there's something freeing about talking to someone who doesn't know anything about you. no expectations, no history, no judgment based on who you usually are. just two people having a conversation.
if you've never tried random chat before, this guide will get you started. if you have, you might still learn something.
where people talk to strangers in 2026
random video chat apps
the most direct way. you open an app, you see a stranger's face, you start talking. apps like tjub, ometv, and chatroulette connect you with random people for video conversations.
pros: instant connection, face to face, exciting randomness
cons: requires camera, can be hit or miss on quality
text chat rooms
old school but still works. discord servers, reddit communities, anonymous chat websites. less immediate than video but lower barrier to entry.
pros: no camera needed, can think before you type
cons: slower, harder to build connection
voice chat apps
middle ground between text and video. apps with voice-only mode let you talk without showing your face. good for shy people or when you're not camera-ready.
pros: more personal than text, less exposure than video
cons: fewer platforms offer this
how to actually have good conversations
be genuinely curious
ask questions because you actually want to know the answers. where are they from? what do they do for fun? what's interesting about their life? people can tell when you're just going through the motions.
share about yourself too
conversations are two-way. don't just interview them. when they ask about you, give real answers. the best chats happen when both people open up.
good conversation starters
"where are you from?" (simple but works), "what do you do when you're not on here?" (opens up hobbies), "what's the most interesting thing that happened to you this week?" (gets to stories)
know when to skip
not every conversation is meant to be. if someone is being weird, not responding, or you're just not clicking, skip and move on. there's no obligation to force a dead conversation.
be patient with language barriers
you'll match with people from around the world. sometimes english isn't their first language. slow down, use simpler words, and be patient. some of the best conversations happen across language barriers.
staying safe
talking to strangers is fun but be smart about it:
- don't share personal info. no full name, no address, no workplace, no phone number. at least not until you really trust someone.
- check your background. no mail with your address visible, no school names on the wall, nothing that identifies where you are.
- trust your gut. if something feels off, it probably is. the skip button is there for a reason.
- report bad behavior. if someone does something inappropriate, report them. it makes the platform better for everyone.
for more on this, check out our full safety guide.
why talk to strangers
people have different reasons:
- boredom. honestly the most common reason. it's more interesting than scrolling social media.
- practice talking. social skills are skills. if you're shy or awkward, this is low-stakes practice.
- different perspectives. talking to people from other countries and backgrounds broadens your worldview.
- making friends. it happens. some people have made real, lasting friendships through random chat.
- language practice. way better than apps for actually learning to speak a language.
managing expectations
real talk about what to expect:
- most chats will be short. that's normal. you'll skip a lot. they'll skip a lot. don't take it personally.
- quality varies. some conversations will be amazing. some will be terrible. most will be somewhere in between.
- timing matters. different times of day have different vibes. late night is different from afternoon.
- your energy matters. if you're in a bad mood, your conversations will reflect that.
getting started
the barrier is low. download an app like tjub, turn on your camera, and hit start. you'll be talking to someone new in seconds.
first time might feel awkward. that's normal. after a few conversations you'll get comfortable with the format.
worst case, you have some forgettable chats. best case, you have interesting conversations with people you'd never otherwise meet. the upside is worth it.