Live Video Call: Connect Face-to-Face Online
How to make free live video calls with people around the world—whether you know them or want to meet strangers.
Live video calling has become one of the most personal ways to connect online. Unlike text or audio, video lets you see facial expressions, body language, and the real person behind the screen. Whether you're calling friends across the world or meeting strangers through random video chat, the technology has gotten remarkably good.
This guide covers both types of online video calling: the apps you probably already know for calling people in your life, and the platforms for video calling strangers you've never met.
Types of Live Video Calls
There are two fundamentally different uses for video calling:
Video Calls with People You Know
Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet let you video call specific people. You need their contact info, and both parties agree to the call. This is standard video calling for staying in touch with friends, family, or colleagues.
Video Calls with Strangers
Platforms like XOXONEST, OmeTV, and Chatroulette connect you randomly with strangers. You click a button, the platform pairs you with someone, and suddenly you're in a live video call with a person you've never met. This is what people typically mean by "random video call."
This guide focuses on video calling strangers. For standard video calling apps (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.), you probably already know how they work. The interesting question is: how do you safely video call people you don't know?
Best Platforms for Live Video Calls with Strangers
XOXONEST
Best for safety. Verified users, no bots, real moderation. Community across 34 countries. If safety matters, start here.
OmeTV
Largest user base with 5 million daily users. More variety but also more filtering required. Good mobile apps.
Chatrandom
Multiple chat modes including group video. Good for variety and specialized chat rooms.
Emerald Chat
Interest-based matching system. Better conversations when the algorithm pairs you well.
Chatroulette
The original random video chat. Still active with improved moderation since the early days.
XOXONEST — Live Video Calls Done Right
When you're video calling strangers, you want real people, not bots. You want moderation, not chaos. XOXONEST delivers both with verified users across 34 countries.
Start Live Video Call →How to Set Up for Better Video Calls
Video call quality depends heavily on your setup. A few easy improvements:
Lighting
Face a window or lamp—light should be in front of you, not behind. Backlighting makes you a dark silhouette. Good lighting makes you look more approachable and trustworthy.
Camera Position
Camera at eye level works best. Looking down at a laptop camera on a desk creates an unflattering angle. Stack some books under your laptop if needed.
Background
Keep it neutral and clean. For stranger video calls especially, make sure there's nothing identifying visible—no mail with your address, no workplace badges, nothing too personal.
Audio
Find a quiet space. Built-in microphones pick up everything. If you do a lot of video calling, decent headphones with a mic make a significant difference.
Internet Connection
Video calls need bandwidth. If possible, use wired internet or stay close to your WiFi router. Close other bandwidth-heavy applications.
Video Call Setup Checklist
- Light source in front of you
- Camera at eye level
- Neutral, non-identifying background
- Quiet environment
- Stable internet connection
- Camera and microphone permissions enabled
Video Calling Safety
Live video calls with strangers come with risks. Basic precautions:
- Never share personal information — Name, location, workplace, school, none of it
- Watch your background — No identifying items, documents, or views
- Use platforms with moderation — XOXONEST over unmoderated alternatives
- Skip immediately if uncomfortable — Trust your instincts
- Assume you could be recorded — Behave accordingly
- Don't do anything you'd regret — Screenshots exist, screen recording exists
Free vs. Paid Video Call Platforms
| Platform | Free Video Calls | Premium Features |
|---|---|---|
| XOXONEST | ✓ Yes | Additional filters |
| OmeTV | ✓ Yes | Gender filter, no ads |
| Chatrandom | ✓ Yes | Gender filter, location |
| Emerald Chat | ✓ Yes | Gender filter, karma boost |
| Azar | ✓ Limited | Most features paywalled |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free video call app?
For calling strangers: XOXONEST for safety, OmeTV for volume. For calling people you know: WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet are all free and reliable.
How can I video call someone I don't know?
Use platforms designed for stranger video chat like XOXONEST, OmeTV, or Chatroulette. They randomly pair you with other users for live video calls.
Is online video calling safe?
It can be with precautions. Use moderated platforms, never share personal info, watch your background, and skip if uncomfortable. Verified platforms like XOXONEST are safer than anonymous ones.
Why is my video call quality bad?
Usually internet connection or lighting. Get closer to your router or use wired internet. Face a light source. Close bandwidth-heavy apps. Most quality issues come down to these basics.
The Future is Face-to-Face
Video calling bridges the gap between text communication and being there in person. You get facial expressions, tone of voice, real-time reactions—the things that make conversations human.
For meeting strangers, live video calls add a layer of authenticity that text chat can't match. You know you're talking to a real person. Whether you're practicing a language, making international friends, or just enjoying random conversations, video makes it more real.
If you're going to try stranger video calls, start with a platform like XOXONEST that takes safety seriously. The whole point is connection—that's easier when you're not worrying about bots and bad actors.