I Tried Random Video Chats So You Don’t Have To

You're bored. I get it. That unique, mind-numbing boredom where you've scrolled through every social media feed twice, watched everything new on streaming, and the thought of another solo activity makes you want to scream. In a moment of sheer "why not?", I decided to dive headfirst into the world of random video chats.

I’d heard the stories, seen the memes, and was armed with a healthy dose of skepticism and a laptop. My mission: to see if it's possible to have a genuinely interesting, normal conversation with a total stranger online. I tried them so you don't have to, and honestly, the results were surprising.

The Grand Tour of Random Chats

I didn't just stick to one platform. I hopped between a few of the big names to get a real feel for the landscape.

1. The Mobile-First World: Azar & Monkey
   • Azar: My first impression of Azar was that it felt more like a "social discovery" app than a straight-up random chat service. The killer feature here is the real-time chat translation. I had a broken but fascinating conversation with someone in Turkey about their love for a specific brand of tea. The ability to connect despite a language barrier was genuinely cool. You can also browse profiles, which gives it a slightly less random, more intentional feel.
     • Did it work? Yes, for a more structured experience. If you want to feel a little more in control and are interested in global connections, Azar is a great starting point.
   • Monkey: This one felt... young. The energy is fast, with 15-second "vibe check" video calls. If you and the other person both tap the button to continue, the chat goes on. It’s like a high-speed, platonic version of a dating app. I had a few quick, funny chats with people who were clearly just as bored as I was. We talked about video games, what we were having for dinner—it was lightweight and low-stakes.
     • Did it work? Yes, for quick, fun interactions. If you have a short attention span and just want a quick hit of social energy, Monkey delivers. Just be aware, the user base skews young.
2. The Desktop Classics: OmeTV & Chitchat.gg
   • OmeTV: This felt like a modernized version of the classic random chat sites. The interface is clean, and it connects you quickly. I had a surprisingly long conversation with a university student from Brazil who was practicing their English. We ended up talking for nearly 20 minutes about our different cultures and daily routines. The moderation seemed pretty active, which helped filter out some of the more unsavory elements you hear about.
     • Did it work? Absolutely. For a straightforward, no-frills video chat experience on a computer, OmeTV was reliable and provided some of the most "normal" conversations.
   • Chitchat.gg: This was another pleasant surprise. It has a modern feel and gives you the option for either video or text chat right from the start. I jumped into a video chat and was connected with someone from my own country. We ended up laughing about a recent viral video. It felt casual, easy, and very user-friendly.
     • Did it work? Yes. It felt like a solid, well-designed platform that's great for both text and video. A good all-rounder.

So, What Actually Worked? The Secret Sauce for Success

It wasn't just about the platform; it was about the approach. Here's my hard-won advice:

1. Go in with Zero Expectations. This is the golden rule. If you go in expecting a life-changing conversation every time, you'll be disappointed. If you go in expecting nothing, a simple, pleasant chat feels like a huge win.
2. Be the Conversation Starter. Don't just sit there. I found the best interactions happened when I started with a simple, open-ended question. "What's the best thing you've eaten this week?" or "Working on anything interesting today?" worked way better than just "Hi."
3. Embrace the 'Next' Button. This is your best friend. The second a conversation feels weird, uncomfortable, or just plain boring, click "next." Don't feel obligated to stay. There are thousands of other people online. Your time and comfort are paramount.
4. Keep it Safe. Seriously. I can't stress this enough.
   • My background was a plain wall. No personal photos, no identifying documents, nothing.
   • I used a generic username.
   • I never, ever shared my full name, city, or social media handles.
   • The moment anyone asked for anything personal, I hit "next."

The Verdict

Is random video chat a cesspool? It can be. But is it possible to have a good time? Surprisingly, yes. The key is to choose the right platform for the vibe you want and to be smart about how you engage.

For me, OmeTV and Chitchat.gg offered the most consistently "normal" and engaging conversations on desktop. On mobile, Azar was brilliant for its translation feature and a more controlled experience.

So, if you're bored enough to consider it, my advice is to give it a cautious try. Arm yourself with a good conversation starter, a quick trigger finger on the "next" button, and zero expectations. You might just have a conversation that makes your day a little more interesting.