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Playfulness, your brand's secret weapon!

Welcome to MediaWorks Takeaways – your go-to for fresh insights, trends, and smart strategies to level up your brand and marketing game.

We like to keep things light – because playfulness isn’t just fun, it’s a secret superpower. Especially now.

In today’s climate, people are craving joy. A recent study by TRA across New Zealand and Australia found that consumers are tired of living in a "permacrisis" – they’re looking for brands that bring a spark of positivity. Research from brand strategists Peter Field and Jon Evans backs this up:

  • Emotional responses predict an ad’s success in both the short and long term.

  • Positive emotions, especially happiness, make ads more memorable and build stronger brand associations.

  • Dull ads? They’re a waste - leading to higher media spend without real impact.

Why Playfulness Wins:

  • 6 in 10 people say playful brands make them feel better.

  • Humour boosts memory, attention, and social connection.

  • Serious topics don’t always need a serious tone – emotion and entertainment can deliver more impact.

  • Ads that make people laugh are:

    • 2x more likely to be noticed

    • 3x more likely to be remembered

    • 4x more likely to drive action

At MediaWorks, playfulness is in our DNA. From high-energy youth brands like The Edge, Mai, and George, to household staples like More FM and The Breeze, we offer a line-up that helps advertisers connect with audiences in a way that sticks.

Ready to put more play in your plan? Let’s chat.

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