How to Use Humor in Newsletters to Delight and Engage Readers

Between corporate jargon and endless promotions, it’s easy for even well-crafted newsletters to get lost in the shuffle. 

Your subscribers’ inboxes are crowded. 

That’s where humor swoops in as the superhero of email marketing.

Not only can humor make your newsletters stand out, but it also creates positive associations, builds connections, and makes your content way more memorable. 

If your goal is to keep your readers opening (and loving) your emails, sprinkling in a bit of humor might just be the secret sauce your newsletter needs.

The Psychological Benefits of Humor in Newsletters

Positive Vibes, Stronger Bonds

Humor triggers endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in our brains. When your subscribers laugh (or even smirk), they associate those positive feelings with your brand. And that connection matters. A newsletter that leaves your audience smiling is one they’ll look forward to—and share with friends.

Translation? That witty joke about your latest product or event might be what keeps your readers thinking about it long after they’ve closed the email.

How Humor Engages Readers

Relatable humor hits differently. Think about observational jokes that make readers go, “That’s so true!” By tapping into shared experiences, you’re not just making them laugh—you’re making them feel seen.

For example:

A fitness brand might joke about the universal struggle of holding a plank

A coffee subscription service could poke fun at the chaos of a morning without caffeine.

These small, humorous moments create a bond between your brand and your readers, turning casual subscribers into loyal fans.

Humor adds a human touch. It shows that your brand isn’t just a logo—it’s a personality. This shift makes your newsletter feel more like a conversation and less like a sales pitch, encouraging deeper engagement.

How To Add Humor Without Overdoing It

Know Your Audience

The golden rule of using humor: what’s funny to one group might fall flat—or offend—another. Understand your audience’s preferences, sensitivities, and sense of humor to strike the right balance.

• If your audience skews corporate, lean into clever wordplay or light sarcasm.

• If they’re a casual crowd, memes, puns, or playful anecdotes might hit the mark.

Don’t Lose the Message

Humor is great, but don’t let it overshadow the purpose of your newsletter. 

Your readers should walk away entertained and informed.

A well-balanced newsletter delivers value first and laughs second.

Timing Is Everything

Humor works best when it’s well-placed. 

Whether it’s a funny subject line to grab attention or a playful sign-off that leaves a lasting impression, think about when and where to inject levity for maximum impact.

Experiment With Humor Styles

Not all humor needs to be laugh-out-loud funny. Try these approaches:

Witty Subject Lines: “This Email Contains Dad Jokes (And a Discount Code).”

Funny Anecdotes: Share relatable stories about your industry or brand.

Visual Humor: Add memes, GIFs, or custom illustrations to boost your email’s personality.

Puns and Wordplay: Clever wordplay adds a playful tone without going overboard.

Examples of Successful Humor in Newsletters

Humor is subjective, but these brands have cracked the code to make their emails fun, engaging, and effective:

• Grammarly

  Grammarly injects humor into their newsletters with clever one-liners about common writing mistakes. For instance, “Let’s eat, Grandma vs. Let’s eat Grandma. One saves lives, the other…not so much.” They keep it relevant to their product while adding a playful twist that resonates with their audience.

• Innocent Drinks

  The UK-based smoothie brand is famous for its quirky humor. Their newsletters often include cheeky subject lines like, “We have nothing to hide (except this smoothie recipe)” paired with lighthearted content that entertains while staying on-brand. Their conversational tone makes readers feel like they’re chatting with a witty friend.

• Duolingo

  Duolingo’s newsletters are a masterclass in brand voice. They lean into their owl mascot’s playful persona, using humor to motivate users with lines like, “Remember that Spanish lesson you skipped? We do.” It’s humorous, and relatable, and keeps users engaged with the app.

Why Trust Me: With over a year of experience on beehiiv’s content team, I’ve gained deep insights into email marketing, list growth, and scaling strategies.

Humor + Newsletters = Unforgettable Content

Adding humor to your newsletters isn’t just about cracking jokes—it’s about creating a memorable experience that keeps your readers engaged and eager for more. 

Done right, humor transforms your emails from “just another update” to the one thing in their inbox they can’t wait to open.

Here’s How You Can Get Started:

• Understand Your Audience: Cater your humor to their vibe.

• Strike a Balance: Entertain, but make sure your message comes through loud and clear.

• Use Humor Strategically: Placement is key—start strong and leave them smiling at the end.

• Leverage Tools Like beehiiv: With beehiiv’s advanced tools, you can test humor styles, audience reactions, and design elements to create newsletters that entertain and convert.

Whether you’re using puns, memes, or witty observations, the goal is to create a newsletter that feels fresh, human, and worth opening every single time.

So, get creative, have fun, and watch your emails become the highlight of your subscribers’ inboxes. 

Sign up for beehiiv today, and let’s make your newsletters as funny as they are effective!