Bad 404 pages are like a personal vendetta. A goldmine chance to showcase brand personality, wasted! In this blog, get ready to explore some killer 404 page examples. We'll dissect what makes them work and how they use humor, interactivity, and design personality to turn a dead end into a hidden gem.
What is a 404 Page and Why Does Your Website Need One?
Have you ever been cruising the web and suddenly reached uncharted territory? That, our friends, is a 404 error. It's a technical term that translates to "page not found".
Basically, you requested a specific webpage from a website's server, but the server came back empty-handed – it couldn't find the page you were looking for. There are many reasons why this might happen:
- The page might have been deleted or moved.
- The link you clicked might be broken.
- You might have simply mistyped the address yourself.
While 404 errors are a common part of web browsing, a bad 404 page can be a real turn-off for users. That's why we, as designers, get a little fired up about these pages. They have the potential to be so much more.
Here at Creative Corner, we took that challenge head-on. For instance, take a peek at what we whipped up for our own agency's website:
After you've seen what we came up with, let's dissect the magic that makes this 404 page shine. After all, there's a formula to a fantastic error page, and we're about to break it down for you.
What Should a 404 Page Contain?
A standard 404 page usually contains a message indicating that the page could not be found.
However, a truly effective 404 page goes way beyond the basics.
Ready to see it in action? Let's explore more real examples that bring the essential components to life.
404 Page Examples That Turn Errors Into Engagement
From heartwarming messages to interactive games, our picks showcase the power of user experience and brand identity, proving that even an error can be an opportunity to shine.
Prepare to be surprised, delighted, and maybe even chuckle a bit!
1. Pixar
Pixar's signature playful tone shines through with messages like "AWWW...DON’T CRY. It's just a 404 Error!"
This isn't just about conveying the error – it's about acknowledging the user's potential frustration and offering a comforting hug through the screen.
2. Google
Sometimes, less is truly more. Google's 404 page exemplifies this perfectly. Their stripped-down approach with a clear error message and zero distractions aligns beautifully with their user-centric design philosophy.
As designers who appreciate clean interfaces, we find this refreshingly straightforward.
3. Dribbble
Dribbble’s 404 page is an excellent example of turning a negative experience into a positive one. It's also a clever way to keep visitors interested while subtly promoting their core offering.
This strategy speaks volumes about their understanding of their target audience – designers who crave visual inspiration.
4. Slack
Slack's 404 page maintains its signature casual and helpful tone. Their message, "There's been a glitch… We're not quite sure what went wrong", acknowledges the error without technical jargon.
This down-to-earth approach bridges the gap between acknowledging an error and maintaining user trust. Their casual tone reflects their brand's core values, creating a sense of familiarity and approachability.
5. Amazon
Instead of the usual sterile error message, Amazon's 404 page greets you with adorable photos of their employee dogs. We are a total sucker for a cute dog, and this strategy never fails to put a smile on our faces. It's a brilliant way to humanize the brand and remind you that there are actual people (and their furry friends) behind the e-commerce giant.
Of course, the practical side isn't forgotten. Clear navigation options like a search bar and a link back to the homepage ensure you're not stuck in puppy purgatory forever.
6. Mailchimp
Mailchimp's 404 page strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted humor, clear communication, and user-friendliness.
No wonder this design continues to be a reference point for captivating error pages!
7. Spotify
Hitting a 404 can feel like your headphones just died right in the middle of your favorite song. Frustrating, right? Well, Spotify understands this. Their 404 page injects a dose of humor with a relatable pop culture reference.
This is a clever way to connect with users on a personal level. Suddenly, you're not just a user lost in the digital wilderness, you're sharing a moment with Spotify, and that connection goes a long way in diffusing the frustration.
8. Figma
Figma's 404 page is a masterclass in this area. They don't just tell you there's an error, they let you interact with the error message itself – stretching and pulling the text like you would in their design software.
This experiential approach leaves a lasting impression and reinforces Figma's innovative spirit. As designers ourselves, we can't help but appreciate this creative twist.
Speaking of Figma, want to see some amazing website designs built with it? Check out our article "15 Best Figma Website Templates To Get Inspired From in 2025". You'll find tons of inspiration for your next web project!
9. Wendys
Instead of design exploration, Wendy's offers a mini-game. This strategy aligns perfectly with their brand image – a fast-food chain known for its playful and sometimes sassy social media presence. It's a gamble, but when it works, it can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Personally, we wouldn't mind encountering a broken link every now and then if it meant a quick Wendy's mini-game to break up the monotony of web browsing.
10. Ahrefs
Personally, we found Ahrefs' approach refreshingly honest. It's a welcome change from the overly cutesy or irrelevant messages you sometimes see on 404 pages. They acknowledge the error, provide a relevant explanation, and then subtly nudge you toward their product – all without being pushy or annoying.
This is a pretty smart strategy that prioritizes user education while keeping their brand top-of-mind.
11. Airbnb
Airbnb's clean and helpful page aligns perfectly with Airbnb's focus on hospitality. Even when something goes wrong, they want to make sure your experience is as smooth as possible.
This is a reminder that sometimes the most effective solution is the simplest one – a well-designed 404 page that gets users back on track without any unnecessary fuss.
12. KonMari
KonMari does decluttering even on error pages! Their 404 message follows their core philosophy of sparking joy, even in unexpected places. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about KonMari's commitment to a positive user experience.
As designers, we're huge fans of this approach. It shows that strong branding doesn't have to compromise on functionality.
13. Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog, the SEO tool famous for finding broken links, takes a hilarious approach to their own 404 page. Their message is a classic case of self-deprecating humor that disarms you completely. They acknowledge the error (a broken link, no less!), but in a way that makes you chuckle and, honestly, endears them to you a bit more.
After all, we've all messed up, and seeing a brand laugh at itself is refreshing. Plus, it builds a sense of camaraderie – they're on our side, even when we stumble upon a dead end.
14. Magnt
Magnt ditch the boring text and instead use a hilarious Venn diagram. It's a clever and visually engaging way to explain the situation, and let's be honest, way more memorable than a generic "Page Not Found".
This kind of approach shows that a 404 page can be an opportunity to inject some personality and leave a lasting impression on the user. Plus, it makes them look good when curious users like you see these examples!
15. Ebay
Unlike some of the flashier 404 pages we've explored, Ebay takes a more minimalist approach. Their design prioritizes user-friendliness above all else.
Following this, Ebay provides straightforward options to get users back on track – "Browse categories" or "Visit our Help Center". This efficiency aligns perfectly with eBay's reputation as a no-nonsense marketplace focused on getting users the products they desire.
Final words
By now, it's clear that a 404 page doesn't have to be a boring dead end. The examples we've explored show the power of infusing personality, prioritizing users, and getting creative. Here are some key takeaways to bookmark:
- Humor breaks the ice
A chuckle can turn frustration into a positive brand memory.
- Engagement matters
Interactive elements showcase your brand's personality and functionality.
- Clarity is key
A clear error message and easy navigation are essential for most users.
- Brand yourself
A touch of personality makes a lasting impression, even on an error page.
Want to brainstorm some creative ideas for your own 404 page? The Creative Corner team is here to help! Just shoot us a message – we love collaborating and turning those lost clicks lead to happy landings.
P.S. A 404 error page is just a tiny piece of the overall user experience puzzle. If you're curious about the bigger picture of UX design, and how even the smallest of details can make the biggest impact, check out our blog post "Bad UX vs Good UX: 16 Examples of Frustration vs. Flawless Design". It dives into the world of UX and explores what makes an experience smooth or frustrating.
