Charades Generator — Random Words + Timer
Free charades for game night: pick a category, start the timer, and the actor acts out the word silently while their team shouts guesses. Tap Got it for a point, Skip for a new word, then pass to the next team.
How to play charades
- Make teams. Split into two or more teams and tap a team name to rename it.
- Pick a category and timer. Kids is the default; choose 30, 60 or 90 seconds per round.
- Act it out. The actor taps Start round, reads the word privately, then acts it out without speaking or pointing at objects in the room. Hide word keeps the card covered when you turn the screen.
- Score. Tap Got it +1 every time the team guesses right, or Skip to swap a tough word. When time runs out, the next team gets a new actor.
- Win. Play an agreed number of rounds — the team with the most points on the scoreboard wins.
Charades gestures cheat sheet
- Number of words: hold up that many fingers before you start.
- Which word: hold up fingers again to show which word you are acting (second word = two fingers).
- Number of syllables: lay fingers on your forearm.
- Sounds like: cup a hand behind your ear, then act a rhyming word.
- Movie: crank an old-fashioned film camera beside your head.
- Book: open your palms like a book.
- Close / keep going: beckon with your hand when the team is warm.
- Got it: point at your nose and at the guesser who said it.
Charades vs Heads Up
In charades, one player sees the word and acts it out silently for their team. In Heads Up, the guesser holds the phone to their forehead while everyone else gives clues. Want the forehead version? Play our Heads Up game.
Charades categories
Kids (default) has easy, family-safe words like toys, food, jobs and animal moves — great for classrooms and younger players. Animals is perfect for mixed ages. Movies mixes family favorites and classics for movie charades. Actions covers everyday activities and sports that are fun to mime. Every category has 100+ words, shuffled with no repeats until the deck runs out.
FAQ
How do you play charades?
Split into teams. One player sees a word and acts it out without speaking while their team guesses before the timer runs out. Each correct guess scores a point.
What’s the difference between charades and Heads Up?
In charades you act the word silently for your team; in Heads Up the guesser holds the phone to their forehead and others give clues.
Are there charades words for kids?
Yes. Choose the Kids category for easy, family-friendly words.
Can I play charades online with friends?
Yes. Share your screen on a video call and show the word privately to the actor.