users were asking if the brand was fur real, but sadly it was just an April Fools’ prank.

5. Duolingo

Everybody's favorite language learning app made a splash last April, joking about a new service they offer. The app is well-known for its persistent reminders to keep users on track.

However, for some users these reminders are not enough. To remedy this, the duolingo bird itself will now show up to remind lazy users to finish their language lessons. We’re glad this is just a prank; it’s a creative idea but a little frightening!

6. PayPal

PayPal rolled out a hilarious new invention, that some users mistakenly took seriously. The brand claimed that smartphone users would soon be able to print money from their phone.

While this would be super cool, it would also be super illegal. I think we’ll stick with ATMs.

7. Google Play

Google put a spin on marketing their gaming apps, not towards humans, but for pets. The brand pulled on our heart strings, pointing out how lonely pets are when we’re away.

The new addition features interactive pet games as well as training apps. Unfortunately, it’s only a prank but we wouldn’t be mad if it was real.

8. McDonald's

The burger chain got fans excited by seemingly unleashing “sauce-pots”. The perfect condiment for customers who infamously love dipping their fries in a milkshake. Sadly, the brand was just teasing with us.

Perhaps the brand will follow through with its prank product this April Fools.

9. T-Mobile

The international phone network steps into the festivities of April Fools by unleashing the world's first “foot phone”. Putting all the capabilities of a smartphone at your feet- literally.

Luckily, the brand was joking and you won’t see anyone sporting the foot phone anytime soon. 

10. Peet's Coffee

We don’t know what’s worse: the name or what’s inside. Peet’s Coffee rolled out a new drink to celebrate their 53rd anniversary; however, the ingredients featured a strange combination of cheese and liquorice.

Thankfully, the launch of this horrific coffee is only a prank. Would you try it out if it wasn’t?

The takeaway

Whether you’re planning a simple prank or promoting a full-fledged marketing campaign, April Fools' Day is one of the rare times that brands can joke around with followers.

While the lighthearted pranks are all in good fun, the objective of a successful April Fools' post is to skyrocket engagement and broaden audience reach. It wouldn’t be so funny to miss out on all the benefits an April Fools' post could generate!

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on socialbakers.com. Any statistics or statements included in this article were current at the time of original publication.