5 Zoom Icebreakers for Team Meetings

Let's be honest, most people don't like icebreakers. That's because it can be a lot easier to sit in silence than share something about yourself or open up in any way. Interestingly enough, that's why icebreakers — especially for remote workers — are important. The more you and your team are able to — wait for it — break the ice, the better your bond becomes. The better the bond, the better the team.

If your team is made up of remote workers, you're going to need to get a little more creative with your icebreakers. While there is no shortage of Zoom icebreakers out there, we've compiled a list that includes the best of the best.

The Best Icebreakers for Zoom Meetings

1. Two Truths and a Lie

If you're looking for a fun Zoom icebreaker that gets your team talking, try Two Truths and a Lie. Prior to the meeting, ask each team member to come up with two things that are true about them and one thing that is not. Encourage your team to make each as unique as possible. The weirder, the better. For example, let's say one of your team members owns a blue car and was once chased by a cow. Easy call — toss the car truth and keep the cow truth. Two Truths and a Lie is a perfect icebreaker for a Zoom meeting because the stakes are low and it gets people laughing and talking.

2. Sell It

In this icebreaker, it's everyone's job to channel their inner salesperson. When your team logs onto Zoom, ask them each to select a random object in the room. Once everyone has picked an item, ask them to now "sell it" to the group. You should set a time limit for each sales pitch. Sell It is a great Zoom icebreaker because your team won't have any advance notice. That lack of notice will likely produce some hilarious sales pitches. Once each team member has made their pitch, have everyone vote on the best one.

3. Question Lightning Round

Another good Zoom icebreaker for team meetings is the fast-paced Question Lightning Round. Before the meeting begins, jot down a few questions that are light-hearted and fun. Here are a few good icebreaker questions:

• What's the most-played song on your playlist?
• What's the best TV show you watched this year?
• If you won $10 million from the lottery, what's the first thing you'd buy?
• What was your first job?
• What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

As you can see, you'll want to keep these icebreaker questions short and sweet. Set up a one-minute timer so that the game keeps moving.

4. One Day

If you're looking for a work-based Zoom icebreaker, try One Day. To begin, tell each team member that they have two minutes to come up with a headline about your company in five, 10, or 20 years. Tell them that the headlines can be serious, funny, or anywhere in between. Once the timer is done, have everyone share their headlines. You can add a twist to this in which after each headline is read, your team can vote on the best one, or the one most likely to come true.

5. Picture Time

Picture Time can be played in a variety of ways. In one variation, ask each team member to share — and discuss — the first and last picture on their camera roll. In another version of this Zoom icebreaker, ask each person to share a picture of their work desk, then have everyone vote on the messiest. You could also have your team share their favorite picture from the past month. If you feel like doing a little prep work for Picture Time, ask your team to find baby pictures of themselves prior to the meeting. Once everyone has a picture, have them send them to you. During the game, show the baby pictures and have the team guess which baby picture is which team member.

More to Know About Zoom Icebreakers

What are Zoom icebreaker games?

Zoom icebreakers are simply games played over video chat that help your team get to know one another.

What is a good icebreaker for a Zoom meeting?

A good Zoom icebreaker is usually fun, simple and informative. You want your team to get excited about the activity, but the purpose of icebreakers is to help form a bond. Your best bet is an icebreaker that gets people talking. The more people talk, the more they find common ground.

How long should a Zoom icebreaker game last?

Your Zoom icebreaker games should be rather short in length. Think anywhere from five to 15 minutes. Your team is more likely to stay engaged with short activities.