The recent decision to shut down Omegle, a well-known and enduring video chat service that connected people all over the world, has led to a search for substitute platforms. After 14 years of operation, Omegle encountered issues with security, which led to the shutdown of its feature that allowed for anonymous video chats. Concerns about the platform’s misuse, including instances of shady activity and the exploitation of minors, are growing, which is why the platform has decided to stop offering anonymous video chat.
Did you ever use Omegle before, or are you trying to find a replacement? Finding workable substitutes to satisfy the demand for online social interactions has become essential following Omegle’s closure.
This article provides a list of the 10 best websites like Omegle that serve the same purpose. You can consider them as Omegle alternatives. However, many of them have more security features and are often more fun to use than Omegle itself.
1. ChatRandom
ChatRandom connects users from all over the world in one-on-one chat sessions randomly. There is no shortage of amusing and intriguing personalities on ChatRandom, no matter what you’re looking for. Although the site has reduced in popularity over the years, it still retains mind space for many. The community is moderately big with diverse demographics.
Some refinements to the site over the years make ChatRandom one of the best Omegle alternatives. It has a polished UI, improved matchmaking algorithms, and caters well to users of all genders.
Some features of ChatRandom:
- No need to register for chatting. The service is free to use.
- Most features on the site are available for free to users.
- Supports 20 languages for better communication.
- Has chat rooms where users can interact in groups.
- Matches users anonymously via unique codes.
- Enables video chatting with strangers.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
2. Chatroulette
Chatroulette is a webcam-based service that randomly pairs users in one-on-one chat sessions. The service uses an algorithm to randomly match users who can communicate via audio, video, or text.
Some key features of Chatroulette:
- Allows users to anonymously chat with random strangers worldwide.
- Has millions of users from different countries.
- Also has Android and iOS mobile apps available.
- Better moderation system to reduce scammers and bots on the platform.
- One of the best user monitoring systems available currently.
The 17-year-old founder created Chatroulette in 2009 and ran it out of a room in his parent’s house. Without any advertisements, the website grew exponentially through word-of-mouth. After many iterations, the platform has improved significantly in recent years to detect and ban policy-violating behaviour.
Moderators now screen users and ban those who violate the terms of service. Violators cannot access the site afterwards. Approximately half the site’s users are under 30, and there are more men than women. Make no mistake, the site has adult content. But like Omegle, Chatroulette makes chatting with strangers fun.
3. YouNow
YouNow is an app for broadcasting and viewing live-streaming videos – similar to live podcasts. In contrast to Omegle, YouNow is focused on building an audience, trending, and gathering a loyal following for broadcasters.
Viewers can comment or purchase virtual gold bars to tip broadcasters during streams. Users need to be at least 13 years old to use this chat application. Unlike Omegle, YouNow requires users to sign up before chatting. Users can integrate their Facebook or Twitter accounts before beginning conversations.
While both platforms still have privacy issues, YouNow allows customizing usernames so that they do not match Facebook or Twitter identities whatsoever. Additionally, YouNow has stricter guidelines prohibiting sexual content, nudity, and cyberbullying. However, there is no guarantee such content will be monitored or removed proactively.
The community guidelines can be broken, and you can report violations, but there is no assurance you will not encounter objectionable live content. Posting content to the app provides them indefinite permission to reuse it per their guidelines, while you maintain ownership.
Some features of YouNow:
- Allows integrating popular social media platforms.
- Available via the website, Android and iOS apps.
- Users can broadcast their own streams.
- Can join other users’ streams to interact with them.
- Make friends and send/receive virtual gifts.
- Get a chance to trend based on popularity.
4. FaceFlow
FaceFlow takes social networking up a notch by enabling up to 3 video conversations simultaneously. Aside from free video chat and conferencing with friends, FaceFlow lets you talk to strangers randomly via webcam.
The platform also has a new searchable profile feature to share favorite online videos and photos. Other than just another video chat service, FaceFlow delivers robust features similar to Skype. There is both one-on-one video chat and text chat functionality.
Additionally, FaceFlow has launched a new multiplayer game “Flappy” where you team up with a partner against another pair.
Some features of FaceFlow:
- Signing up is very quick. Just a few fields to fill.
- Supports 5 languages for better reach.
- Sleek and modern interface.
- Several free features.
- Ability to seamlessly switch between talking to friends and finding new people.
5. TinyChat
TinyChat is an alternative chat platform that offers chat rooms with a capacity of up to 12. With TinyChat, you do not need to pay or collect points since you can invite friends and set topics for conversations. TinyChat allows hosting video and voice conversations for over 5 million minutes every day.
There are many chat rooms based on various topics, including local city chat rooms. TinyChat also live streams popular TV shows that you can watch together with others in real-time. If you cannot find a topic you like, you can simply create your own chat room based on your interests. TinyChat enables communicating with others via webcam, audio, video, or text, much like Omegle.
TinyChat has an in-built browser-based IM client and is accessible via a PC, mobile device, or internet browser. While Omegle does not offer incentives via virtual coins or points, TinyChat can help promote your room within the platform directory based on popularity. You also get a 500-coin token when you refer and invite friends to a TinyChat room.
Some features of TinyChat:
- Starting a video call is very simple. No hassles with webcam settings.
- Allows controlling how many participants can join your chat room.
- Can block a person if you do not wish to talk to them further.
- Various features to enhance user experience.
- Easy onboarding for first-time users.
6. CamSurf
There are numerous sites similar to Omegle, but CamSurf puts an entertaining twist on things – it is completely random. If you are looking to have some fun talks, this is one site you must check out.
The CamSurf website itself is pretty straightforward and almost identical to OmeTV. Where these two differentiate is the type of people they attract. CamSurf caters to a vastly wider audience than OmeTV. While some folks on OmeTV may be looking for a genuine talk, people on CamSurf are out for some genuine fun! It tops our list of next best choices after Omegle.
Some features of CamSurf:
- Feature-packed website with all essential tools
- Massive range of topics you can initiate or join conversations on
- Mostly genuine user base looking to have amusing talks
7. ChatRad
ChatRad positions itself as a PG-rated alternative to sites like Chatroulette, and it takes a very firm stance towards inappropriate behaviour. People need to act in the virtual world with the same decorum as they would in the real world – not everyone runs around naked or tries to “expose” themselves all the time… at least not in my world! Despite being a random video chat site, ChatRad has active 24×7 moderation by a team, so that people of all ages and orientations can use it safely.
Some features of ChatRad:
- Strict policies against disrespectful behaviour
- Active 24/7 chat moderation by a team of supervisors
- Safe environment for people of all ages
8. Bazoocam
The Bazoocam webcam chat environment is another clean and moderated random video chat website. Like most other sites, it randomly pairs you up with a chatting partner. Hit “Skip” and move on if you do not like what you see.
If plain chatting gets awkward or boring, Bazoocam also offers some multiplayer games as icebreakers. While they prompt you to do silly stuff if you’re bored, you gotta keep your clothes on – rules are rules! Break the ice by playing dress-up golf or party games with favourite music playing in the background. Try showing off your musical talents on a string or wind instrument and you will find many friends to talk to.
Some features of Bazoocam:
- High standards of cleanliness enforced
- Option to selectively chat with people you like
- Easy “Next” button if you wish to skip to the next random match
- Multiplayer games make conversations fun
- Will never let you get bored during chats
9. CamGo
Meeting new people and forming connections is so much fun with Camgo. Start a conversation with a complete stranger or try webcam dating just for fun!
Camgo’s AI-powered Safe Search gives suitable matchmaking recommendations to take the guesswork out of who appears in your webcam chat loop. Talk to exciting new people without leaving your home comfort in a much easier and safer way.
Some features of CamGo:
- Easy to meet fun new strangers
- Uses AI to recommend potential matches
- Safe space to webcam chat
- Great video chatting experience
10. iMeetzu
iMeetzu provides random live video chats and text chat rooms like Omegle. However, in addition to the random element, users can opt to use iMeetzu as a free online dating or friend finder service.
With over a thousand new signups daily, it is one of the fastest-growing social sites. If you want to prepare your dating skills or are just looking to meet new people, this is as close as it gets to practising in person before you take the plunge back into dating.
Some features of iMeetzu:
- Similar functionality to Omegle
- Mostly genuine user base since it is a new platform
- Switch easily between text and video chats
- Can also join group chats on topics of interest
Conclusion: Finding the Right Omegle Alternative Site
These are some of the best websites like Omegle available today. Although all these sites serve a similar purpose, they have different interfaces and features tailored to various audiences. It would help if you evaluated them one by one based on factors like community policies, ease of use, video/voice quality, crowds you want to meet, and more. Eventually, shortlist the one or two alternatives aligning closest to what you seek through online chatting.