In a world where we spend more time behind screens than in front of the sun, it's no wonder that our love lives are also migrating into the digital sphere. What might once have been a coincidence in the supermarket on the corner is now an anonymous Chatroulette meeting or a spontaneous Omegle video chat.
However, these two top dogs are not without controversy for reasons. dissatisfied with the two providers for random online video chats
Luckily there are new, fresh alternatives. For example, where can you find a safe alternative to Chatroulette or Omegle Dating Chat?
Only2chat.com is an interesting solution here! It has WebRTC in a secure manner. No tracking of users and no data storage on their servers.
Photo by Chris Montgomery @cwmonty, via Unsplash
How does it work ?
You've probably Chatroulette , Omegle , and many other video chat applications. Did you know that it is possible to develop a similar type of random video chat web application using only HTML and pure JavaScript using technology built into the browsers? This technology is called WebRTC .
requirements
You need an AWS account and some basic knowledge of AWS services and deployment with the Serverless Framework.
The following AWS services are used in this guide:
- Lambda service
- AWS EC2 instance (created and configured manually)
- AWS Websockets
- AWS DynamoDB
- AWS S3
- Make sure you have the following installed,
- Node 6.0 or higher
- AWS CLI configured for your account
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication)
WebRTC is a free, open-source project that provides web browsers and mobile applications with real-time communications (RTC) via simple application programming interfaces (APIs). It enables audio and video communication within web direct peer-to-peer communication within web pages and makes installing plugins or downloading native applications.
This communication is extremely fast and has low latency because the connection is peer-to-peer and there is no server in the middle. This technology was developed by Google and is currently supported by almost all browsers except the iOS platform (only Safari supports it).
Different API methods are supported in different browsers, which can make developing these applications difficult. these applications can make it difficult. It is to be hoped that these differences will disappear over time.
Why do we need this?
If we want two browsers running in two different parts of the world to be able to connect and exchange video chat streams in real time, we need a TCP or UDP connection like below for random video chat. WebRTC helps us make this connection.
How does it work?
Usually our PCs, laptops or cell phones are on a local network behind a NAT, a router and a firewall. To create a direct connection from browser to browser, we have to deal with all these elements.
These layers between browsers attempting to establish a direct peer-to-peer connection make it impossible to establish a connection without involving signaling mechanisms.
To deal with this, the following components are needed:
- A signaling mechanism
- STUN server
- TURN server
- Interactive Connectivity Manufacturing (ICE)
- Signaling process
Aside from security aspects: Many other Chatroulette / Omegle alternatives
Before we dive into introducing the best alternatives, let's take a quick look at why people sought the appeal of Chatroulette and Omegle in the first place (and were often disappointed). Convenience plays a role, of course. But also the tingle of the unknown. Who could be behind the next screen? The next big catch? Or maybe just the guy sitting naked on the couch (yes, we know you're out there)?
The beauty of the alternative platforms we're about to discuss is that they offer many of the benefits of the old classics - but often in a safer, friendlier and overall more enjoyable way.
Try a WebRTC video chat application! Photo by Ben Collins @bencollins, via Unsplash
1. Cam surfing
Camsurf is a perfect alternative to Chatroulette, with one crucial difference: the community is much friendlier and the moderation is stricter. Here you can meet new people from all over the world without constantly wondering whether you should close the tab faster than a Christmas present.
Fun Fact : Did you know that Camsurf is used in over 200 countries? Probably more countries than you could name straight away on the geography quiz.
2. Chatspin – Spin your love wheel
Chatspin is another vivid example of a more successful and secure online chat experience. This platform allows users to filter by specific interests, immediately reducing the risk of encountering the all-too-common “couch potato in Adam’s costume .
Fun Fact : The “face masks” filter option on video chats is a great way to have fun while remaining a little mysterious. Who doesn't remember the joy of trying out your favorite cat mask for the first time?
3. Chatrandom – random, but with class
Chatrandom offers the same random Chatroulette feel, but with more customization options. For example, you can choose by geographic region or specific interests, and yes, there's even an LGBTQ+ option . More filters means fewer surprises and more joy - exactly what your heart desires.
Fun Fact : Chatrandom originally started as a side project and quickly gained popularity. It seems like serendipity is worldwide and they have benefited from it.
4. Fruzo – Fusion of dating and social networking
Fruzo is the icon of hybrid dating . It combines video chats with a social networking approach. Thanks to the profile pictures and friend lists, you have a little more control over who you communicate with. The best? You can find out who likes you, and who knows, maybe that cute stranger will be interested in you too?
Fun Fact : Fruzo is the first video dating app that doubles as a social network. This means that you can not only have casual conversations, but also build real friendships and relationships.
5. Tinychat – Small but mighty
Tinychat might be small in name, but it's big in heart. This platform not only offers video and text chats, but also large group rooms where people with similar interests can chat. It's perfect for becoming part of a community while still leaving the option of finding Mr. or Ms. Right open.
Fun Fact : Tinychat has over 5 million monthly active users. That's a significant number of potential soulmates (or karaoke partners).
6. Paltalk – The talk of the day
Paltalk has made a name for itself as a platform where people around the world can come together to talk about whatever their hearts desire. With hundreds of public chat rooms covering a variety of topics, you can find anything from serious discussions to silly banter.
Fun Fact : Paltalk has been offering video chat services since 1998. This was around the time when most of us were still taking our first uncertain steps online.
7. VideochatDE.com – Made in Germany
As the name suggests, VideochatDE.com a German-language portal, but based abroad. To use the chat it is necessary that the webcam is activated; Alternatively, a text chat is also available if you don't feel like communicating in person.
If the person you are talking to is uncomfortable or behaves rudely, you can simply click away and be immediately connected to another user.
Here, too, you have the option of specifying your gender before chatting and limiting the search for conversation partners to Germany. VideochatDE.com is also available as an app for Android and iOS.
8. Shagle – over 3 million people from 70 countries
According to its own information, more than 3 million people use the Shagle to chat with each other. A particular focus is on internationality. You have the opportunity to meet people from over 70 different countries.
If inappropriate content is sent, you have a feature to report it. It is possible to send virtual gifts to chat partners if you have good chemistry. Shagle is increasingly developing into a “dating” platform.
It is free to use, but additional functions can be unlocked with a premium account. As with many dating sites, a significant proportion of users are male.
9. Bazoocam – Webcam-based social network from France
Bazoocam is a French provider that also offers a German-language website. There are various online games available to make it easier for you to start conversations.
If you allow the provider to access your device location, users in your area can be suggested to you for video chat. However, with all webcam chats, remember that you don't know who is sitting across from you. A central problem with these chat platforms is that many users, on the other hand, like to expose themselves and sit naked in front of their computer.
If you want to escape such sights, you should avoid webcam chats and instead seek direct contact in a bar or use a dating app.
The digital love affair
Alternative platforms such as Camsurf, Chatspin, Chatrandom, Fruzo, Tinychat and Paltalk not only offer the opportunity to have random encounters, but also to make real connections.
They are safer, more user-friendly and often simply more exciting than their predecessors. With careful moderation guidelines and well-thought-out features, they know how to make digital hearts beat faster.