The Brands Braving It All for April Fools

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re talking April Fools – no, really, we are! We take a look back at the beginning of brands pulling a switcheroo on consumers, and give our take on those brave enough to be the butt of the joke in 2026. Plus, why this brand holiday can actually work in favor of smaller brands entering the convo, but backfire on those that do it too well – or too wrong. 00:00: Intro 00:30: We’re nominated for a Webby award! 01:08: April Fools pitches for 2026 04:08: Why do brands get involved with this holiday 09:30: How can brands stand out 11:27: A day for surprise collabs and smaller brands 15:00: Risks of a bad prank 19:30: Other brand holidays Vote for us in this year’s Webby Awards in the Creativity & Marketing, Shows (podcast) category: https://wbby.co/57461N (please and thank you!) Join us this May for the Marketing Brew Social & Creator Marketing event, covering what’s driving real ROI in the creator economy right now. If you’re in NYC, we’d love to meet you in-person. Tickets and info here: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events/the-next-phase-of-social-and-creator-marketing?utm_campaign=mkb_me_022526&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=mkb For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/ Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew Follow Marketing Brew Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/ Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [e-mail] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices