The 5 Most Cringeworthy (and Possibly Productive) April Fools' Jokes of 2026

As the internet prepares for its most infamous day, companies are struggling to decide whether to prank their customers or not. While some brands opt for a “joke” that’s actually just a clever marketing ploy, others risk alienating their audience by pulling off real-life April Fools’ stunts. On one hand, doing an April Fools’ joke can be a great way to build brand awareness and create memorable content. However, if not executed properly, it can backfire and leave a sour taste in customers’ mouths. This year’s most notable pranks include Dbrand’s new “Your Ass is Grass” merchandise line, Oura’s smart ring for pets, and Crusader Kings III’s Nvidia DLSS 5 hack. While some are clever and entertaining, others feel like more of the same old marketing gimmicks. One company that managed to pull off a surprisingly effective April Fools’ joke was MKBHD, which created a parody review of a toy Bluey phone. The video poked fun at the current state of smartphone reviews and was well-received by fans and critics alike. In contrast, companies like Dyson and Bass Magazine fell flat with their attempts to create April Fools’ content that felt more like real marketing campaigns than actual pranks. Ultimately, whether or not an April Fools’ joke is successful depends on the execution and audience reception. This year’s batch of pranks is sure to spark a lively debate about what makes a good April Fools’ joke – but will they leave us feeling entertained or annoyed?