April Fools 2013: Jokes from Google, Twitter & more

Ah, April Fools’: The one day when you can’t believe everything you read online.

A Google product that leverages “photo-auditory-olfactory sensory convergence,” a Twitter initiative that asks users to pay for vowels, and bacon-flavored mouthwash are just the tip of the jocular iceberg this year. Read on for a list of some of the best gags we’ve come across so far; we’ll be updating it throughout the day.

Google

The search giant/omnipotent Internet god’s next big project? Searchable smells. Somehow, this still doesn’t sound as ridiculous as Google Glass.

YouTube

The jewel in Google’s crown also has a joke of its own — a video that reveals that all of YouTube has actually been a giant contest “to find the best video in the world.” Eight years and zillions of hours of footage later, the site’s finally ready to choose a victor. Related: So that’s what Charlie (of “bit my finger”) fame looks like now!

Twitter

Srry, gys: Twttr’s nxng vwls, unless you pony up a $5/month premium. Thankfully, users will still be able to question the microblogging site’s actions without paying extra: “Because our users come first, we believe that ‘Y’ should always be free to everyone — today and forever.”

https://twitter.com/Joan_Rivers/status/318559993068666880

Peanuts

Hulu

This month, Hulu is adding a whole host of fake TV shows and movies to its already-impressive programming slate — including MILF Island, Inspector Spacetime, Sick Sad World, and The Itchy & Scratchy Show. Too bad Girls With Low Self-Esteem didn’t make the cut.

TeenNick

Yesterday, the cable network got ��90s enthusiasts salivating when it promised to air a never-before-seen episode of Rocko’s Modern Life at midnight. The “episode” turned out to be a static image of a jar of mayonnaise — a reference any Rocko fan should immediately get.

Funny or Die

Naturally, TeenNick isn’t the only place plumbing the depths of ’90s nostalgia. Funny or Die has announced a slew of Veronica Mars-inspired Kickstarters for movies based on old TV shows like Family Matters and Darkwing Duck. It’s sort of depressing to think of how much money these would earn if they were real.

Good Morning America

Another reason ABC’s morning show is besting Today: They’ve finally deciphered the language of gorillas!

American Eagle Outfitters

The poor man’s Abercrombie got into the April Fool’s spirit early, revealing on March 20 that it planned to release a new line of “skinny skinny” jeans that are actually just body paint. It’s no joke, though, that AEO is actually giving consumers $10 off any pair of jeans today.

Scope

Another joke that could very, very easily be real: bacon-flavored mouthwash, “for breath that sizzles.”

Tic Tacs

Not to be outdone, the breath mint-maker has also revealed a new flavor:

https://twitter.com/TicTacUSA/status/318711733390811136

Conan

In an attempt to get in on next year’s March Madness tournament, Conan O’Brien is starting his very own online college. The application process is simple; courses include “Introduction to Feigning Interest,” taught by the illustrious Professor Andy Richter.

Oberlin College

Lena Dunham’s alma mater has transformed itself into “Meowberlin,” an institute of higher learning for adorable kittens.

Suburgatory

Warner Bros. sent out a press release announcing that it plans to actually build a town inspired by the fictional suburb of Chatswin. Series star Ana Gasteyer revealed that she plans to move there as well.

The White House

Maybe the best one of all: the actual White House has collaborated with Kid President to make a video that anyone can enjoy, regardless of politics.

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