The Power of Comedy in Advertising: Why Funny Ads Stick
Humor builds instant connection and trust. It makes a brand relatable and, most importantly, shareable in our fast digital age. It boosts memory recall and positive associations that leave a lasting impression. Think about a funny and memorable commercial that sticks in your mind. Maybe it’s been years since it aired, but that’s the power of humor!
After years of focusing on purpose-driven messages, humor in advertising is on the rise. The key is knowing whether or not humor is right for your brand. If you’re thinking of hiring a funny voice over talent for your political ad, check out Blue Wave Voiceover’s talents.
Humor can be a great tool that builds brand likeability. If an audience is resistant to buying something like homeowner’s insurance, a character like Mayhem can make them laugh and, suddenly, buying it seems like a good idea after all. Flo was personable and made it seem like a no-brainer to buy Progressive. The Geico Gecko and Aflac Duck might be some of our favorite TV mascots that brought long-term brand equity to these businesses.
Brands that invest in hiring funny voice over actors often see their ads stand out in crowded markets.
Blue Wave Voiceover has the professional voice over talent that can be your man or woman who delivers the punchline that keeps the audience laughing. A voice over actor is sometimes hired to perform an outro by simply stating the brand name and tag line. Or maybe you’re looking to hire a voice over actor with a funny southern or east coast accent that makes a story memorable.
Check out funny spots from some of our talent below!
Sometimes funny celebrities like Tina Fey or Ryan Reynolds have the voice tone that fits your brand. If you’re looking for a voice that sounds like a celebrity, Blue Wave can help you find them.
When Humor Works: Top Iconic Campaigns That Nailed It.
Comedy is all about timing. Whether it’s on radio, TV, or social media, the best comedic ads are the ones that use timing, originality, and a great punchline to make it memorable.
Let’s see how some of the best funny ads in radio and TV use humor to reinforce the brand’s message or reinvent it!
Classic Radio Ad: Budweiser’s Real Men of Genius
- Absurd comedy + a memorable jingle = Comedy Genius
- This ad ran in the early aughts and remains a classic.
- Know Your Audience: Targeting younger male blue-collar consumers.
Old Spice’s Bold Rebrand
- There’s a reason why “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” is one of the Top Campaigns of the 21st century by Ad Age.
- Surreal comedy + sharp writing = brand reinvention
- Know Your Audience: Aimed at couples because women were the majority who bought male body wash.
- Went viral by making 186 video responses to questions culled from various online sources.
Super Bowl Classics
Doritos, Bud Light, Geico, Allstate—ads that audiences anticipate every year. It’s when advertisers maximize their ad time using humor to create event-worthy buzz.
E*Trade Baby Girlfriend
- Surreal comedy that uses adult voice overs matched with talking babies and a punch line that delivers.
- Brand Takeaway: So easy even a baby could do it!
Audiences love watching the Superbowl to see their favorite celebrities do outrageous or unexpected things.
Betty White’s Snickers Commercial
- The Unexpected: TV Legend Betty White as our favorite grandma-type playing football and trash-talking with the guys.
- Brand Reinforcement: You’re not you when you’re hungry.
“Talken like Walken”: Christopher Walken & BMW
- Christopher Walken is a famous Hollywood actor but how he speaks is legendary.
- Brand Takeway: By mining his most famous characteristic, the audience is reminded that BMW has no imitators.
Tina Fey & Booking.com
- With help from a few “30 Rock” friends, funny gal Tina Fey can easily book whoever she wants to be for her next trip
- Know Your Audience: The campaign “focuses on the evolving desires of travelers to explore the diverse personas within themselves and choose who they want to be every time they travel.”
4 Takeaways: How Humor Made These Brands Memorable
- Know your audience.
- Match comedic style to brand personality.
- Keeping it simple.
- Humor should amplify, not distract.
These ads created brand recall via memorable characters that used humor to the full effect. They’re also examples of consistent tone and characters building consumer loyalty.
According to Forbes in 2025, “Women now make up 46% of all Super Bowl viewers” and “representation in advertising leads to a 40% increase in consumer trust and a 25% lift in brand affinity.” Knowing your audience and representation are important to keep in mind when casting your next voice over whether for the Super Bowl or beyond. Blue Wave Voiceover has a wide array of professional African American, Asian American, LGBTQIA+, and Spanish Speaking talent.
And if you’re really lucky, your next campaign can become a meme and cultural reference like Old Spice.
Comedy That Converts
Humor makes ads unforgettable, sharable, and likable. Hiring talented and funny voice over talent is one of the easiest ways to guarantee laughs without forcing it.
If you’re an agency or casting director ready to create your next standout campaign, consider hiring funny voice over actors who can deliver laughs while keeping your brand message clear. Blue Wave’s professional and funny voice talent have the comedic timing and fast turnarounds to keep the punchlines rolling.
Sura Siu – Snapple Scanner
Ian Fishman – Two Days Only – Newscaster, Host, Comedic Timing, Witty, Humorous
Dustin Ebaugh – Cheetos Pizza Puffs
Erikka J – GA Lotto Quick Win