The ads sauce

Funny ads have long been a staple of the advertising world. But do you know why it works like a charm? The science behind humor in advertising may surprise you.

Studies have shown that humor can increase the likelihood that people will remember an ad. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Marketing found that humorous ads were more effective at increasing brand recall than serious ones.

But why does humor make us remember advertising content better? According to psychologists, when we find something funny, we experience a "reward response" in our brains. This release of dopamine makes us feel good, and we are more likely to remember the source of that good feeling - in this case, the brand being advertised.

Another reason that humor is effective in advertising is that it can help to break down barriers between the advertiser and the audience. When people are laughing together, they feel more connected. This feeling of connection can translate to positive feelings toward the brand being advertised.

Of course, not all humor is created equal. A study published in the Journal of Advertising found that ads that were perceived as "funny" were more effective than those that were perceived as "cute" or "silly". The researchers theorized that this is because humor is seen as more intelligent and sophisticated than cuteness or silliness.

There you have it. Next time you find yourself laughing at a commercial, remember that there's science behind it. Funny ads work because they make us feel good and help us connect with the company that’s being advertised. And, if you're a business owner, remember that not all humor is created equal - aim for something that's perceived as smart and sophisticated, and you'll be more likely to see success, especially if you pair it with a cool design that benefits your business.