40 Fun Ice Breakers for Virtual Meetings

Want to inject some energy into your meetings? Your solution is right here! Spice things up with these 40 creative ice breakers for virtual meetings!

In today’s world of virtual and hybrid meetings, it can be challenging to connect with everyone and keep things engaging for every team member. This is where activities to get to know each other and company ice breakers come into play.

Without being in the same room, it is easy for people to feel disconnected or distracted. This is where effective company icebreakers come in!

These activities to get to know someone are designed to create authentic connections and keep everyone engaged. From easy ice breakers for adults to actually fun icebreakers, there’s something for everyone.

We have assembled 40 fun ice breakers that are not just about breaking the ice; they are designed to create authentic connections and build deeper bonds between team members, creating synergy and benefitting your organization as a whole.

Are you curious about more fun virtual activities your team can experience after these ice breakers? Book a demo with us to find out more!

Let us not delay! More details await.

What are Virtual Icebreakers?

Virtual icebreakers are introductory activities designed to ease interaction and build rapport among participants in online activities and settings, such as meetings, webinars, and training sessions.

These activities aim to set a positive tone by breaking down initial barriers between team members who may never see each other face to face. They also foster a sense of connection and create an engaging atmosphere conducive to collaboration.

Virtual icebreakers take various forms, from quick and easy activities that prompt participants to share thoughts to more involved games that demand teamwork and cooperation.

Quick Virtual Icebreaker Questions

Get ready to spice up your virtual meetings with these quick virtual icebreaker questions!

1. Would You Rather…?

“Would You Rather…?” questions ignite lively discussions and add fun to any gathering by presenting participants with two hypothetical scenarios to choose between.

This engaging icebreaker encourages people to share their preferences. It also sparks conversations and healthy discussions and reveals unique insights about each participant.

Here are a few intriguing examples to get the conversation flowing.

• Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?
• Would you rather journey back in time to meet your ancestors or forward to see your descendants?
• Would you rather be able to speak all languages fluently or play every musical instrument perfectly?
• Would you rather live in a world where it is always daytime or nighttime?
• Would you rather have the power to control the elements or have the power to teleport anywhere instantly?

2. Quiz Question of the Day

Why not kick things off with a fun quiz question of the day? Quizzes make great icebreakers, so starting your meeting with a brain teaser will surely excite your colleagues.

Participants can take turns answering the question, sharing their knowledge, and even competing for the correct answer.

This game not only adds an element of fun to meetings but also promotes learning, team bonding, and ongoing engagement among participants.

3. Mood Barometer

Instead of the usual “How is everyone doing?” which often gets just a few responses, try a different approach this time – like using a poll.

A “Mood Barometer” involves presenting a captivating trivia question at the start of each meeting. This activity encourages active participation and stimulates the collective intellect of the group.

After answering the question, participants can rate their energy levels using a quick poll. The poll allows facilitators to gauge the group’s enthusiasm and adjust the meeting dynamics accordingly.

Here are some example questions and discussion prompts to kickstart the session.

• What is the capital city of Australia? (Have you ever visited the capital city of Australia?)
• In which year did the Titanic sink? (What do you find fascinating about the story of the Titanic?)
• Who painted the Mona Lisa? (Do you have a favorite painting by Leonardo da Vinci?)
• What is the tallest mountain in the world? (Have you ever climbed a mountain or dreamed of doing so?)

4. In One Word, How Would You Describe…?

“In One Word, How Would You Describe…?” prompts participants to condense their thoughts into one word.

This icebreaker fosters concise communication and meaningful discussions. It also encourages creativity and provides valuable insights into individuals’ perceptions and emotions.

The facilitators can use word clouds to represent participants’ responses to enhance engagement visually. This creates a collective reflection of the group’s thoughts and feelings.

Here are some examples of questions tailored for pulse checks and team reflections.

• In one word, how would you describe your mood today?
• How would you summarize your energy level right now?
• What word comes to mind when you think about our current project status?
• Describe your expectations for today’s meeting in one word.
• What word best captures your overall well-being at the moment?
• In one word, how would you describe our team’s communication style?
• What word comes to mind about our team’s collaboration efforts?
• Describe the culture of our team in one word.
• How would you summarize our team’s recent achievements in a single word?
• What word best represents the atmosphere of our team meetings?

5. Where Are You Joining From?

If your teammates are spread across the globe, why not start your meeting by sending each of them a virtual greeting?

Kick things off with a word cloud, asking, “Where are you joining from?” This works wonders for large meetings or virtual events – the more locations, the more colorful the word cloud will be.

As your colleagues eagerly share their locations during the virtual icebreaker, acknowledge each contribution with a personalized shout-out.

By asking this question, facilitators acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of participants and create an opportunity for individuals to share a bit about themselves and their geographic location.

6. Rank Your Favorites

You can get people involved by having them rank their favorite things, whether from their childhood or otherwise – the options are limitless.

Use a ranking poll question, include as many options as you would like, and allow your participants to prioritize them. Here are some examples of ranking poll questions tailored for team bonding.

• Rank your favorite types of cuisine from 1 to 5 (1 being the most favorite and 5 being the least favorite): Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Japanese.
• Please rank the following outdoor activities in order of preference (1 being the most desired and 5 being the least preferred): hiking, cycling, camping, kayaking, and rock climbing.
• Rank your top three favorite movies of all time (1 being the most favorite and 3 being the least favorite).
• Please rank the following genres of music according to your preference (1 being the most preferred and five being the least preferred): pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, classical.
• Rank your preferred relaxation methods from 1 to 4 (1 for the most preferred and 4 being the least preferred): reading, watching movies, exercising, meditating.

7. Good Old Times

Tap into nostalgia by asking about childhood or teenage memories for an easy conversation starter. This conversation always sparks laughter and fond recollections.

Here are some conversation starters for the “Good Old Times” activity.

• What was your favorite childhood TV show or cartoon?
• Did you have a favorite toy or game growing up?
• What was your most memorable family vacation or trip?
• Can you remember a funny or embarrassing moment from your childhood?
• Who did you admire or look up to during your childhood?

After everyone shares their answers, invite volunteers to explain their choices. This activity will ignite lively discussions and even spark debates over the best candy or movie.

8. Emoji Introduction

Here is another engaging activity to gauge the mood of your team members – invite them to express their emotions using emojis.

Whether representing their name, role, or current mood, each person selects a series of emojis that best encapsulate their identity or how they feel in the moment.

This is an excellent virtual icebreaker for a quick and inclusive activity. It is also perfect while waiting for others to join the meeting.

Short Virtual Icebreaker Activities

Say goodbye to dull meetings and hello to instant engagement with these short icebreaker activities!

9. Unsung Heroes

“Unsung Heroes” is a heartwarming short virtual icebreaker activity aimed at recognizing and appreciating the contributions of colleagues.

This activity breaks the ice and lifts everyone’s spirits, which is much needed, especially when working remotely.

Show appreciation to the unsung heroes in your team. Start your meeting with a word cloud poll asking, “Who was your silent hero this month?”

Recognizing people for their hard work is a fantastic way to kick off a meeting. Prepare for plenty of heartwarming reactions and a smooth, morale-boosting start to any meeting!

10. Highlight of the Month

Here is a wonderful way to uplift everyone’s mood. Invite your colleagues to share their personal or professional highlights from the past week or month.

With this virtual icebreaker, you can discover what others have been up to and celebrate their achievements together.

As you begin your meeting, encourage your teammates to share their highlights using an open text poll. Then, showcase these highlights on the screen and give each one a well-deserved shout-out.

Recognizing and appreciating the actions of your team members is essential for fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

11. What Are You Thankful For?

Here is a heartwarming activity perfect for occasions like Thanksgiving or boosting team spirit during special meetings.

Encouraging team members to express gratitude and appreciation for each other fosters a positive and supportive team culture.

Kickstart your meeting with this question using either a word cloud or an open text poll, and await your team’s responses.

Display these heartfelt submissions on screen and encourage your colleagues to share the reasons behind their choices.

Creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere at the beginning of a meeting sets the tone for productive collaboration and open communication.

12. Guess Whose Desk?

Let us dive into a fun way to bond with your colleagues by getting a glimpse into their home workspaces. This virtual icebreaker combines “Guess Who?” elements with a virtual house tour akin to “MTV Cribs.”

“Guess Whose Desk?” is an engaging, short, virtual icebreaker activity that invites participants to explore their colleagues’ home workstations through an interactive guessing game.

In this activity, facilitators collect photos of each participant’s workspace and share them anonymously with the group.

Based on the visual clues in the photos, participants then took turns guessing whose desk belonged to whom.

13. Travel Bucket List

“Travel Bucket List” is a delightful short virtual icebreaker activity that ignites wanderlust and fosters engaging conversations among team members.

In this activity, each team member is invited to share one destination they would love to visit and briefly explain why it is on their bucket list.

This simple yet effective exercise reveals participants’ interests and aspirations and opens the door to meaningful conversations about travel experiences, cultural interests, and adventurous pursuits.

14. Digital Show and Tell

“Digital Show and Tell” is an engaging short virtual icebreaker activity inspired by the traditional show and tell format.

In this activity, participants are requested to share an interesting item from their digital space, such as a favorite app, website, or gadget.

The participants take turns presenting their chosen item. They will explain why they find it intriguing or valuable.

15. Time Capsule

“Time Capsule” is a captivating, short, virtual icebreaker activity that prompts participants to reflect on the present moment and curate items for a virtual time capsule.

Each team member is invited to share an item they would contribute to represent the current period, whether related to work, a personal memento, or even a screenshot of their current screen.

Participants offer glimpses into their daily lives, interests, and perspectives by selecting and presenting these items. This activity fosters deeper connections and understanding within the group.

16. Team Photo

No virtual icebreaker collection is truly complete without a group photo! It is always a blast, whether in a video chat or in person.

Participants are encouraged to engage in a virtual photo session where they can strike creative poses, use virtual backgrounds, or incorporate props to add humor and personality to the snapshot.

You can do it repeatedly by snapping a new picture each time—try funny faces, bring in your pets, or do something wild.

17. Memory Lane

“Memory Lane” offers a touching virtual icebreaker to strengthen team connections and foster empathy.

Each participant shares a childhood memory or significant life experience during this activity, sparking personal connections and a deeper understanding among team members.

This activity encourages open communication and vulnerability, paving the way for more meaningful interactions and collaborative relationships.

18. What’s the Last Picture That You Took?

Here is another virtual icebreaker that will be a hit: Have your colleagues grab their phones and find the last photo they took.

Invite your colleagues to share the photos in your Slack channel or hold it up to the camera. Finally, ask them to share the story behind the picture (if it is not too personal!)

This icebreaker is a simple yet delightful activity that encourages conversation and helps everyone get to know each other and their interests better.

19. Weekend Photo Contest

Are you feeling a bit sluggish after the weekend? Get the team chatting with a speedy weekend photo contest.

Sharing snapshots from the weekend can be a delightful way to kick off a meeting and bring a personal touch to the team dynamic.

Whether a snapshot of a scenic hike, a delicious homemade meal, or a fun outing with friends, each photo offers a glimpse into participants’ lives outside work.

20. Five Favorites

“Five Favorites” is a lively virtual icebreaker to uncover shared interests and build connections among team members.

During this activity, participants share five beloved items from categories like movies, books, foods, or hobbies.

Through this sharing, individuals showcase their unique preferences, fostering camaraderie and encouraging meaningful discussions.

This icebreaker promotes attentive listening and sparks engaging conversations as teammates explore mutual interests and exchange recommendations.

21. Random Question of the Week

Here is another excellent icebreaker to help you bond with your colleagues: Start a new tradition by asking your team a random question each week or month.

In this activity, facilitators or team members pose a thought-provoking or fun question to the group at the beginning of each week.

These random questions can cover various topics, from favorite childhood memories to dream travel destinations or even hypothetical scenarios.

Virtual Icebreaker Games & Team Building Activities

Check out this selection of icebreaker games and team-building activities for your virtual team-building.

22. Team Trivia Quiz

Give a trivia quiz a shot with questions about your team members. Gather intriguing facts about each person, then let your teammates guess who is being described. You are bound to uncover loads of interesting tidbits!

In this activity, team members take part in a trivia quiz featuring questions about their teammates. The trivia quiz covers personal interests, hobbies, achievements, and fun facts.

Making virtual trivia quizzes a recurring activity adds an element of fun and excitement to virtual meetings while providing opportunities for ongoing learning and connection among team members.

23. Two Truths and a Lie

“Two Truths and a Lie” is an interesting activity that promotes better understanding and connection among team members.

Gather three statements about each person: two facts and one cleverly crafted lie. Encourage your colleagues to make their lies not too obvious to keep everyone guessing.

This activity encourages active listening, observation, and critical thinking as participants share personal anecdotes and attempt to discern fact from fiction.

24. Show and Tell

Drawing inspiration from the cherished childhood tradition of “show and tell,” this activity offers a delightful opportunity to deepen team connections.

Inviting colleagues to select an object with personal significance or an exciting story can foster a deeper connection and understanding among team members.

Allocate each team member 3-5 minutes to share their chosen item with the group, encouraging lively storytelling and engagement.

25. Struggle Sharing

Sharing successes and setbacks within a team fosters transparency, trust, and collaboration. Openly discussing achievements boosts morale and motivation.

“Struggle Sharing” is designed to foster openness and connection. It also promotes stronger bonds among team members and creates a sense of unity in facing obstacles together.

Consider dividing your team into smaller groups, utilizing breakout rooms in virtual settings to encourage candid discussions about professional and personal struggles.

Afterward, reconvene to reflect on the lessons learned from these experiences, turning setbacks into opportunities for collective growth.

26. Background Challenge

Have some fun with your team during your next virtual meeting! Pick a theme and ask everyone to choose a virtual background that best fits it.

Let your imagination run wild! The options are endless, whether it is your favorite movie scene, 80s disco vibes, hilarious memes, or dream vacation spots.

Sharing these backgrounds will break the ice and give you something fun to chat about as the call begins.

27. Guess Who?

Let us dive into “Guess Who?”—an interactive game that brings a guessing game to life, centered on each team member’s tastes and choices.

During this activity, participants drop hints about themselves while their peers attempt to match the clues to the right person. The hints can range from favorite foods to hobbies or dream travel spots.

Successfully guessing reveals intriguing insights about colleagues, enriching mutual understanding and team spirit.

This game thrives on active involvement, offering a playful platform for team members to showcase their unique personalities.

“Guess Who?” is about embracing individuality and strengthening team bonds through shared experiences and connections.

28. Never Have I Ever

While you are all gathered in the virtual bar, why not spice things up with a game? If you are familiar with “Never Have I Ever,” you know how much fun it can be—especially with some juicy questions it poses.

Here is how it works: You will hold your hand so everyone can see your fingers. Then, one person will read out questions like: “Never have I ever gone skinny dipping.” If you have done it, you will put one finger down.

This icebreaker is perfect for getting to know your colleagues better and sharing laughs while swapping funny stories behind each finger that goes down!

29. Visual Brainstorming

Let us talk about another engaging virtual icebreaker: visual brainstorming. Instead of simply tossing ideas around, why not try a more visual approach?

Participants use virtual whiteboards or other interactive platforms in this activity to collectively generate and share ideas, solutions, and strategies.

This activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and engagement, making it an invaluable tool for enhancing team collaboration and communication.

30. Coffee Time

“Coffee Time” is a relaxed and informal activity promoting virtual water cooler moments and fostering casual conversations among team members.

In this activity, participants are encouraged to join a virtual meeting or chat room at designated times, similar to gathering around the office coffee machine.

Make it a point to schedule occasional team catch-ups, allowing you to chat with colleagues about topics beyond work. These moments can help alleviate feelings of isolation, especially in remote work setups.

31. Meet Up in a Virtual Bar

If remote work setups prevent you from enjoying an after-work drink with your colleagues in person, why not try a virtual alternative?

“Meet Up in a Virtual Bar” allows team members to explore immersive video chat platforms or virtual environments designed to simulate the ambiance of a cozy bar setting.

Participants can engage in relaxed conversations, share anecdotes, and unwind after a busy day, all from their homes.

32. Donut Friends

Remember those spontaneous hallway conversations or deep chats by the water cooler with your colleagues? While we wait for those moments to return, consider giving Donut a try.

Donut, a Slack app, randomly pairs two or three colleagues for a scheduled video call. You can use this time for virtual coffee chats, peer learning sessions, or discussions about recent books.

What makes it great is that it connects you with teammates you might not interact with regularly, fostering new connections and friendships in the workplace.

33. Pair and Share

“Pair and Share” is a fantastic virtual icebreaker that encourages deeper conversations among team members, perfect for those familiar with breakout rooms.

Pose a thought-provoking question to your colleagues and then randomly pair them up using breakout rooms if your video conferencing tool supports it.

Give each pair a few minutes to discuss the topic before reconvening in the main room to share their insights with the team.

This activity helps team members connect on a deeper level by sharing personal stories and experiences. It goes beyond typical icebreakers, fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration.

“Pair and Share” promotes meaningful talks and gives a comfortable space for introverts to share their thoughts in pairs rather than in front of the entire team.

34. Name That Sound

Are you seeking a more intriguing guessing game? Why not try your hand at identifying sounds? This activity stands out as a more challenging yet immensely gratifying virtual icebreaker!

Here is how it works: Turn off your cameras, leaving only audio on, and then produce a sound near your microphone. Your colleagues will listen in and attempt to guess its source.

Through audio-only interactions, this activity offers a unique and engaging experience that promotes teamwork, communication, and fun among team members.

35. Group Storytelling

“Group Storytelling” is designed to test improvisation skills and foster collaboration among team members. Challenge your creativity with this engaging icebreaker.

In this activity, participants collaboratively build a fictional narrative by taking turns adding to the story. Each addition enhances the story, fostering teamwork and creativity among participants.

Each member contributes a sentence or paragraph, building upon the ideas introduced by others to develop the plot and characters.

36. Online Games

Engaging in online team-building games adds a touch of fun and camaraderie to remote work, fostering interaction among coworkers just like in a physical office.

Participants can engage in various games, including trivia challenges, roasting sessions, and interactive icebreakers to promote camaraderie and teamwork.

Online games allow team members to relax and enjoy themselves together. They provide a welcome respite from work, fostering friendly competition and socializing among colleagues.

37. Virtual Pictionary

“Virtual Pictionary” is a lively game where participants take turns drawing on a virtual whiteboard or using online drawing tools while others guess the representation.

In this activity, participants take turns drawing on a virtual whiteboard or using online drawing tools while others attempt to guess what the drawing represents.

Teams race against the clock to correctly identify the drawings as the timer counts down, fostering creativity, teamwork, and quick thinking.

“Virtual Pictionary” provides a fun and interactive way for team members to connect, collaborate, and showcase their artistic skills in a virtual setting.

38. Virtual Wine Tasting

Even working remotely, you can still enjoy classic wine sessions. While it may seem challenging in a virtual setup, it is entirely doable.

Simply agree on a specific brand or type of drink, or each person can choose a different one to share their unique tasting experience.

This activity brings back the joy of social gatherings and creates a shared experience that fosters camaraderie and teamwork among team members.

“Virtual Wine Tasting” is an excellent addition to virtual happy hour ideas, providing a unique and enjoyable way for colleagues to bond and unwind.

39. Home Scavenger Hunt

Let us kick off this team-building activity by getting everyone up and moving. This virtual icebreaker is enjoyable and creates an opportunity for everyone to stretch their legs a bit.

Assign your teammates a simple task, like “You have 25 seconds to find something yellow,” or “Grab the quirkiest item in your apartment and show it to us.”

“Home Scavenger Hunt” injects energy into teams through a lively virtual scavenger hunt. This activity sparks enthusiasm and competition and encourages creativity and problem-solving skills.

40. Virtual Escape Room

Are you looking for an immersive team-building adventure? Consider a virtual escape room.

Just like the real deal, it is thrilling and challenging. Your team will collaborate to solve puzzles and crack codes to “escape” the room.

Organizers select themes and platforms that offer interactive and immersive experiences, transporting participants into captivating scenarios where collaboration and communication are vital for success.

This activity promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, enabling collaboration and camaraderie among team members as they work together to achieve a common goal.

Key Takeaways on Ice Breakers for Virtual Meetings

As you navigate the world of virtual and hybrid meetings, remember the power of connection and camaraderie.

Do not hesitate to try out different icebreakers to keep your team energized and connected.

With our curated list of 40 Fun Ice Breakers for Virtual Meetings, the possibilities for fostering engagement and strengthening bonds are endless.

Whether through quirky questions, creative challenges, or heartfelt conversations, each icebreaker offers a unique opportunity to promote team bonding and elevate the virtual meeting experience.

Embrace these opportunities to spark meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging in your team, ensuring every virtual or hybrid meeting is filled with laughter, collaboration, and shared experiences.