30 Ice Breakers for Virtual Meetings: Fun, Fast, and Cringe-Free

Nobody likes awkward silences.

Virtual meetings make those uncomfortable moments feel even more intense, and some attendees may even be hesitant to engage because of it.

That's where ice breakers come in handy - they help dissolve tension before it even begins by creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Great ice breakers for virtual meetings not only encourage participants to open up and get involved but also set a positive tone for the entire session. They transform the meeting from a mundane obligation into a lively and interactive experience. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!

Every group is unique, so what works for one team might not work for another. That's why we’ve put together 30 virtual meeting ice breakers, to help you pick the right one for your remote team.

Whether your team prefers light-hearted games or thought-provoking questions, there's something here for everyone to enjoy!

What Is a Virtual Ice Breaker?

Virtual ice breakers are a great way to help your team connect and feel more at ease during remote team meetings. They are activities and games designed to break the ice, spark conversations, and make everyone feel comfortable and engaged from the get-go.

These online activities can do wonders for building relationships, warming up the group, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among team members who may not see each other face-to-face. They can range from simple check-ins and light-hearted questions to more elaborate games that promote teamwork and collaboration.

Ultimately, the main goal of an ice breaker for virtual meetings is to create a relaxed and friendly environment that helps everyone participate more openly in the meeting. Whether you're aiming to get people talking, learn each other's names, or just have a bit of fun, there's a fun virtual ice breaker for every occasion.

Do I Really Need an Ice Breaker for Online Meetings?

If you want to avoid awkward silence and create a productive atmosphere for your remote team members, virtual team ice breakers are a must!

Here's why:

They build personal connections

When working remotely, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your team. Fun ice breakers for virtual meetings help bridge that gap by fostering personal connections and building team rapport. It’s a great way for everyone to get to know each other better, beyond the routine work tasks and emails.

They encourage virtual team building

Many virtual ice breaker games are designed to promote teamwork and collaboration. These activities can help team members practice working together in a fun and low-stakes environment, which can translate to better cooperation on actual work projects.

They are the cure for initial awkwardness

When people first join a video call, they may feel self-conscious on camera, unsure about when to speak, or simply uncomfortable with the digital format of the meeting. This can lead to a reluctance to engage fully in the meeting.

Ice breakers are the ultimate cure for this stiffness. By introducing a fun virtual icebreaker, you will encourage other team members to contribute ideas, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Plus, it's a great reminder that everyone behind each screen is a real person, which can humanize virtual communication and help with team building.

They help integrate new team members

For a new team member, joining a virtual team can be daunting. Without the benefit of casual office interactions, newcomers may struggle to find their place in the group dynamic. Ice breakers are a structured, low-pressure way for new hires to introduce themselves and learn about their colleagues without being put on the spot.

Top 30 Ice Breakers for Virtual Meetings

With online ice breakers, you can help virtual teams feel more comfortable and improve the attendee experience.

There are five different types of virtual ice breakers we'll be exploring:

Introductions
Casual questions
Hypothetical questions
Fun activities
Group tasks

Introductions

Both you and the attendees simply need to introduce yourselves to the group. While this is mostly applicable to small meetings, there are effective ways to adapt this for a larger video conference as well.

Introductions are a great ice breaker because they allow everyone to become familiar with each other right from the start. This helps build a sense of community and reduces the initial awkwardness that comes with virtual meetings.

Here's how you can make introductions fun:

1. Introduce yourself with a fun fact

Introduce yourself by sharing your name and a bit about your professional background. Then, share a fun fact about yourself such as:

A hobby or interest, e.g. a basketball team you support
A personal preference, e.g. your dislike for spicy food

Sharing something personal outside of the meeting agenda helps put attendees at ease by making yourself relatable.

2. Go around the room

Not literally, of course. Instead, take turns having each attendee introduce themselves. To make this process smooth and stress-free, here are a few tips:

Set an agenda: Provide a clear agenda so attendees know what to expect.
Share relevant information: Give participants any necessary details beforehand.
Guidance on introductions: Let attendees know how you’d like them to introduce themselves, such as sharing their name, role, and a fun fact.

This is perfect for small online gatherings.

3. Make a joke

Prepare a few light-hearted, appropriate jokes to share at the start and during the middle of the meeting. This can help create a more friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Well-timed jokes relieve tension, keep the mood light, and help maintain attendee engagement. Just be sure your jokes are non-controversial and suitable for the group to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included.

4. Gratitude prompts

Expressing gratitude or providing gratitude prompts is an excellent way to create a positive and welcoming environment. Starting the meeting with a moment of gratitude helps participants open up and sets a warm, inclusive tone.

5. Give compliments

Everyone appreciates a good compliment, so why not sprinkle them throughout the meeting? Compliments don’t always have to be work-related. You could mention something casual, like a unique item in someone's Zoom background or a creative virtual background they've chosen.

Just remember to keep it appropriate and avoid personal factors such as religious or political beliefs. This small gesture can brighten someone's day and contribute to a more positive and engaging meeting atmosphere.

6. Emoji intros

Emoji introductions are a fun way to acknowledge attendees in large virtual meetings. Simply ask participants to enter an emoji into the chat to signal their presence. This method is particularly effective for meetings with hundreds of attendees, as it provides a quick and engaging way for everyone to participate without taking up too much time.

Not sure how to deal with your attendee management? Check out our step-by-step guide here.

Casual questions

“How are you?”

While this is a common example of a casual question, it’s not the most engaging or thoughtful way to get to know someone. It’s generic and can often feel impersonal.

Casual questions are a great ice breaker because they invite participants to share a bit about themselves in a relaxed and friendly manner. The best virtual icebreakers are questions that are a bit more personalized, showing genuine interest in the other person. This can help set the stage for more meaningful interactions and make the meeting feel more connected.

Here are some virtual ice breaker questions you can ask on your video conference call:

7. Where are you joining us from?

Asking attendees where they’re joining the meeting from is a good ice breaker. This question is friendly and non-intrusive, allowing you to get to know others without prying into their personal lives. It can also reveal mutual interests or common experiences, helping to establish trust and rapport.

8. Have any of you watched <movie name>?

Referring to pop culture is a great way to connect with attendees and make your points more relatable. For instance, you could mention your favorite movie or TV show. This not only makes your introduction more engaging but also helps your attendees find common ground with each other.

9. How was your weekend?

This question works best on a Monday when it makes the most sense to inquire about someone's recent activities. If your meeting falls on a different day, you can adapt the question to something like, "How is the start of your week going?" or "Did you do anything fun this past weekend?"

While this question might not immediately break the ice, it opens the door to casual conversation and helps participants feel more comfortable sharing.

10. Do you have any travel plans this year?

This is the type of light-hearted question you'd ask a friend. Not only is it super casual and friendly but it also allows other attendees to find a mutual interest with one another. Some sample follow-up questions could be:

"Any particular reason why you want to go there?"
"What do you like most about that place?"
"Have you been there before?"

11. Where is one place in the world you would like to go?

This question is a wonderful alternative to asking about current travel plans. After all, who doesn't love the idea of traveling and exploring new places? It provides insights into a person's interests and dreams, sparking engaging conversations.

This question not only reveals personal interests but also opens the door for follow-up discussions, such as:

"What draws you to that destination?"
"Have you always wanted to visit there?"
"Do you have any specific activities you’d like to do there?"

12. Do you have any passion projects you're working on?

Asking about passion projects reveals a lot about a person’s interests, values, and how they like to spend their time. This question is an excellent virtual ice breaker for both speakers and attendees, as it can uncover common interests and spark meaningful conversations. It’s particularly effective for networking sessions, where discovering shared passions can lead to deeper connections.

However, it’s important to keep the context in mind. For more formal events, try to relate the topics to the meeting's purpose. Use discretion and consider whether talking about passion projects aligns with the event’s objectives.

Hypothetical questions

Hypothetical questions put you in an imagined scenario, which can be unrealistic, funny, or even a bit absurd depending on what you ask. These questions encourage creativity and open-mindedness, making them a fun and engaging way to break the ice.

So, why are hypothetical questions important? They are a friendly and non-intrusive way to get to know the preferences and interests of others. By posing these imaginative scenarios, you can learn a lot about someone's thought process, values, and sense of humor without delving into their personal life.

Here are some fun ice breaker questions for virtual meetings:

13. Would you rather X or Y?

These types of questions are a great way to inject some fun and spontaneity into your meetings:

Would you rather go to McDonald's or KFC?
Would you rather accidentally reply "Love you" instead of "Best regards" in a work email or accidentally call your manager "mom" during a Zoom meeting?
Would you rather work with a typewriter or a rotary phone?

14. If you could…

These questions allow virtual teams to dream big and share personal aspirations:

If you could have a conversation with any fictional character, who would you pick and why?
If you could work from anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
If you could swap jobs with any celebrity for a day, who would it be?
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

15. What would you do if…

These questions invite remote teams to think creatively and share how they might react in various hypothetical scenarios:

What would you do if you became the richest person alive?
What would you do if you caught your boss doing TikTok dances in the office?
What would you do if you were invisible?
What would you do if you were tasked with creating a marketing campaign for a wand that existed in the world of Harry Potter?

16. Never have I ever…

This is a classic virtual icebreaker that can bring a lot of fun and laughter to virtual meetings:

Never have I ever sent an email while wearing PJs in bed.
Never have I ever pretended to be busy at work to avoid doing something I didn't want to do.
Never have I ever made an embarrassing typo in an important email.
Never have I ever fallen asleep during a virtual meeting.
Never have I ever had a video go viral for the wrong reasons.

Fun activities

Fun activities, such as virtual icebreaker games or simple interactive exercises, are fantastic ways to energize your audience and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Think back to your childhood, when you bonded with others by spending time playing video games or engaging in group activities. This strategy remains effective in the virtual workspace.

The online games listed below can be great solutions for remote teams as well as leadership and executive meetings.

Let's explore some ice breaker games for virtual meetings:

17. Virtual escape rooms

Virtual escape rooms are a modern twist on a classic team-building activity. In this game, participants must solve riddles and puzzles to "escape" from a breakout room. While traditionally held in physical settings, these escape rooms have been successfully adapted for virtual environments, making them a perfect ice breaker for remote teams.

18. Quizzes

By asking a series of general knowledge questions to participants, you can create an engaging and interactive experience. Quizzes are often played in teams, and for good reason: they encourage attendees to work together.

19. Polls

Polls are a fun and easy way to gather feedback or input from everyone by letting them enter their answers in a provided space.

For anyone who finds it tricky to know when to jump into a conversation, especially in virtual meetings where social cues are harder to read, polls are a great solution. They give everyone a voice without the pressure of speaking up.

20. Bingo

Bingo is a fun game that's played with randomly drawn numbers or symbols arranged in a grid pattern. Players mark off the numbers on their bingo cards as they're called out. The first player to complete a designated pattern such as a straight or diagonal line says “Bingo”, meaning they've won.

Easy enough, right?

Bingo is often used as an interactive way to engage attendees and break up the monotony of long meetings. Virtual bingo cards are easy to create and the game can be played either as a side activity or as a planned part of the meeting agenda.

21. Virtual scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt is an exciting game where participants are given a list of items to find, along with clues to help them locate those items.

Traditionally, scavenger hunts take place in person, much like Easter Egg hunts during Easter celebrations. However, they can easily be adapted for virtual settings, hosted through an online platform.

22. Bucket lists

A bucket list is a compilation of experiences or life goals you want to achieve, often including activities like traveling to specific destinations or trying new foods. Sharing bucket lists is a fun and engaging way to spark conversation and get to know one another. It offers a glimpse into each other's aspirations and dreams, creating a deeper connection among participants.

23. Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is a classic icebreaker game where each person tells the group three statements about themselves: two of them are true, and one of them is false. The group's task is to guess which statement is the lie.

This is an easy game to play and doesn't require a separate platform like some of the other games listed. It's a fun way to get to know each other too. Either make this game the agenda for introductions or use it as a side activity to break apart long meetings so that you can retain your attendees' focus.

24. Hands up

“Let's be honest, how many of you actually use Facebook? Raise your hands!”

This is a classic example of engaging attendees by asking them to put their hands up in response to a question.

This reassures individuals that they are not alone in their habits or opinions, which can help them find common ground with others in the group.

Group tasks

Group tasks are excellent virtual meeting ice breakers that create opportunities for team bonding and encourage participants to tap into their creative juices. They can also lighten the mood and foster a more inclusive atmosphere in remote meetings.

Here are some examples:

25. Topic discussions

Start by asking a thought-provoking question and then divide participants into groups using breakout rooms. Have them discuss the topic so that they can share their answer with everyone else. To make things easier, assign people their roles and make it clear what needs to be done so that no one is just sitting around and waiting in silence.

26. Brainstorming sessions

Brainstorming sessions are a collaborative way to generate ideas as a group. Unlike the breakout room strategy, this virtual team-building method keeps everyone in one virtual room, allowing all participants to contribute and build on each other’s ideas collectively.

27. Stretch breaks

Long online meetings can take a toll on our bodies, especially our backs. Incorporating quick stretch breaks is a great way to alleviate discomfort and break the tension. Plus, it rejuvenates participants, keeping them engaged and focused.

Lead by example with a simple introduction like this:

“Alright, we’re almost there! Before we move on to the next section, let's take a 2-minute stretch break to recharge.”

28. Feedback sessions

Group feedback sessions are a great way to make attendees feel more comfortable participating and sharing their own work.

Rather than putting someone on the spot, start with your own or a pre-selected piece of work to critique together. This helps ensure that no one feels uncomfortable with sharing their own work with the rest of the group.

29. Mini reflections

Mini reflections are a fantastic way to wrap up a meeting. Simply ask attendees to share what they found most useful or intriguing. This not only helps reinforce key points but also gets everyone reflecting on their takeaways and sharing insights.

30. One-word description

Here's a fun and simple activity: put an image on the screen and ask everyone to describe it with one word. This can be related to work or just a fun side task to break up the meeting. You can also use this framework to ask interesting questions.

Here are a few examples:

How would you describe your career in one word?
How would you describe our company in one word?

Tips to Help You Run Virtual Meetings Successfully

Running virtual meetings can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can keep participants engaged and make your sessions more effective. Here are some tips to help you break the ice and create a more interactive environment:

Keep your webcams on

Encourage everyone to turn their webcams on to humanize the experience. Seeing each other's faces makes the virtual meeting feel more like an in-person gathering, which boosts engagement and participation.

Plus, it helps you read the room better by observing facial expressions and body language, making it easier to gauge reactions and adjust accordingly.

Choose the right virtual ice breaker for your team

Choosing the right ice breaker can make all the difference. Tailor your questions and activities based on your audience and the nature of your online meeting.

For example, a virtual scavenger hunt might not be the best choice for a meeting full of strangers. Instead, opt for something like "Two Truths and a Lie" to help people get to know each other in a fun way. On the other hand, for a team meeting where everyone is already acquainted, more interactive activities like scavenger hunts or group tasks can be a hit.

Picking the right ice breaker helps ensure everyone feels comfortable and engaged from the start.

Practice active listening

Being a good listener can really transform your meetings. When people feel heard and understood, they’re way more likely to engage. This not only makes the session more productive but also creates a positive experience for everyone involved. Plus, active listening helps you pick up on subtle cues about how attendees are feeling, making it easier to address any concerns.

Take advantage of interactive features

Interactive features like polls and chat are effective virtual ice breakers. They make it super easy for everyone to get involved, no matter their personality type. Even introverts will find it easier to participate when given clear opportunities.

Consider using dedicated software or a virtual event platform to manage your online meetings and take full advantage of these features. They’ll help keep your audience engaged and make your meetings run smoothly.

Set up pre-registration pages

Creating a pre-registration page is a smart move. It lets you share the meeting agenda ahead of time, so everyone knows what to expect. Plus, you can gather info about each attendee, which helps you prep better for the meeting. It’s a win-win!

Invite experienced speakers

Speakers can make or break the attendee experience. Delivering content that’s both informative and entertaining usually takes some experience (unless you’re a natural, of course).

If you’re not quite there yet, consider checking out speaker directories to find a passionate expert in your industry to lead your meeting or event. Having a pro at the helm can really elevate the whole experience.

Use a virtual event platform

Virtual event platforms are a great way to streamline your online meetings and keep attendees engaged. They offer tools for managing registrations, hosting interactive sessions, and analyzing engagement, making the whole process much smoother.

HeySummit is a popular virtual event platform that can automate several aspects of event management. It can simplify event setup, provide interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions, and help you manage speakers efficiently.

Try it for free here and simplify the process of running an event in minutes!

From Awkward to Awesome: The Power of Virtual Ice Breakers

Ice breakers for virtual meetings are essential for keeping your sessions lively and engaging. They help break down barriers, foster connections, and ensure everyone is actively participating.

Whether you use fun games like "Two Truths and a Lie," interactive tools like polls, or even quick stretch breaks, these activities can make a significant difference in how connected and focused your participants feel.

Virtual event platforms like HeySummit can seamlessly integrate these ice breakers into your meetings. With features for pre-registration, speaker management, and interactive sessions, HeySummit ensures your virtual meetings are smooth, professional, and engaging.