Sign In
The CEO Views Small logos
  • Home
  • Technology
    Artificial Intelligence
    Big Data
    Block Chain
    BYOD
    Cloud
    Cyber Security
    Data Center
    Digital Transformation
    Enterprise Mobility
    Enterprise Software
    IOT
    IT Services
    Innovation
  • Platforms
    How IBM Maximo Is Revolutionizing Asset Management
    How IBM Maximo Is Revolutionizing Asset Management
    IBM
    7 Min Read
    Optimizing Resources: Oracle DBA Support Services for Efficient Database Management
    Oracle
    Oracle
    9 Min Read
    The New Google Algorithm Update for 2021
    google algorithm update 2021
    Google
    5 Min Read
    Oracle Cloud Platform Now Validated for India Stack
    Service Partner Horizontal
    Oracle
    3 Min Read
    Oracle and AT&T Enter into Strategic Agreement
    oracle
    Oracle
    3 Min Read
    Check out more:
    • Google
    • HP
    • IBM
    • Oracle
  • Industry
    Banking & Insurance
    Biotech
    Construction
    Education
    Financial Services
    Healthcare
    Manufacturing
    Mining
    Public Sector
    Retail
    Telecom
    Utilities
    Gaming
    Legal
    Automotive
  • Functions
    RISMA Systems: A Comprehensive Approach to Governance, Risk and Compliance
    Risma Systems
    ENTREPRENEUR VIEWSGDPR
    9 Min Read
    Happiest Minds: A “Privacy by Design” approach is key to creating GDPR compliant businesses
    Happiest Minds 1
    GDPR
    8 Min Read
    Gemserv: GDPR 2020 and Beyond
    Gemserv 1
    GDPR
    9 Min Read
    ECCENCA:GDPR IS STILL AN UNTAMED ANIMAL
    eccenca 1
    GDPR
    6 Min Read
    Boldon James: HOW ENTERPRISES CAN MITIGATE THE GROWING THREATS OF DATA
    Boldon James 1
    GDPR
    8 Min Read
    Check out more:
    • GDPR
  • Magazines
  • Entrepreneurs Views
  • Editor’s Bucket
  • Press Release
  • Micro Blog
  • Events
Reading: How Humor Shaped Marketing
Share
The CEO Views
Aa
  • Home
  • Magazines
  • Enterpreneurs Views
  • Editor’s Bucket
  • Press Release
  • Micro Blog
Search
  • World’s Best Magazines
  • Technology
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Block Chain
    • BYOD
    • Cloud
    • Cyber Security
    • Data Center
    • Digital Transformation
    • Enterprise Mobility
    • Enterprise Software
    • IOT
    • IT Services
  • Platforms
    • Google
    • HP
    • IBM
    • Oracle
  • Industry
    • Banking & Insurance
    • Biotech
    • Construction
    • Education
    • Financial Services
    • Healthcare
    • Manufacturing
    • Mining
    • Public Sector
    • Retail
    • Telecom
    • Utilities
  • Functions
    • GDPR
  • Magazines
  • Editor’s Bucket
  • Press Release
  • Micro Blog
Follow US
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
The CEO Views > Blog > Technology > Digital Marketing > How Humor Shaped Marketing
Digital Marketing

How Humor Shaped Marketing

The CEO Views
Last updated: 2025/02/03 at 1:05 PM
The CEO Views
Share
How Humor Shaped Marketing
How Humor Shaped Marketing

What makes you click on “add to cart” after you’ve seen an ad? Is it a good deal on a product? Probably, but that’s not usually enough. There’s also a good chance you really like the brand you’re buying from, but have you ever asked yourself – why is it that I like that particular brand more than others?

Let’s be brutally honest and admit that a truly unique brand that offers one-of-a-kind products is not just hard to find, but it’s practically impossible. This is why brands are turning to humor as a marketing tool in order to grab people’s attention. If they can make you laugh, they’ll sell you on it easier, whether you like to admit it or not. Why? Because they’re automatically more likable if they’re funny. Even if they’re a bit mean, you’ll still like them (sometimes you might like them even more because of it).

In this article, you’ll see how and when brands began incorporating humor into advertising and why it matters, so let’s get straight into it!

The Early Days

Humor in advertising isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s been around for over a century. Back in the early 90’s, big brands realized that laughter was a super-effective way to grab people’s attention. Also, they found out that funny ads are likely to be rewatched, or even shared. Coca-Cola is a pioneer when it comes to humor in ads. Their lighthearted and fun ads are still being studied today.

Then, in the mid-20th century, radio became more popular and humor crept in there, as well. With voices and music, and comedic jingles now in ads, only the sky seemed to be the limit.

TV Advertising and Comedy in Branding

Once every household was able to have a TV, humor in advertising made a huge step forward. Print and radio are great, but with TV, brands were able to use visuals. With creativity running high, slapstick humor, and exaggerated characters, commercials went to a whole new level.

Brand mascots were developed – Geico Gecko, the Energizer Bunny, just to name a few memorable ones.

These quirky figures are very memorable and they simply added personality to ordinary products. Soon, brands no longer wanted simple jokes and they started using little storylines packed with humor to hold the people glued to the screens. Budweiser’s iconic “Whassup?” ad did so well that it became a pop culture reference. Celebrities and comedians became a big part of funny ads. 

There were, of course, no guarantees that a humorous touch would work; it was all about finding balance for marketers early on. Too much joking would leave the audience to remember only the joke, not the product. However, if the ad was less funny, the brand wouldn’t stand out. 

There was also the question of humor not traveling well across demographics; cultural differences don’t spare too many misunderstandings, so it is not uncommon or unsurprising to see ads bringing disaster instead of sales.

Digital Revolution and Online Marketing

The landscape of marketing was greatly altered by social media; conversely, humor became the weapon of choice for the likes of X, Instagram, and TikTok. It was all about being catchy, trendy, and shareable. 

Consider an example like Wendy’s. Their whole online persona revolves around humor and they successfully use sarcasm and playful roasts to entertain their followers, but also promote their brand.

Memes have also exploded and you see companies like Netflix and Duolingo using them to promote themselves, especially to younger people. You can see countless popular memes on shirts and caps, and when your audience decides to wear your humor on their clothing pieces, you know your marketing campaign was a banging success. 

However, humor is tricky in the digital space and if you try too hard, you won’t get anywhere. What’s funny today could very well be outdated tomorrow. This is why you’ll see most big brands use influencers and UGC to bridge that gap and make a marketing strategy feel more authentic and natural. If a creator shares a funny take on a brand, it looks better than a scripted ad because it’s more relatable. 

And let’s not forget about AI. That’s right, chatbots have since acquired some sense of humor; their responses ceased being completely robotic, but are now partly witty and personalized.

Conclusion

Who wouldn’t love a good sense of humor? No matter the person or ad, there’s no way that something or someone who cracked a good laugh out of you (the one where you snort a little) will ever be forgotten.

The thing you need to remember is that humor has to feel effortless. If it sounds forced, it will damage your marketing campaign more than it will benefit it.

The CEO Views February 3, 2025
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link
Previous Article How to get the most out of exhibiting at events How to get the most out of exhibiting at events
Next Article AI Algorithms and Predictions AI Algorithms and Predictions
Digital marketing career tips

A Guide to Make Your Way into the Digital Marketing Profession

May 8, 2025
edyou 1
ENTREPRENEUR VIEWS

edYOU: Transforming AI in Education to Better Serve Humanity

The CEO Views By The CEO Views February 22, 2024
The Role of AI in Driving Business Transformation
Artificial Intelligence

The Role of AI in Driving Business Transformation

The CEO Views By The CEO Views October 14, 2025
APiS North America 1
ENTREPRENEUR VIEWS

APiS North America: Revolutionizing the Safety and Risk Analysis Services in America

The CEO Views By The CEO Views February 28, 2024
Staying Competitive with Modern Payment Methods in Business
Micro Blog

Staying Competitive with Modern Payment Methods in Business

The CEO Views By The CEO Views February 18, 2025

Navigating the Grid: Expert Advice for Modern Construction

October 22, 2025

The Role of Industrial Coils in Modern Manufacturing: Efficiency and Innovation

October 22, 2025

How to make a successful law firm website design?

October 22, 2025

LoverWhirl Review: Modern, Engaging, and Built for Online Connections?

October 22, 2025

You Might Also Like

Combining Marketing Fundamentals with SEO to Dominate the iGaming Market
Digital Marketing

Combining Marketing Fundamentals with SEO to Dominate the iGaming Market

8 Min Read
The Best Instagram Viewer for Creators
Digital Marketing

The Best Instagram Viewer for Creators: Manage Reputation and Engagement

7 Min Read
SEO Strategies Every Firm Should Be Using To Attract Investors
Digital Marketing

SEO Strategies Every Firm Should Be Using To Attract Investors

6 Min Read
Effective SEO in iGaming
Digital Marketing

Effective SEO in iGaming

7 Min Read
Small logos Small logos

© 2025 All rights reserved. The CEO Views

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Reprints and Permissions
  • Business Magazines
  • Contact
Reading: How Humor Shaped Marketing
Share

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?