Chat with strangers online: video or text, free

By the Otrigal team · Updated 5 November 2026 · 5 min read

Chatting with strangers online means talking to someone you have never met, usually one on one, for as long as you both want. On Otrigal you can do it by video or by text, for free, in your browser, if you are 18 or over.

Here is how it works, which one to pick, and how to make the chat a good one.

Why people chat with strangers

To meet someone new when their usual circle feels small.
To practice a language with a real person. See how to practice English in a chat.
To hear another point of view from someone in a different city or country.
To fill a quiet hour with a friendly conversation.

It works best when you are curious, kind and ready to leave a chat that is not working.

Video chat or text chat?

	Video chat	Text chat
You need	A camera and a microphone	Only a keyboard
Feels like	A face-to-face talk	Messaging, at your own pace
Good for	Quick connection and real laughs	Shy starts, quiet places, slow internet
Privacy	The other person sees you	They only see what you type

You can start with text chat and move to video chat when you feel ready. Both use the same account.

How to start on Otrigal

Create a free account with Google, Facebook or your email.
Pick video or text.
Get matched with one person who is online right now.
Chat, skip or report. You can leave at any time.

Otrigal is only for adults, 18 and over. Under 18 is not allowed.

How to have a good chat

Say hello and ask one open question. "What are you up to tonight?" works better than "hi".
Listen, then follow up on something they said.
Share a little about yourself, but keep private details private.
Be kind. The other person is real, and a little warmth goes a long way.
It is fine to say goodbye and skip.

Need ideas? See 50 conversation starters.

Stay safe

Do not share your full name, address, school, workplace or phone number. Never send money or open links from someone you have just met. If a chat feels wrong, skip it and report the person. Read the safety guide for the full list.

Looking at other sites? See how Otrigal compares with OmeTV and Chatroulette, or browse sites like Omegle. In India? See random video chat in India. New to this? Read random chat etiquette and 7 ways to meet new people online.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to chat with strangers on Otrigal?

Yes. Video and text chat are free. Premium is free too, through invites or college verification.

Do I need an account?

Yes. You sign in with Google, Facebook or email. This helps keep the chats safer.

Can I chat without showing my face?

Yes. Use text chat. The other person sees only what you type.

Will I always get a good conversation?

No. Matches are random, so some chats will be short. Skip and try again.

Who can use Otrigal?

Adults 18 and over only.

What if someone is rude?

Skip them and report them. Reports help keep the site safer for everyone.

Keep reading

Random video chat: meet new people onlineHow random video chat works and how to have a good one.Random text chat: talk to new people without a cameraChat by text only, with no camera or microphone.How to stay safe when you chat with strangers onlineWhat never to share, how to spot scams, and what to do if you feel unsafe.

Ready to meet someone new?

Free to use, in your browser, for adults 18 and over.

Create a free account