Cover In 2023, language learning app Duolingo teamed up with the US streaming service Peacock to launch a fake reality show “Love Language” as part of their April Fool’s campaign (Photo: Duolingo)
In 2023, language learning app Duolingo teamed up with the US streaming service Peacock to launch a fake reality show “Love Language” as part of their April Fool’s campaign (Photo: Duolingo)
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From Lego’s feet-saving smart bricks to a cheese-infused skincare line, these hilariously convincing April Fool’s pranks had millions double-checking their calendars while secretly wishing these fake products were real
April Fool’s Day has evolved far beyond the classic whoopee cushion and untied shoelace jokes. In the hands of savvy marketing teams, it has become a festival for creative brand storytelling that captivates audiences globally.
For 24 hours each year, companies shed their serious corporate images and embrace the absurd, the impossible and the delightfully ridiculous—all while generating massive brand awareness. These campaigns showcase brand personality, creative thinking and authentic connections with audiences who appreciate the effort behind an elaborate prank.
From a language learning app playing matchmaker to a cheese brand launching skincare, here are some memorable marketing campaigns that had us double tapping, sharing and remembering these brands long after April 1.
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Duolingo’s reality dating show
Above An official trailer of the reality TV dating show “Love Language”, a marketing campaign from Duolingo (Video: Duolingo/YouTube)
Language learning app Duolingo partnered with US streaming service Peacock to create a fake reality show Love Language for April Fool 2023. The campaign has generated 70 million social impressions and 1.1 billion total impressions across platforms.
Mimicking the concept of popular dating show Love Island, 10 singles from different countries live together in a mansion with one major obstacle: they can’t understand each other. Contestants supposedly had to use Duolingo to learn their potential partners’ languages, all under the watchful eye of host Duo the owl.
Tiffany & Co’s cryptocurrency
In 2022, Tiffany & Co unveiled TiffCoin, a digital coin combining luxury heritage with the cryptocurrency trend. Initially, the brand teased it as their venture into digital currency, offering exclusive benefits for holders and integrating blockchain technology.
But while the crypto aspect was a prank, the coins are very real. The jeweller eventually produced exactly 499 limited-edition 18-karat yellow gold physical coins, each costing US$9,999. Each coin is individually numbered and adorned with the distinctive T insignia.
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Lego’s smart bricks
In 2021, Lego introduced Smartbricks, special Lego pieces designed to move out of the way when you walk by automatically. Inspired by the all-too-common experience of stepping on a brick and feeling a sharp jolt of pain, this playful prank cleverly poked fun at itself while addressing a familiar frustration. The promotional teasers have been well-received online, racking up over a million views and generating tens of thousands of interactions across their social media platforms.
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Velveeta’s cheese-infused skincare line
Velveeta stirred up the beauty world in 2021 with the mock launch of V by Velveeta, a luxury skincare range featuring their processed cheese as the star ingredient. It showcased elegantly packaged daily moisturisers, night creams and renewal serums, promising to give users that signature liquid gold glow.
Eventually, the cheese brand revealed the prank by sending waiting list subscribers a playful message and actual Velveeta coupons, though they explicitly warned against applying the cheese to one’s face.
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Google Nose
Above An introduction video by Google about its fake feature Google Nose (Video: Google/YouTube)
In 2013, Google introduced Google Nose, a prank that claimed to let users search the web using their sense of smell. With an imaginative premise that involved Street Sense vehicles cataloging millions of scents, the tech giant asserted it had created a database of 15 million aromas.
As one of the leading tech companies known for its innovative image, its convincing introduction video has garnered over 11 million views. With the rapid evolution of AI and VR technology, this idea could perhaps become a reality soon.
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BBC’s flying penguins
Above A video about fake penguins that could fly from Antarctica to the Amazon rainforest by UK broadcaster BBC (Video: BBC/YouTube)
In 2008, the UK public broadcaster BBC executed an unforgettable prank featuring flying penguins as part of its Miracles of Evolution series. Narrated with a serious tone by the late Welsh actor Terry Jones, the segment took viewers on a journey through Antarctica, showcasing these astonishing penguins soaring to the Amazon rainforest.
Following the segment, the media outlet released a video explaining the extensive effort behind producing this hoax. This involved sifting through hundreds of hours of archive footage to find the best penguin clips, animating the flying scenes and filming the presenter on a green screen in a snowy setting.
Above A video from the BBC about how the team put together the flying penguins prank (Video: BBC/YouTube)
Both videos have amassed over 9 million views on YouTube together and have been covered by prominent media outlets such as ABC News, The Telegraph and The Guardian.
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Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
