By Jodine McIntyre 
April Fool’s Day is one of those rare moments on the calendar when brands can get cheeky, playful, and even a little outrageous on social media – on purpose.
Whether you’re looking for inspo or just curious about what other businesses have pulled off, here are some of the best April Fool’s Day social media examples.
Why April Fool’s Day Works on Social Media
Let’s be honest – social media thrives on humour, creativity, and unexpected moments. April 1st gives you permission to have a laugh, be a little offbeat, and show your audience that your brand doesn’t take itself too seriously.
It’s also a brilliant opportunity for:
- Boosting engagement with light-hearted content
- Getting shared and seen beyond your usual followers
- Showcasing your brand’s personality
Now let’s look at some examples…
1. UP&GO’s “Down&Stop: Liquid Sleepies”
UP&GO New Zealand flipped its brand identity on its head with a pretend product launch: Down&Stop – a bedtime drink designed to help you slow down and sleep, not get up and go.
With lavender and chamomile “Liquid Sleepies” and a bold claim of causing “uncontrollable honk shoo mimimi’s,” the joke landed perfectly.
Why it worked
UP&GO leaned right into what they’re known for (fast, on-the-go breakfast) and created the complete opposite. The packaging looked legit, the copywriting was spot-on, and the added Health Star Rating and bedtime branding made it even funnier.
The result? A post that got heaps of laughs and great engagement.
2. Blue Planet Aquarium’s “Axoshark”
The Blue Planet Aquarium introduced a terrifyingly adorable new species: the Axoshark – a hybrid of a Sand Tiger Shark and an axolotl.
With frilly pink gills and a creepy, toothy grin, this so-called scientific breakthrough had people both horrified and oddly intrigued.
Why it worked
It was just believable enough to make you pause, especially with the ultra-realistic image.
The mix of science-y language and a playful tone made it one of the more memorable April Fool’s Day social media pranks in the wildlife world.
3. IKEA’s 2km-Long Store Concept
IKEA Australia had social media shocked with their April Fool’s Day post, revealing a “brand new concept”: a 2-kilometre-long, completely linear store.
According to the post, if you missed the candles, don’t worry – you’d loop back to them in exactly 1.8 km.
Why it worked
It tapped into the universal experience of getting lost in IKEA. The concept was just absurd enough to raise eyebrows but delivered so seriously that people had to do a double take.
The photo sealed the deal – it looked exactly like something IKEA would actually build.
4. V Energy’s “Z” Sleep Drink
Known for keeping people awake, V Energy flipped the script this April Fool’s Day by launching “Z – the melatonin-packed sleep drink you never knew you needed.”
Pitched as the perfect fix for a “sleep schedule crime scene,” the post was packed with their usual chaotic charm and included the classic green V mascot passed out cold.
Why it worked
It was completely on-brand but totally off-message – which made it almost believable.
The packaging looked legit, the tone was unhinged (in the best way), and fans loved the twist.
5. Soft Taco Reusables’ “Mega Pads”
Period care brand Soft Taco Reusables went extra this April Fool’s Day, launching a new line of Mega Pads – comically oversized reusable pads that sparked double takes across TikTok.
Promoted as “made-to-order” and dropping April 2nd, the post blurred the line between parody and product drop. And the best part? They weren’t just a visual gag – the team actually made them. Yep, fully sewn and stitched in real life, not just a mock-up.
Why it worked
It played perfectly into the brand’s niche, using their usual visual style and product format – but exaggerated for effect.
It felt organic, funny, and 100% TikTok-worthy, with viewers both laughing and some actually wondering if they were real.
6. Tākaro Trails’ “Unicycle Upgrade”
Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours in Hawke’s Bay announced they were ditching bikes altogether and switching their entire fleet to unicycles.
Apparently, it’s a “no-brainer” – cheaper to run, easier to load, and you can fit twice as many in the trailer. The post even included a quote from their “chief bike cleaner and cup of tea maker.”
Why it worked
It was hyper-local, perfectly ridiculous, and delivered in a totally straight-faced way. The made-up job title and playful logic added to the fun, and the image sealed the deal.
It’s the kind of community-based content that gives followers a giggle and keeps the brand relatable.
7. Suzuki’s “Slimny” – The First Two-Wheel 4WD
Suzuki Australia took April Fool’s Day to the next level with the Slimny – a hilariously narrow version of their iconic Jimny.
Described as “the first two-wheel drive four-wheel drive,” it’s a cross between Suzuki Motorcycles and Suzuki Automobiles, designed to fit almost anywhere – even down most corridors.
Why it worked
It stayed true to the Jimny’s adventurous spirit while poking fun at its chunky build.
The concept was ridiculous but delivered with a totally straight face, and the image edit was so polished, it had fans wishing it were real.
8. Little Bellies’ “Big Bellies Espresso Bars”
Known for their toddler snacks, Little Bellies turned the tables this April Fool’s Day with a special treat for parents: Organic Espresso Pick-Me-Up Bars, branded under the very grown-up “Big Bellies” range.
Marketed as “wholegrain bars for the sleep deprived” and labelled for 21+ years, it was coffee-fuelled humour at its finest.
Why it worked
It tapped into the relatable chaos of parenting and gave tired adults a laugh. The packaging looked spot-on, and the caption (“we created one just for you…”) nailed the tone.
It felt like an inside joke shared with their real target audience – parents.
9. Fernwood Fitness’ “Group Nap Classes”
In possibly the most relatable fitness twist ever, Fernwood Fitness announced their newest offering: Group Nap Classes.
Promising rest as the real workout, the class encouraged members to lie down together and enjoy some guided snoozing.
Why it worked
It poked fun at the push for high-intensity everything in the wellness world and instead celebrated the underrated magic of doing absolutely nothing.
The soft imagery, soothing copy, and believable tone made it easy to imagine this as a real class – especially for anyone running on caffeine and low sleep. It was calm, cheeky, and right on brand.
10. RUBY’s “Matildagate 2025”
Kiwi fashion brand RUBY brought the drama with “Matildagate 2025” – a heartfelt (and hilarious) TikTok announcing that their beloved Matilda Cardigans had shrunk in the production washing process. Cue chaos.
In the video, a team member holds up a tiny, child-sized cardigan with a theatrical meltdown, declaring all orders cancelled and no further stock to be made.
Why it worked
It blended on-brand visuals, a trending format, and just the right amount of over-the-top energy. The attention to detail – tiny garments, dramatic text overlays, and mock-serious captions – made it fun, relatable, and totally shareable.
Plus, it played to the strong emotional connection their customers have with limited-release items.
Final Thoughts
April Fool’s Day isn’t for every brand – but if you’ve got a playful side and an idea that’ll get people smiling, it can be a clever way to boost engagement and build connection. And hey, AI can do amazing things these days!
Seen a great April Fool’s post that made you laugh out loud? Share it with me – I’m always collecting clever content ideas!