10 Online Ice Breaker Games for Virtual Teams
Working remotely? Discover the best online ice breaker games designed specifically for virtual teams. Includes Zoom-ready activities, digital tools, and expert facilitation tips.
13 min read
•November 28Emoji Check-In
4.5
(2,987 ratings)Participants use emojis to express how they are feeling and share brief explanations, creating an inclusive and visual check-in.
Emoji Check-In is a modern, visual icebreaker perfect for virtual meetings and diverse groups. Participants choose emojis that represent their current mood, state of mind, or reaction to a prompt. This low-pressure activity works well as a meeting opener and provides insights into team sentiment.
5-15 min3-100 peoplevirtual
QuickNo MaterialsFunLarge Groups
Getting to Know YouVirtual
Objective
Create a quick, visual way for participants to express themselves and check in with the group.
Materials Needed
- Video conferencing platform with emoji reactions
- Chat functionality (optional)
How to Play
1
Introduce the Activity
1 minExplain that everyone will use emojis to express how they are feeling or answer a prompt.
2
Present the Prompt
1 minShare a question or prompt (e.g., "How are you feeling today?", "React to this week with an emoji").
3
Share Emojis
2 minParticipants choose and share their emoji in chat or using platform reactions.
4
Brief Explanations
10 minAsk volunteers or go around for people to briefly explain their emoji choice (keep to 20-30 seconds each).
Pro Tips
facilitationImportant
For large groups, have people share in chat and highlight a few interesting ones.
Variations
Try these variations to adapt the game for different contexts and group sizes.
Emoji Story
Create a story using only emojis and have others interpret it.
Changes:
Duration10-20 min
Emoji Weather Report
Describe your current "emotional weather" using weather-related emojis.
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