April Fools’ Day 2024 has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of laughter, surprise, and a few raised eyebrows. Brands large and small embraced the spirit of the day, unleashing a bevy of pranks that ranged from the hilarious to the downright bizarre. Here’s a roundup of some of the most notable April Fools’ Day pranks from brands this year.
April Fools’ Day 2024: The Most Memorable Pranks
- Stoner Lingo Translation App: Rosetta Stone and medical marijuana company Fluent introduced “Rosetta Stoned,” a mobile app designed to bridge the conversational gap between novice users and seasoned stoners in any social setting.
- Da Da Decoder: BabyQuip’s “Baby Translator” app claimed to decode your baby’s secret language, promising parents relief from restless nights by instantly understanding their baby’s coos and cries.
- An AI-powered Plush Doll: Budsies, known for making selfie plush dolls, announced artificial intelligence-enabled dolls that purportedly learn everything about you to become your new best friend.
- A Banana Sleeping Bag: The Dole Banana Peel Sleeping Bag, made from actual banana fiber, was promoted as a sensory deprivation cocoon for parents, available exclusively on April Fools’ Day.
- Korean BBQ Deodorant and More: Kevin’s Natural Foods revealed a new line of personal care products inspired by its food dishes, including Korean BBQ Deodorant and Cilantro Lime Toothpaste.
- Omaha Steaks’ Meaty Sprays: The company pranked fans with Meaty Spritz sprays in flavors like Omaha Fog and Hog Haze, described as the world’s first protein-infused, flavor-packed portable pump sprays.
- Scotch Tape-branded Scotch?: In a twist that could stick, Scotch Brand teased a Scotch Whisky with a nose of cherry wood and a delightfully smooth finish.
- Tinder’s Ghost Hunting VP: Dating app Tinder announced a hiring quest for a Vice President of Ghost Hunting to combat dating culture’s ghosting phenomenon, citing a fabricated statistic that 78% of singles were ghosted in 2024.
- Microsoft Sells Xbox to Nvidia?: The gaming world was briefly in turmoil after a prank claim that Microsoft had sold Xbox to Nvidia, causing a stir among fans on social media.
- Elon Musk Joins Disney?: Elon Musk caused a social media frenzy with a tweet announcing his new role as CEO of Disney, promising to work with Bob Iger and Kathleen Kennedy to make their content more “woke.”
The Fine Line of Fun
While these pranks provided plenty of laughs, they also reminded us of the fine line brands walk between engaging humor and potential missteps. In the spirit of April Fools’ Day, these companies showcased their creativity and willingness to engage with their audiences in playful ways, all while navigating the potential for their jokes to flop or backfire.
As we look back on April Fools’ Day 2024, it’s clear that the day remains a beloved tradition for brands looking to make their mark with humor. Whether it’s through whimsical product announcements or outrageous claims, these pranks offer a momentary escape into a world where the only thing to expect is the unexpected.
