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National Inane Answering Message Day

Ready to leave some ridiculous voicemails? It’s National Inane Answering Message Day, so let your creativity flow and make someone's day!

Saturday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 30

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to update your voicemail with something silly and nonsensical because National Inane Answering Message Day is coming up on January 30! This day was first established in the 1980s by a man named Scott Schechter, who wanted to encourage people to have fun with their voicemail greetings instead of leaving dull and boring messages. So why not take this opportunity to let your creativity run wild and leave a memorable answering message that will make your friends and family laugh? It's the perfect way to brighten up someone's day!

TIMELINE

National Inane Answering Message Day Timeline

Invention of Phonograph

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, the first device capable of recording and replaying sound, which paved the way for voicemail technology.

First Voicemail System

IBM introduced the first modern voicemail system to the world as part their computer-based system, PROFS.

Establishment of the Holiday

Scott Schechter established National Inane Answering Message Day, encouraging people to leave fun and creative voicemail greetings.

Voicemail in Mobile Phones

The use of voicemail becomes widespread with mobile phones, resulting in more opportunities for creative answering messages.

Emergence of Online Platforms

Social media and various online platforms begins to recognize and amplify National Inane Answering Message Day, further popularizing the tradition.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Inane Answering Message Day

Create a silly voicemail greeting

Get creative and record a funny or absurd voicemail greeting to celebrate National Inane Answering Message Day. Your friends and family will get a good laugh when they call you.

SEND

Send inane messages to your friends

Take advantage of this quirky holiday by sending your friends and family members nonsensical or random messages throughout the day. They'll appreciate the humor and it's a great way to stay connected with loved ones.

RECORD

Record a ridiculous answering machine message

Instead of a traditional voicemail greeting, record an over-the-top, comedic answering machine message. This is sure to make any caller smile and maybe even leave a silly message of their own.

HOST

Host a themed answering machine party

Invite friends over and have everyone come up with their own inane answering machine message. You can even have a contest for the most ridiculous one. It's a fun and unique way to celebrate this holiday.

Share funny voicemail stories

Gather around with friends and family and share funny or memorable voicemail stories. This is a great way to reminisce and bond over the silly side of technology.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Inane Answering Message Day

It promotes creativity and individuality

On this holiday, there are no rules or limitations - you can record whatever kind of answering message you want! This encourages people to be creative and express their unique personalities through their messages. So don't hold back - let your imagination run wild on this special day!

It's a way to be silly and have fun

National Inane Answering Message Day is all about embracing your silly side. It's a chance to create outrageous, funny answering messages that will make your friends and family laugh. So let loose and get creative!

It brings a little joy into our daily routines

Let's face it - checking our voicemails can sometimes feel like a chore. But with National Inane Answering Message Day, we have a reason to look forward to listening to our messages. After all, who doesn't love a good laugh?

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