13 virtual icebreakers to help remote teams connect

The ways teams stay connected has shifted since remote and hybrid work became the norm. With fewer hallway chats or spontaneous check-ins, connection has to be more intentional. And virtual icebreakers are a great way to kick things off. Thoughtful prompts and 5-minute games for virtual meetings break tension and build trust, paving the way for collaboration that counts.

To help you get the most out of your team meetings, we’ve put together a list of the most useful icebreakers, as well as a few AI-powered ideas to boost engagement and cut through any awkward tension.

What are virtual icebreakers?

Icebreakers for virtual team meetings are short, interactive activities designed to help remote employees feel more connected before diving into work. Whether it’s a quick round of “Would you rather?,” a two-minute trivia game, or a collaborative challenge, these fun little tasks create a sense of camaraderie — something that’s tough to build when your people are stuck behind screens.

When your team starts meetings with a bit of laughter and connection, instead of superficial “Hey, how are you?”s, people feel more comfortable sharing ideas, communicating openly, and staying engaged throughout the day. More than just sparking small talk, virtual icebreakers strengthen team rapport, boost participation, and help reduce the fatigue that often comes with back-to-back video calls. 

13 icebreakers for virtual meetings

Team-building icebreakers should be interactive enough to encourage everyone to get involved, but short enough that they don’t disrupt the rest of the meeting.

Make an impact by picking activities that will invite genuine conversation, lighten the mood, and help team members connect. Here are 13 icebreaker ideas to try with your teams.

5 virtual icebreaker questions

Thoughtful icebreaker questions are great for jump-starting conversations and encouraging participation, even from quiet employees.

1. “What’s one thing you’re excited about this week?”

This question helps team members focus on what’s going well, both personally and professionally. It’s a great way to start meetings with a burst of positive energy.

2. “If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be?”

By encouraging curiosity, this question reveals people’s interests beyond their current roles. It can lead to surprising connections or even inspire ideas for professional growth within the team.

3. “What’s your favorite remote work tip or hack?”

This one blends fun with function: It gives everyone a chance to swap advice that makes remote life easier. According to Gallup, remote workers suffer from lower well-being than their hybrid and on-site peers. So sharing small habits like scheduled breaks or personalized workspaces can make a real difference.

4. “What book, movie, or TV show have you enjoyed recently?”

Asking about pop culture is an easy, low-pressure way to get people talking. It builds camaraderie through shared interests and can even lead to casual team traditions like weekly movie or book recommendations.

5. “If you could work from anywhere in the world, where would it be?”

A question like this reveals what makes people happiest or most productive. It’s a refreshing way to learn about teammates’ personalities and find connections.

4 short virtual icebreaker activities

These quick activities take five minutes or fewer. They’re a great way to kick meetings off with high energy and a smile. 

6. One-word check-in

Ask each person to share one word that describes how they’re feeling today. This activity helps leaders gauge their team’s energy and encourages everyone to reflect on their well-being. It’s quick, simple, and can be surprisingly revealing.

7. Pet introduction

The tail of someone’s cat or dog peeking into the far corner of the Zoom frame is far more interesting than discussing the last quarter’s numbers. It’s even better when you coordinate it. Invite team members to introduce their pets (or a favorite comfort object, if they don’t have a pet) on camera.

It’s lighthearted and offers a glimpse into everyone’s home life. These small moments of authenticity build empathy and make remote meetings feel warmer.

8. Two truths and a lie

This activity is as straightforward as it sounds, but it’s an old favorite for a reason. Each person shares two true statements and a false one, and everyone else guesses which is the lie. It’s a playful competition that helps people learn fun, unexpected details about their teammates, encouraging storytelling, laughter, and connection.

9. Guilty pleasure challenge

One of the best ways to see the person behind the Slack avatar is to have everyone confess a guilty pleasure. This might be a show they binge-watch or a snack they can’t resist. You’ll start conversations while reminding everyone they share more in common than they might think.

4 virtual icebreaker games for meetings

Icebreaker games are a fun way to build collaboration, trust, and creativity. They turn meetings into moments of shared energy that carry over into the workday.

10. Quick trivia quiz

Rapidfire questions like, “What’s the latest Taylor Swift album?” or “What’s the smallest U.S. state by landmass?” will keep people more alert than starting a meeting with a boring to-do list. Brief trivia sessions with random or themed questions are inclusive and boost energy levels.

11. Guess the baby photo

Have everyone submit a baby photo before the meeting, then reveal them one at a time for others to guess. This activity has everything to keep teammates hooked: nostalgia, entertainment, and laughter.

12. Virtual scavenger hunt

Split attendees into small groups and give them a short list of household or workspace items to find in under two minutes. The race to grab everything the fastest will add a touch of playfulness to virtual communication.

13. Emoji story challenge

Ask team members to describe a recent experience or weekend activity in your platform’s chat function using only emojis. The rest of the attendees will then try to guess the story. This icebreaker is creative, easy to do, and encourages creative thinking.

AI-powered icebreaker ideas to personalize team connection

Instead of always relying on the same team-building icebreakers, AI can help you generate creative ideas tailored to each meeting’s goals. Whether you need to energize a Monday check-in, welcome a new hire, or ease the tension before a big project kickoff, AI-powered tools ensure every icebreaker is purposeful and inclusive. 

For your next meeting, try these AI prompts to generate fresh, customizable icebreaker ideas instantly:

• “Suggest fun, morale-boosting icebreakers for a weekly remote team meeting.”
• “Create lighthearted check-in questions for a team of engineers.”
• “Generate team-building activities for hybrid teams who’ve never met in person.”
• “Write five creative virtual scavenger hunt ideas for a 15-minute meeting.”
• “Come up with icebreaker questions that help new hires feel welcome.”
• “Suggest quick online games to energize a sales team on Monday mornings.” 

Powering remote engagement with Workleap

Virtual icebreakers do more than just fill a few minutes at the start of a meeting — they help remote employees feel like they truly belong. 

When teams regularly create space for light, authentic interactions, these moments translate into stronger communication, creativity, and employee engagement across the board. And Workleap Officevibe can help. With Officevibe’s AI-powered tools, you can track trends, gather feedback, and act on real insights to grow company culture. 

Demo Workleap today to see how it can help you build more connected remote teams. 

FAQs

How often should teams do virtual icebreakers?

Teams should do virtual icebreaker tasks regularly. Try arranging them at the start of recurring meetings to keep engagement and connection strong. This consistency will help remote employees feel included.

Should an icebreaker be before or after a meeting? 

It’s best to start meetings with an icebreaker to energize participants and encourage communication. Opening with a fun, lighthearted activity sets a positive tone and helps everyone feel more present.

What are the disadvantages of icebreakers?

Poorly chosen icebreakers can feel forced, take up too much time, or make introverted team members uncomfortable. The key is choosing activities that are inclusive, brief, and relevant to your team’s culture.

Are virtual icebreakers suitable for large meetings?

Yes, virtual icebreakers can work well for large meetings when designed for scale. You can do this by arranging polls, breakout rooms, or quick chat-based activities. The goal is to create light interaction without overwhelming participants.