How to Play Virtual Charades on Zoom, Teams or Meet

What You Need

• A video call where every actor can turn their camera on
• A way for each actor to see a prompt that others can't: their own phone or a second browser tab
• A host to manage turns, spotlighting and score
• A timer, visible to the actor or announced by the host

Getting Prompts to the Actor Privately

The trickiest part of virtual charades is making sure only the actor sees the word. Options:

• Actor generates their own: each actor opens a charades generator on their phone or in a separate tab, generates a prompt and acts it. Simple and fair, since nobody else sees it.
• Host sends a private message: the host direct-messages the prompt to the actor in the meeting chat. Works, but double-check you've chosen "private" rather than "everyone".
• Breakout room briefing: for bigger events, the host briefs actors in a breakout room.

Office dumb charades suits the first option: it draws from work-friendly categories, and each actor can generate a prompt on their own device with the word hidden until they're ready. Avoid sharing your screen with the generator visible during someone else's turn.

Setting Up the Call

• Spotlight or pin the actor. In Zoom, hosts can spotlight a video for everyone; in Teams, use Spotlight; in Meet, ask people to pin the actor's tile.
• Gallery or speaker view depending on the platform, so the actor is as large as possible.
• Good lighting: a light source in front of the actor, not behind.
• Step back from the camera so upper body and arms are visible. Standing is better than sitting for big gestures.

Rules Adjusted for Video

Chat Guessing

Typing guesses in chat avoids people talking over each other and creates a record for the scorekeeper: the first correct answer in chat wins the point. Unmuted guessing feels livelier but works best with smaller groups.

Lag

Video delays mean the actor may see a correct guess a second or two late. Give the benefit of the doubt on close timing calls.

Formats for Remote Teams

• Team vs team: two teams alternate; the host tracks points.
• Everyone for themselves: whoever guesses first in chat acts next. Great for small, informal groups.
• Breakout tournament: for large groups, split into breakout rooms for short games, then bring winners back for a final. Charades for large groups describes tournament logistics.
• Prop charades: actors may use one object from their desk or home, which adds creativity.

Hybrid Meetings

When some people are in a room and others are remote:

• Point the room camera at the actor, or have in-room actors join from their own laptop.
• Use chat for guessing so remote people aren't drowned out by the room.
• Alternate actors between in-room and remote participants.

Keep It Inclusive

As with any office game, make participation optional, allow pair acting or passes, and choose prompts that aren't tied to inside jokes or specific cultures. Remember that some colleagues may not be comfortable turning on their camera at home; they can guess and keep score. Office charades for team building covers inclusive rules in more detail.

A 15-Minute Remote Game Plan

1. Two minutes: explain rules, how prompts are generated privately, and whether guesses are by chat or voice.
2. One minute: host spotlights themselves and does a demo turn.
3. Ten minutes: turns of about 75 seconds each, alternating teams. The scorekeeper tracks points in chat.
4. Two minutes: final scores and a quick "best performance" vote using reactions or a poll.

Post the rules in the chat at the start so late joiners can catch up.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Actor's video freezes: pause the timer and let them restart the turn.
• Someone accidentally reveals the word: discard it and generate another.
• Guessers talking over each other: switch to chat-only guessing.
• Quiet call: the host can join the guessing to get momentum going.

Summary

Give actors private prompts, spotlight their video, allow extra time for lag, and use chat for clean guessing. Short, optional sessions work best for remote and hybrid teams.