10 game ideas to liven up an online happy hour with friends

Everyone's connected, the glasses are full… and then, silence. A great online happy hour is a lively one. Here are 10 easy games, with little to no gear needed, to turn a video call into a real night out with your friends.

1. The blind test

The must-have. One person plays snippets, the others guess. In its remote blind test version, everyone can even suggest their own snippets through a shared jukebox.

2. The "who knows it best?" quiz

Twenty questions about a friend, a movie, a series. The winner picks the next musical theme. Belly laughs guaranteed.

3. Truth or dare

A classic that takes on a whole new dimension over video: the long-distance dares are often more creative (and funnier).

4. "2 truths, 1 lie"

Three statements, one of them false, and the others vote. Perfect for (re)discovering some surprising stories.

5. Pictionary

Sixty seconds to get a word guessed on camera or on a shared whiteboard. Not a dull moment.

6. Karaoke

A YouTube karaoke video, and everyone belts out a tune in turn. The more off-key, the better.

7. "Never have I ever"

Each person names something they've never done; anyone who has done it takes a sip. Instant good vibes.

8. The themed jukebox

Pick a theme (the '80s, movie soundtracks, guilty pleasures) and everyone suggests THEIR video. The random draw creates the most unlikely mix — that's the whole idea behind AperoRoom.

9. "Guess what comes next"

Play the opening of an iconic clip, hit pause, and everyone mimes or sings what comes next. A gem.

10. The costume challenge

Set a theme and everyone joins in costume. The night kicks off with a good laugh right from the very first second.

The secret to a great online happy hour

What do these 10 games have in common? They get everyone involved, all at the same time. And when it comes to music — the heart of any happy hour — nothing beats a jukebox where everyone suggests and chance decides. Fill the glasses, and the rest takes care of itself.