How Brands Like Old Spice, Duolingo, and Netflix Win Hearts with Distinct Brand Voices

Visuals get attention. But tone of voice builds relationships. It’s not just what you say—but how you say it—that creates personality, relatability, and loyalty.

Old Spice: Absurd, Bold, Unapologetic

Old Spice reinvented itself with a voice that’s weird, wild, and wonderfully bold. Its surreal humor (“The man your man could smell like”) made grooming fun—and unforgettable.

Duolingo: Sassy, Playful, and a Bit Pushy

Duolingo’s owl doesn’t just remind you to learn—it guilt-trips you with memes. Its snarky, tongue-in-cheek tone has made learning a language feel like texting a friend.

Netflix: Casual, Cool, and Conversational

Netflix nails relatability. With witty captions, personalized email copy, and social media banter, it speaks like your binge-watching buddy—not a corporate entity.

The Takeaway:

Tone of voice is where brand feeling lives. Get it right, and your audience doesn’t just understand your message—they feel it.