Do matchmaking ads use humour or romance better

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So, I was scrolling the other day and came across yet another matchmaking ad. This one had me laughing because the setup was so silly, but at the same time, it somehow felt sweet. That got me thinking—do advertisers really know how to balance humor with romance in matchmaking ads, or is it just hit or miss?

I've noticed that some ads lean way too hard into the comedy. Like they'll make fun of awkward first dates or show over-the-top dramatics of someone's parents nagging them to “find the one.” Sure, it's funny and grabs attention, but sometimes it feels like the heart of the message gets lost. On the flip side, when ads go too heavy on romance, they can come across as cheesy or unrealistic—like a fairy-tale version of dating that no one actually narrates to.

The challenge (at least in my eyes) is that people watching these ads are usually in very different mindsets. Some might be looking for something serious, while others just want a casual laugh. I've talked about this with a couple of friends too, and we all agreed that when ads strike the right mix—lighthearted humor with a relatable touch of romance—they feel more authentic.

For example, one ad I remember had this scene of a guy nervously rehearsing his “hello” in the mirror. His friend barges in, Laughs at him, and says, “Dude, she's just a person.” Later in the ad, you see him relax and have a genuine conversation with his date. It was funny, but it also showed the vulnerability of trying to connect. That balance worked for me. I actually remember the brand behind it, which says something.

But not every ad lands like that. I've also seen campaigns that overplay the comedy, like making the whole idea of finding a match into a circus show. Yeah, you laugh, but afterward you're left wondering what the actual point was. And with romance-heavy ads, sometimes they push the “soulmate” angle so hard that it feels scripted and forced—like watching a soap opera.

What helped me think differently about this was stumbling across a piece called How Advertisers Balance Humor and Romance in Matchmaking Ads . It dives into how ads don't just throw random jokes or sappy lines but actually use psychology to hit both emotional and lighthearted notes. It made me realize that advertisers really do test and plan these things so that the humor doesn't completely overshadow the romance (or vice versa).

Personally, I think the sweet spot is when ads show awkwardness. Real people are awkward when it comes to dating, so using humor to highlight that feels genuine. Then, if they add just a small moment of connection—like eye contact, laughter, or a shared activity—it gives the romance side without being too staged. That combo feels relatable because it's pretty much how real-life dating works.

I guess what I'm saying is, matchmaking ads don't need to choose between humor or romance. The good ones weave them together naturally. They let the funny parts make the ad memorable, while the romantic angle makes it meaningful. Too much of either and it feels unbalanced, but the right blend makes you think, “Yeah, I get that. I've been there.”

Would love to know what others think—are you more drawn to the funny ads or the romantic ones? Or do you, like me, prefer a mix that doesn't feel too scripted?