Online video chat with strangers is very much a “thing” these days. In reality, it has existed for as long as live video has been available on the internet, but Chatroulette’s inception in 2009 helped to mainstream the practise. However, Chatroulette isn’t your only choice. Many options are available if you wish to have a random video chat online. Even better, they don’t have the same tainted reputation as Chatroulette.
What Happened at Chatroulette?
Within months following its inception, Chatroulette was making news for all the wrong reasons. According to one survey, one out of every eight spins revealed a naked person, and 89 percent of users were men. The results instantly set alarm bells ringing in the days when parental restrictions were not as robust as they are today. Today, Chatroulette is being used to talk to strangers. Chatroulette did clean up its act in reaction to the early criticism. The number of safety measures in place has steadily increased over the last few years. Nudity is strictly prohibited throughout the service. Around 60% of pornographic content is filtered away by an algorithm. To use the service, all users must first create an account. Users can be reported, and if you receive three complaints in a certain amount of time, you will be banned. Sixty percent does not appear to be a significant amount. There is still cause for concern, given that more than 30% of the user base is under the age of 18.
Online Video and Voice Chat With Strangers Alternatives
So, what are the Chatroulette alternatives? Some have the same problems as others, while others have features that make it safer for you to talk with strangers.
1. Omegle is a free online dating service
Omegle is maybe the most well-known Chatroulette alternative. Before you start your discussion, you can input some optional hobbies to assist you locate an intriguing stranger to talk to. Omegle also has a text-only option available. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to reveal themselves in public but yet want to talk to someone. However, unlike Chatroulette, Omegle still has an unmoderated adult component. Its presence is problematic, but it does at least provide a method for folks who want to engage in that type of activity to do so outside of the main video chat area.
2. Hiyakoshi
On both Android and iOS, Hiyak is one of the most popular one-on-one video chat apps. You can make random video calls with folks from all over the world using the free service. Filters and effects for your video output, sophisticated filters to govern your matches (including gender, age, geography, and interests), and a zero-tolerance policy to predator, cyberbullying, racism, and spam are just a few of the features available. There’s a swipe feature to help you identify stories and individuals you want to talk to, and anyone can build a profile. You can also send gifts to people you like. Hiyak is available in nearly every country, with 190 countries supported globally.
3. FaceCast
FaceCast isn’t quite like the other services we’ve looked at thus far. This service is only accessible through a smartphone app; there is no web version. Both Android and iOS versions of the software are available. You will be paired with strangers for a talk through the app. You can begin following the other person if you get along well with them. You can return to a video conversation at any time once you’ve started following each other. The feature makes it a little easier to form lasting friendships on the app. Other features include a GPS for finding strangers to talk to nearby, a way to save and showcase your favourite “Moments” on your profile, and an unlimited number of video streams. There are a few basic video editing tools accessible. Special effects, filters, stickers, music, and more are among them.
4. CamSurf
CamSurf has a web app as well as a smartphone app. Android and iOS users can download the app. You don’t need to create an account or submit any other information to use CamSurf’s web app and start chatting right away. That’s a nice thing from the standpoint of usability. As we witnessed with Chatroulette, though, the practise usually results in issues. You may filter connections by language and location if you use the CamSurf smartphone app. Apart than that, the web and mobile versions are nearly identical.
5. Chatspin
Chatspin is a web-only video chat service for strangers. For those who don’t want to turn on their mic or camera, there’s also a text chat option, similar to Omegle. However, security features are once again inadequate. To locate someone to talk to, all you have to do is input your gender. There is no need to go through the account creation process.
6. MeowChat
MeowChat, like FaceCast, is exclusively accessible through a smartphone app for Android or iOS. The software is currently available in more than 130 countries. Followers and admirers are supported by the service. As a result, you can identify who the most entertaining individuals to talk to in your neighbourhood are, based on what other users have said.
7. Paltalk
Paltalk is one of the most popular Chatroulette alternatives, with over 100 million downloads across its Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. The app’s biggest features include group chat rooms (each with its own theme), support for gifts and stickers, and a friend function that allows you to keep in touch with people you meet on the site. Music quizzes, politics, and a slew of geo-focused rooms are all examples of group chats. Furthermore, the software is completely free to use. When conversing with strangers, be cautious. Chatting with strangers online can be a pleasant method to meet new people if done appropriately. You must, however, exercise prudence. Make sure no personal information is visible in the background of your video, that no valuable things are displayed, and that you are according to the service’s guidelines.
