Azar: The Video Chat App Explained
A complete breakdown of Azar—what it offers, what it costs, the problems users face, and whether there are better ways to meet people online.
Azar is one of those apps that promises to connect you with people from around the world through random video chat. Swipe, match, video call—sounds simple enough. With over 147 billion matches since launch and backing from Match Group, it's clearly doing something right.
But scrolling through app store reviews tells a more complicated story. Users complain about aggressive monetization, random bans, removed features, and questionable charges. Let's dig into what Azar actually offers and whether it's worth your time.
What is Azar?
Azar was created in 2014 by Hyperconnect, a South Korean tech company. The concept is straightforward: open the app, and you're connected to a random stranger somewhere in the world for a video chat. Don't like them? Swipe and move to the next person.
Some key facts:
- Available in 230 countries and 18 languages
- Around 9.5 million monthly active users
- Over 147 billion matches since launch
- Owned by Match Group (the company behind Tinder, Hinge, etc.)
- Available on iOS, Android, and web
The app made headlines recently when it launched in the US market with comedian Matt Rife as a spokesperson, pushing the whole "yapping with strangers" angle. It's clearly positioning itself as a social discovery tool rather than a dating app—though the line gets blurry.
Recent change: In November 2025, Azar removed its live streaming feature entirely. This left many users and content creators unable to withdraw earnings they'd accumulated, causing significant backlash.
How Azar Works
The basic flow:
- Download the app and create an account
- Grant camera and microphone permissions
- Tap to start matching with random users
- Swipe right to skip, left to end the chat
- Optionally, add matches as friends to chat later
Azar also offers a "Lounge" feature where you can browse profiles and message people directly rather than relying on random matching. There's real-time translation for text messages, which helps when you're matched with someone who doesn't speak your language.
The "Azar Badge"
Users who've spent time on the platform without violating guidelines get an "Azar Badge" displayed on their profile. It's supposed to signal that someone is trustworthy—though how meaningful that actually is remains debatable.
What Azar Costs
Here's where things get tricky. Azar is technically free to use, but...
The app heavily pushes premium features:
- Gender filter — Choose to only match with specific genders (requires subscription)
- Region filter — Select specific countries (costs around $10 + per-match fees)
- Gems — In-app currency for various features
- Ad removal — Monthly subscription
User complaints: Multiple reviewers report being charged $0.10 per match even when using region filters—and getting charged even when the other person skips immediately. Some report unauthorized charges to their accounts. Be careful with payment information.
The Problems with Azar
Reading through app store reviews and user forums, several issues come up repeatedly:
Aggressive Monetization
The free experience is limited. Want to filter by gender? Pay. Want to choose a region? Pay, then pay again per match. The gem system and subscription pushes can feel relentless.
Bots and Fake Accounts
Despite moderation claims, users report frequent encounters with bots—accounts that seem real but are automated, often promoting other services or scams.
Random Bans
A common complaint: getting banned without clear explanation. Some users report bans lasting years, with customer support being unhelpful or unresponsive.
The Live Streaming Removal
When Azar killed its live streaming feature, users who had accumulated stars (the reward currency) found themselves unable to cash out. This affected both viewers and hosts who had invested time building audiences.
Hidden Charges
Multiple reviews mention unexpected charges—being billed for subscriptions they thought they cancelled, or seeing gems disappear without clear explanation.
Skip the hidden fees and frustration
If Azar's monetization feels predatory, you're not imagining it. XOXONEST offers genuine connections without gem systems, hidden charges, or aggressive upsells. Just real people across 34 countries.
Try XOXONEST Free →Is Azar Safe?
Azar claims to have AI and human moderation, plus the Azar Badge system for trusted users. In reality, safety is mixed:
- You can report and block users
- The badge system provides some trust signal
- AI supposedly filters inappropriate content
- BUT: inappropriate content still slips through
- AND: payment security concerns exist based on user reports
Basic safety advice applies: don't share personal information, don't send money to anyone, be ready to skip or block immediately, and consider whether you really need to give them your payment details.
Azar vs. Other Apps
| Feature | XOXONEST | Azar | OmeTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verified Users | ✓ | Badge system | Partial |
| No Hidden Charges | ✓ | ✗ | Some |
| Gender Filter Free | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Real-time Translation | Partial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Privacy Focus | ✓ | Concerns | Basic |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Azar?
Azar is a video chat app that randomly connects users with strangers worldwide. It's owned by Match Group and has been around since 2014, with over 100 million downloads.
Why does Azar charge so much?
Azar uses a freemium model with aggressive monetization. Basic chatting is free, but useful features like gender and region filters require subscriptions or gem purchases. Per-match fees can add up quickly.
Why was I banned from Azar?
Azar bans users for guideline violations, but many report being banned without clear reasons. Some speculate it's related to not purchasing premium features. Appeal through their help center, but response times vary.
What happened to Azar Live?
Azar removed live streaming in November 2025. Users who had accumulated stars for cash rewards found themselves unable to withdraw, leading to significant complaints about lost earnings.
Is there a better alternative to Azar?
If you want video chat without aggressive monetization, XOXONEST offers a cleaner experience—verified users, no gem systems or hidden fees, actual moderation, and a community across 34 countries.
The Bottom Line
Azar has scale—millions of users, massive reach, professional backing. If you just want to swipe through random video chats and don't mind paying for filters, it works.
But the monetization is aggressive, the ban system seems arbitrary, and recent changes like removing live streaming (without letting users cash out) raise questions about how much the company values its users versus its revenue.
If you're looking for genuine connections without feeling like you're being nickel-and-dimed at every turn, XOXONEST offers a more straightforward experience. Smaller community, but more focused on actual human connection.