From Rio de Janeiro to San Francisco, connecting with people around the world is thrilling. Social media platforms and online communities are great ways to forge new connections, but they’re not the only option. Video chat through Omegle alternatives can also help you meet new people—and potentially create a side hustle at the same time.
Although the official site shut down in 2023, there are still alternatives to Omegle you can use. But which is the best choice? What do these platforms offer? What are their safety and moderation features? And how can you monetize Omegle alternatives?
If you’re feeling confused, don’t worry. In this article, Whop will take you through everything you need to know.
What was Omegle?
Omegle was first created and launched in 2009 by founder Leif K-Brooks. It was a live chat platform that enabled video and text discussions between complete strangers. Users could be located anywhere in the world, and chats could either be moderated or unmoderated.
Omegle provided a high level of anonymity, as there was no sign-up required and chats were anonymous (unless you specifically wanted to state who you were). You could be connected randomly or through your interests. The platform was free to use.
Due to its online popularity, Omegle was frequently used by young people. However, unresolved issues with explicit content and child exploitation led to an 18+ age restriction update in 2022. According to Statista, as of January 2023, just over 38% of Omegle’s users were predominately between the ages of 18 and 24.
Why was Omegle popular with online creators?
Interestingly, there were no built-in monetization options within Omegle. Unlike TikTok, there wasn’t an online store for entrepreneurs to sell from, or official affiliate programs to grow a personal brand. So, why was the platform used so frequently by creators and influencers?
A lot of this was down to the entertainment value. Striking up conversations with random strangers around the world can make for surprising and funny content. Even from the early days of the platform, YouTubers recorded their sessions on Omegle or similar platforms and gained millions of views.
Moving into the age of Twitch, streamers also made use of Omegle to entertain viewers. This indirectly helped to bring in more money through donations, sponsorships, advertising, and more.
Got your mic and webcam ready? Learn our choices for the best live-streaming platforms.
Why did Omegle shut down?
While Omegle’s anonymous features and lack of sign-up requirements gave users the freedom to connect with new people, this sadly allowed it to be exploited by abusers.
In November 2023, the website shut down after settling a lawsuit with a young person who was sexually exploited and blackmailed by a user on the platform. In a final message, founder K-Brooks cited issues including child exploitation and platform misuse as reasons for shutting down the site permanently.
What are some Omegle alternatives?
Omegle’s lack of safety features caused harm to users, particularly young people. The platform was also known to be glitchy and lacking in monetization features.
With that being said, conversations with strangers could generate fun YouTube content, forge genuine connections, and create promotional opportunities. Omegle’s downfall could pave the way for new apps and platforms that offer similar features, while also keeping users safe, resolving performance issues, and adding new monetization options.
So, what are the best Omegle alternatives? And what can they offer online entrepreneurs and creators?
1. Whop
Pricing: Free to set up and use, transaction fees from 3% when you sell.
Available on: Desktop (via browsers), Android, and iOS.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Omegle that are ideal for monetization, be sure to check out Whop. What’s great about Whop is that you can use it in conjunction with pretty much every other entry on this list. So, you could have a YouTube channel where you share Chatroulette videos, and then use these to also promote your whop.
With your whop, you can sell access to paid membership communities. Within these communities you can host live calls and a community chat and forum. Plus, you can also sell courses, videos, podcasts, digital products and templates, coaching sessions, and more.
This makes Whop the top choice for entrepreneurs and online creatives looking to build their online businesses alongside a thriving community.
Key features
- Options to monetize a variety of services.
- Built-in video call capabilities.
- Connect with and monetize other online platforms.
Monetization options
As mentioned, Whop is essentially a monetization option in and of itself. So, you can use it to share your content and make money from it on the same platform - just set the price of your whop. You can set a one-off price, a recurring subscription option, and also offer multiple payment options including cryptocurrency and buy-now-pay-later. Plus, you can also offer "freemium" content too.
Check out how Natasha makes money on Whop with her travel community:
Safety and moderation
Whop provides tools and guidance to support moderators of online communities on the platform. As always, it’s important to exercise caution online.
Still, moderation ensures your community is kept safe and welcoming. Plus, there are other reporting tools for ensuring the content on Whop is kept to a high standard.
Learn the steps to create safe online communities through moderation.
2. Chatroulette
Pricing: Free to use with premium options via Quids.
Available on: Desktop, Android, and iOS.
Chatroulette is probably the platform you first think of in terms of Omegle alternatives. Similar to Omegle, Chatroulette also launched in 2009 and enables free live chat between strangers across the globe. You’ll be paired with a stranger through the platform’s matching algorithm.
One interesting feature of Chatroulette is that you’ll be able to see a picture of the person you’ll be talking to beforehand. If they seem like a good fit for you, and you both agree to the match, you can start chatting with them. Some reviewers really appreciate this feature, including this review on the Google Play store:
While the platform is free to use, it does have some premium features. You’ll pay for these features through Quids, the platform’s currency, and you can earn these just by using the platform. For example, with each chat, you’ll be able to earn up to 50 Quids. If you want to use the premium features right away (or more often) you can also buy Quids.
Examples of features you can buy with Quids are a “top users” filter to speak with popular Chatroulette users and a filter to connect with users from specific countries.
Key features
- Algorithm matches you with strangers.
- Premium features available, including filters.
- More choice over who you match with.
Monetization options
Again, like Omegle, Chatroulette has been very popular with YouTubers. Many have created videos sharing their experiences talking with strangers on the platform.
So, while there aren’t any native monetization tools or affiliate programs, there are options for earning money indirectly with Chatroulette. Making videos or live streaming as you meet new people on this platform can help boost your viewer count and bring new money-making opportunities.
And if you have a special talent—even better! Countless creative videos have been made with Chatroulette as people showcase their skills to an online audience. One of the earliest examples of this is the piano improv videos of Merton from PianoChatImprov.
Safety and moderation
Chatroulette moderates the platform through both AI and human means. It also has rules to follow, with moderators removing those who violate the rules. Plus, being able to see who you’ll be talking to beforehand could help you to feel more in control.
The platform is also only for adults. With this being said, it’s always important to remain vigilant on chat platforms.
3. YouNow
Pricing: Free to use and sign up. Optional paid add-ons.
Available on: Desktop, Android, and iOS.
YouNow contains elements of Omegle, TikTok, YouTube, and streaming platforms. You can create live video content and grow an online following. If you’re a creator on this platform, you can chat with your followers and other YouNow creators. Live streams can trend on YouNow, and followers can like and comment on your videos, so there’s a lot of scope for engagement.
Key features
- Video streaming capabilities.
- Chat, likes, and stickers available.
- Built-in monetization through subscriptions (and some gifts).
Monetization options
YouNow offers some built-in monetization features. Through in-app purchases, followers can purchase Bars, the platform’s currency, and they can then buy gifts to support streamers. There are a few gifts available, including 50x thumbs-up, which helps streams to trend, and Bars as Tips, which directly supports partnered streamers.
Beyond this, you can also monetize YouNow content through subscriptions. If you’re a YouNow partner or reach Level 3 status on the platform, you’ll automatically receive a subscription button. Through new or renewed subscriptions, you’ll earn Diamonds, which can be exchanged for cash, or bars, to support other YouNow creators.
The amount of Diamonds you’ll earn depends on whether you’re partnered or not. Partners will get 26,000 Diamonds, while non-partners get 20,000.
YouNow’s subscriptions have some limitations, however. In order to exchange your Diamonds for cash, you’ll need to have a minimum of 750,000 Diamonds in your account.
So, even if you become a YouNow partner, you’ll still need at least 29 subscriptions to be able to start earning cash. This can take time to build up, which is frustrating if you want to start earning from your first subscription.
Selling subscriptions through places like Whop can be a better option, as you’ll earn as you sell.
Safety and moderation
YouNow has also put community guidelines in place to keep users safe, and users can report anyone who violates these rules. Users also need to register to start chatting on the platform. However, due to the unpredictable nature of live streaming, it’s still difficult to ensure harmful content doesn’t ever feature on the platform.
4. Discord
Pricing: Free to use and set up a community. Paid option available, starting at $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
Available on: Desktop, Android, and iOS. Browser version available.
Discord might not be your first thought for Omegle alternatives, but it’s an appealing choice for several reasons. For one thing, you can meet new people who have shared interests within thriving online communities. This can satisfy the buzz for making connections with strangers but in a more meaningful and organized way. After all, what are Omegle alternatives for, if not having fun with people you’ve never met before?
Although Discord initially started as a communication app for gamers, it’s become a popular platform for all kinds of video and text chat communities. On Discord, you can join different “servers”. These are the platform’s online communities, which resemble forums. Within servers, there are channels that work like forum threads. Some are text-based, but others have voice or video to converse with other members.
If you’d like to earn money by building a strong community with people around the world, Discord could be an option, especially when combined with Whop.
Key features
- Options for video, voice, and text chat.
- Connect with new people in meaningful communities.
- Monetization potential, including built-in options and online marketplaces.
Monetization options
Discord features some built-in monetization options, including Server Subscriptions. As it sounds, this allows you to monetize your server. However, you’ll need to keep in mind the limitations. You can only offer Server Subscriptions if you (or the server’s owner, if that’s not you) are U.S.-based. Even if that works for you, you’ll still have to fork out for Discord’s 10% fees.
There are alternative options for monetizing a Discord server. For example, you could use a platform like Whop to sell paid memberships to private servers. Whop’s fees start at only 3%, and you can run your server from anywhere in the world.
You can also use Discord to advertise other products or services you provide. Let’s say members of your server appreciate your expertise in cryptocurrency or learning French. You could create and sell an online course, then promote and share it with your Discord members.
Safety and moderation
As mentioned, it’s always important to be vigilant online. But Discord does offer some robust features for keeping server users safe, including AI moderation tools. Beyond this, they also have a Safety Library to advise users and moderators about safe usage of the platform. Discord moderators can help to manage your server and keep it safe and welcoming.
5. Yubo
Pricing: Free to sign up and use. Optional paid features.
Available on: Android and iOS.
Aimed at Gen Z, Yubo offers a different kind of social media experience. In contrast to TikTok and Instagram, Yubo’s live streams don’t stay on the platform after they’re finished. So, the platform isn’t intended for creating a huge following but forming meaningful connections on the app.
You can find people to connect with by swiping between user profiles and live streams. The platform has around 60 million users and is perfect for small group interactions with up to 10 people on stream. Plus, you’ll also be able to interact with an unlimited number of stream viewers, who can comment on your videos.
There are also games to enjoy on live streams, along with screen sharing to watch videos together. Like Omegle, it’s possible to find new connections through shared interests via tags.
Key features
- Focus on friendships over social following.
- Enjoy socializing through games and screen sharing.
- Combines live streaming with a social network.
Monetization options
Streamers can earn rewards to use in the app via Yubo’s Pixel Reward Program. Fans can buy and gift Pixels to streamers, which look like trading cards. Along with these, streamers will receive 30% of the earnings from these Pixels.
However, these earnings are only received via the platform’s currency, YuBucks. These can be useful for streamers in several ways, including boosting their stream on Yubo.
Currently, there are no real-world monetary benefits for Yubo streamers. Speaking to Fast Company, Yubo CEO Sacha Lazimi stated that the platform intends to develop its rewards for streamers, including actual financial benefits.
As with other platforms on this list, some creators make content sharing their experiences of meeting new people on Yubo. Others develop a following on the platform. For content creators, there are potential opportunities to turn this into a thriving paid community on other online marketplaces.
Safety and moderation
Yubo has several safety features to protect users. For example, communities for teens and 18+ users are kept separate, and there are also age and identity verification tools. Plus, AI filters help to moderate live streams.
Beyond this, the app is aimed at forming genuine connections rather than creating aspirational content. This can help to maintain user well-being, as the focus is on meaningful content rather than likes.
6. Emerald Chat
Pricing: Free to use, but paid plans are available, starting at $5.89 for the Gold tier.
Available on: Desktop, Android, and iOS.
Another popular Omegle alternative is Emerald Chat. This platform features a system for matching you to strangers with the same interests, similar to Omegle. You'll have options for both 1-to-1 text and video chats, as well as a group chat option.
Emerald Chat features a karma system, where you can give positive or negative karma points to users on the platform. This works as a kind of feedback method, as scores will appear on users' profiles.
On Emerald Chat, you can continue to grow the connections that you make by adding them as a friend. You can also keep a social feed, personalize your profile, and review your conversations through the chat history.
If you’d like to upgrade the features, you can pay for the Emerald Gold or Platinum plans. On Emerald Gold, you can send pictures in text chat, filter by gender and karma rating, and veto anonymous matches. Upgrading to Platinum will get you everything from the Gold plan along with the ability to filter by language and country.
Key features
- Karma system to reward good behavior.
- Group chat options, along with 1-to-1 text and video.
- Add users as a friend.
Monetization options
There are no native monetization tools on Emerald Chat. However, as with many other entries on this list, it can help you earn money through content. Omegle-style videos are very popular, and you could easily record your interactions on Emerald Chat and share via TikTok and YouTube.
Safety and moderation
Emerald Chat’s karma points system can help you see if the person you’re talking to has had negative interactions with other users. However, this isn’t a perfect system and could potentially be manipulated. Negative ratings can lead to a karma ban on the platform, but this is only temporary. Still, this does incentivize good behavior.
You can also report users so that moderators will review the account. Just click the username and then the Report button. If you’d rather just block an account, you can do that too.
As well as safety tools, there’s also the intimacy filter. With this, you can decide whether you want to have intimate conversations on the platform or just casual discussions. This can help you to avoid romantic or sexual interactions, though it’s unclear how well-implemented this tool is.
7. FaceFlow
Pricing: Free to use.
Available on: Desktop (via browsers).
FaceFlow offers a unique, all-in-one option for communicating online. It works as an alternative to Omegle, as you can have live chat calls with a randomly selected stranger. Beyond this, there’s also the option to join public chat rooms to meet new people.
You can turn these one-off interactions into long-term connections through the platform’s video call and conferencing features. It’s like a mix of Skype and Omegle on a single platform. If there’s someone you connect with, you can add them to your friends list to chat again. You can also customize your profile with a cover photo and more.
There are some other handy features on FaceFlow. If you want to bring someone into your group chat and they don’t have an account, this is easy too. You’ll just send them a guest chat link and they can join. The platform’s translation features also make it simple to connect with people across the world.
As a free platform that can be used directly in your browser, FaceFlow is simple and effective as an alternative to Omegle.
Key features
- Combines an Omegle alternative with video call tools.
- Guest chat options invite people outside of the platform to join.
- Public chat rooms to connect with new people.
Monetization options
FaceFlow doesn’t have any native monetization features, as it’s mostly intended as a casual chat website. With that being said, there are still ways you could use the platform to boost your income.
As mentioned, YouTube and Twitch viewers often enjoy watching the unique interactions and conversations that can be found on chat apps. Turning your FaceFlow chats into viral videos could help you to grow an online following - then get that following into your whop and start making money!
Safety and moderation
FaceFlow claims to be strongly moderated, and its focus is on casual chat. That’s not to say it’s without issues, though, so users should exercise caution when using the platform.
8. CamGo
Pricing: Free to use, with paid features available.
Available on: Desktop, Android, and iOS (via browsers).
With 2.7+ million users across the globe, CamGo is another popular Omegle alternative. Like many other platforms on this list, it connects you with strangers to chat with online. Its AI features help CamGo to stand out from the crowd. These features allow users to find people with similar interests and screen out adult content, making the platform safer to use.
You also won’t be bombarded by annoying ads on CamGo, and the text and video chat tools are free to use. Having the option to just chat via text gives you more options for interacting on the platform. There are also face filters to use on video calls.
Calls on CamGo are 1-to-1, there are no profile pages, and you can’t connect with the people you’ve talked with before as you can on FaceFlow. This makes it more suitable for one-off conversations.
Key features
- Connect with new people over interests.
- Free to use, with no ads.
- AI safety screening tools.
Monetization options
As with many of the platforms on this list, CamGo doesn’t provide built-in monetization tools. Most people use the platform for chatting, flirting, and making friends. It’s not really intended as a money-making tool. Again, that’s not to say there are no ways to use it within your content, just that you won’t find the means on the platform itself.
To monetize a platform like CamGo, you could create fun videos from your chats with strangers. Then you’d post these to social media platforms, like TikTok, YouTube, or Twitch. Many videos of this kind have gone viral, and this can lead to further opportunities.
Alternatively, you could leverage the AI interests tool to connect with people in your niche. This could help you to conduct market research and learn about new trends.
There are better platforms for monetizing content, though. For example, on Whop, you can build a thriving community around your brand, sell paid access to it, and provide other paid products/services, like coaching or ebooks.
Safety and moderation
CamGo provides a variety of safety tools. Their Safe Search tool is switched on automatically when you join a video chat. This helps to ensure you’re connected with genuine matches. There is an option to turn this off, but be aware that this can lead to you being connected to broadcasts with explicit and NSFW material.
If you do see or experience inappropriate content, there are steps you can take. CamGo has a content removal process, and you can make a complaint about content or activity on the platform. To report a user, click the “Report” button.
9. Tinychat
Pricing: Free to use, with premium plans for some upgrades.
Available on: Desktop, Android, and iOS.
If 1-to-1 chats aren’t your thing and you’re looking for group conversations, then Tinychat could be for you. On this platform, you can join video chat rooms with feeds from up to twelve people. If you can’t find a chat room that interests you, you’ll even have the option to set up your own.
Like some other Omegle alternatives, there are options for video, audio, and text chat. It’s free to join and create video chats, as well as send messages. To connect with new people, you can start by finding a group chat that interests you or start streaming yourself.
While the platform itself is free to use, there are some paid upgrades you can buy to improve your experience, including premium plans that allow you to view live chats in full screen and see user profiles. It’s also possible to pay to feature your chat room in Tinychat’s Live Directory, plus there are virtual gifts available for users to purchase for each other.
Key features
- Join and create live group chats.
- Pay to boost your chat in the Live Directory.
- Virtual gifts.
Monetization options
As with most other chat room platforms, there aren’t any integrated monetization tools. This platform is about making connections and having fun rather than earning money.
Safety and moderation
Tinychat provides some tools to keep users safe on the platform. You can block users if you don’t want to interact with them anymore. If you need to flag inappropriate activity, just click the Flag button above the individual’s webcam.
Once you’ve done this, Tinychat’s moderating team will investigate and take action, if needed. Although these steps are in place, it’s always important to be mindful and trust your gut feeling when chatting with people on live chat platforms.
10. ChatRad
Pricing: Free to use.
Available on: Desktop (via browsers).
If you’re looking for a simple, free live chat site, ChatRad is a good option, although it doesn’t come with a lot of the features of other options on this list. With that in mind, it’s a solid choice if you just want to chat online with strangers.
ChatRad provides a space to share your creativity with new people and make friends. Make sure you read and follow the platform’s Terms of Use, which prohibit spam. That includes “to demonstrate commercial images and to post marketing comments”. So, if you want to offer services, this might not be the best platform to do so. Fortunately, Whop doesn’t have the same restrictions, as the platform is tailored to online hustles, including video calls and communities.
Key features
- Free 1-to-1 live chat.
- Clear Terms of Use.
- Option to add your interests to match with strangers.
Monetization options
As mentioned above, ChatRad’s anti-spam policy and lack of monetization tools could make it difficult to earn through this platform. Still, you can incorporate ChatRad or similar video chat tools into your content. Or, you could leverage the video chat app on Whop to offer something similar for your paid community.
Safety and moderation
ChatRad is firm in its rules against indecent or offensive behavior, and it also encourages users to report any violations. Still, as with all platforms on this list, it’s important to be careful and stay respectful of other users.
How can you monetize Omegle alternatives?
Now we’ve explored some of the major alternatives to Omegle, let’s look at how you can monetize them in more detail. There are a number of options to choose from.
Their suitability will depend on your niche and the platform you’re using. For example, Chatroulette is more suited to YouTube content than selling coaching sessions.
Making content
One of the most popular ways to make money from Omegle alternatives is to use them in video content. In theory, you could also blog about your experiences on these platforms. But arguably, it’s especially suited to video.
That’s likely because people want to see and hear the encounters for themselves. Plus, with the kind of weird and wonderful antics that people get up to online, it can make for an entertaining watch.
There’s a lot of scope for the kinds of content you can create. For example, #chatroulette has 7,000+ results on TikTok. So, it’s a good choice if you want to make short-form videos.
Many YouTubers create 10+ minute videos showcasing user reactions and conversations on Chatroulette, too. You could even create longer videos and then cut them down into shorter snippets for other platforms.
Choose a style that suits you. Perhaps you want to take Omegle alternatives seriously, showcasing the friendships and connections people can build on these websites. There’s space for that. Meanwhile, if you love comedy and theatrics, you’ll find a vast viewer base for videos about funny interactions on Chatroulette and similar platforms.
For example, HansumFella has gained hundreds of thousands of YouTube views with his Chatroulette and Omegle videos. His videos showcase the crazy, random encounters that make these platforms exciting.
His Chatroulette video with his sister included them singing along with a guitarist they were matched with, getting jumpscared, and chatting with people around the world. This variety makes the content engaging the whole way through—and the video currently has 188K views.
You’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment. Even on a live chat website, it’s important to have a good-quality webcam and microphone.
Ensure you optimize your content too, with eye-catching, emotive thumbnails and SEO-optimized descriptions. 72% of the most popular videos on YouTube have been found to have a human face in the thumbnail. For example, this video thumbnail from Macrobells draws viewers in with the shocked expressions. To date, the video has reached 12 million views.
Then, once you have your content and you’re growing your channel, it’s time to think about monetization. This is where you start making money through your channel. There are a few options to try, including:
Sponsorships
These are a major income source for online video creators. Put simply, brands will pay a flat rate to have an advertising slot in your video. Depending on the business, they may reach out to you, or you might need to send them a pitch.
Typically, your content, or a specific video you make, will need to be somewhat related to the advertised products. That ensures they’re actually relevant and appealing to your audience.
Some YouTubers who make Omegle videos have software and online services as their sponsors. For example, this Omegle video by TheDooo is sponsored by ExpressVPN. This is likely to be very relevant to their viewers, who are savvy internet users interested in online tools like Omegle.
Make sure you fully disclose if a video is sponsored. You’ll need to let YouTube know by selecting the paid promotion box when you upload or edit the video. You’ll also need to let your viewers know.
Fortunately, once you’ve updated YouTube about the promotional content, the platform automatically displays a message for 10 seconds at the start of the video to inform viewers that it contains a paid promotion. Still, you’ll need to ensure this meets the requirements of your jurisdiction, as rules can vary.
Affiliate marketing
Another way to make money through Omegle-style videos is with affiliate marketing. With this method, you’ll join an affiliate program for a relevant brand and be sent a trackable link to the product. Then you’ll typically make a video reviewing or promoting the product and add your trackable link to the description.
When anyone clicks on that unique link and makes a purchase (even if they return to it later on), you’ll earn a commission. It’s another good option, as it’s easy to set up and provides a continuous income stream.
Setting up a paid community
If you find viewers flock to your streams about Omegle alternatives or you’re searching for a better way to create an online space, look no further than paid communities.
While live chat platforms offer a kind of digital community, it’s often difficult to develop your brand on these websites. For example, on CamGo, there’s no option to connect with the same people twice. So, forming long-term connections isn’t possible. They also provide limited monetization opportunities.
With a paid community on Whop, you can set up text chats and forums, along with voice and video calls. You can still connect with strangers, but you’ll also be specifically targeting people in your niche who are willing to pay to join your community.
You can set tiered membership options and provide a free choice to start with. Then you can offer additional features with the paid tiers. An online community can also provide a great place to share your other products, services, workshops, and events.
It's incredibly easy to create a whop - just watch this video to see how:
Meet online, create content, and make money with Whop
Meeting people through online video chats can be a fun hobby, but it becomes even more exciting when you can make money with it. While many of these Omegle alternatives offer a great way to meet strangers and create content (particularly through viral videos), unfortunately most of these platforms don’t come with native monetization tools. Even the ones that do are very limited.
If you like meeting new people and want to make money at the same time, it can be difficult to find a platform that meets your needs. That’s where Whop comes in. Whatever kind of digital content you want to create, you can monetize it on Whop.
With Whop you can create an online community that anyone can join, video chat with your members, and make money from sponsorships, memberships, and complementary digital products like courses and ebooks. Whop’s the only platform you need to do all this and more.
Make your whop today. It doesn't cost a thing to get started, but has the potential to make you a whole lot of cash!
