Advertising doesn't have to be serious. In fact, every year April Fools' Day ad hoaxes allow advertisers the opportunity to have a bit of fun with their brand. This April Fools' day, marketers couldn’t resist being goofy, deceptive, and downright hilarious in order to showcase their brands. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite April Fools' ads from this year.

By now, most people have heard of the United Airlines incident that occurred earlier this week. A paying customer was dragged off a United flight by officers when he refused to leave an overbooked flight. The graphic video, which shows the bloodied man being dragged down the airplane aisle, went viral instantly, creating a frenzy on social media and for reporters.

Traditionally, one of the most respected marketing assets to attain is earned media. Stories about your product or service appearing in the mainstream media are valuable because the unpaid endorsements are coming from an unbiased third party.

Carl’s Jr., notoriously known for overtly sexual advertisements, has adopted a new approach to advertising strategies. In its new ads, the younger, more provocative Carl Hardee Jr. has been replaced by a charming and more senior Carl Hardee Sr., who is not one for provocative, bikini-clad women.

Recently, Google was called out for accidentally placing advertisements beside inappropriate and offensive content. In response, Google has announced its “three-pronged” solution to combatting ad misplacement by focusing more closely on policies, enforcement, and controls.

It seems that Amazon's Echo is now getting into the advertising game. At the end of January, Amazon announced it would soon be adding paid advertising to its Echo and Dot devices.