you can study vocabulary for years and still freeze when a native speaker talks to you. the missing piece is actual conversation practice. and random video chat is perfect for that.
why random chat beats language apps
real conversation speed
apps let you take your time. real people don't wait. random chat forces you to think on your feet. it's uncomfortable at first but that's how you learn.
unpredictable topics
apps teach you scripted scenarios. real conversations go anywhere. on random chat you might discuss food, then music, then politics. you learn to handle anything.
native pronunciation
apps use recorded audio. real people mumble, use slang, speak with regional accents. random chat exposes you to how the language actually sounds.
free and unlimited
language tutors cost money. tandem partners have schedules. random chat is free and available 24/7. skip until you find someone who speaks your target language.
how to find language partners
country filters
some apps let you filter by country. want to practice spanish? filter for spain or mexico. want japanese? filter for japan. not all apps have this but the ones that do make it easy.
time zones
even without filters, timing helps. chat at times when your target country is awake. want to practice portuguese from brazil? chat in the evening (their morning).
voice chat first
if you're nervous about video, start with voice-only apps like tjub's voice mode. you still get speaking practice without the camera pressure.
opening line trick
say "hi, i'm learning [language]. do you speak [language]?" in your target language. native speakers usually respond positively to someone making an effort. many will slow down and help you practice.
making the most of each conversation
don't be afraid to mess up
you will make mistakes. a lot of them. that's fine. native speakers appreciate effort. most people are happy to help if you're trying.
ask for corrections
tell your chat partner you want them to correct you. some people are too polite to correct strangers. give them permission.
take notes after
after each chat, write down new words or phrases you learned. also note things you couldn't say. look those up before your next session.
language exchange
offer to help them with your native language in exchange. this makes it mutually beneficial and creates better conversations.
which languages work best
some languages have more random chat users than others:
- spanish: tons of speakers from latin america and spain. easy to find practice partners.
- portuguese: large brazilian community online. usually friendly and patient.
- english: if english is your target language, you're in luck. most random chat users speak at least some english.
- french: decent number from france and africa.
- german, italian, russian: less common but definitely findable at the right times.
- asian languages: harder to find but apps with country filters help. japan and korea have active users.
safety while practicing
same rules apply as any random chat:
- don't share personal info (real name, location, contact details)
- skip anyone who makes you uncomfortable
- use apps with moderation
check our safety guide for more.
a sample session
- set a goal: "i want to practice past tense today"
- open the app, filter for your target country if possible
- skip until you find someone who speaks your target language
- introduce yourself in the target language
- ask them about something (their day, their hobbies, their city)
- try to keep the conversation going for at least 5 minutes
- thank them and skip to find another partner
- repeat 3-5 times per session
- write down what you learned
the verdict
random video chat is underrated for language learning. it's free, unlimited, and gives you exactly what apps can't: real conversation with real people.
start with tjub or any app with voice/video chat. be patient with yourself. every conversation, no matter how awkward, makes you better.
three months of daily random chat will improve your speaking more than three years of duolingo.