Monkey App
Random Video Chat

Monkey App is a random video chat platform that connects users worldwide for spontaneous 15-second video conversations. Founded in 2016 by teenage entrepreneurs Ben Pasternak and Isaiah Turner, it has over 30 million users. Users are randomly matched for brief video chats and can extend conversations if both parties agree.

Monkey App has significant safety concerns. While it claims to use AI moderation, the platform was removed from Apple's App Store due to safety issues. It lacks effective age verification despite requiring users to be 18+. Reports of inappropriate content, scams, and predatory behavior are common. For safer alternatives, consider platforms like XoXoNest that prioritize moderation.

Monkey App was created by Ben Pasternak (Australian, born 1999) and Isaiah Turner (American, born 1998), two teenage entrepreneurs who met at Apple's WWDC in 2015. They launched Monkey in November 2016 when both were just 17-18 years old. The app raised $2 million in funding and was later acquired by Holla in February 2018. Ben went on to found Simulate (NUGGS), while Isaiah co-founded Poparazzi and Gas.

Monkey App is no longer available on Apple's App Store due to safety concerns. However, it remains available on Google Play Store and can be accessed via web browser at monkey.cool. The iOS removal significantly reduced its user base, but it continues to operate on Android and web platforms.

The best Monkey App alternatives include XoXoNest (top-rated for free gender filters and safety), Chatroulette, OmeTV, Emerald Chat, Shagle, and Camsurf. XoXoNest is particularly recommended for its superior moderation, free gender filters, and clean user experience. These platforms offer similar random video chat features with better safety measures.

Apple removed Monkey App from the App Store due to safety concerns. Reports indicated approximately 2% of iOS reviews mentioned unwanted sexual experiences. The Washington Post documented over 1,500 complaints about inappropriate content across social networking apps in the App Store. The lack of effective age verification and inadequate moderation contributed to Apple's decision.

Monkey App is free to download and use for basic features. However, premium features require Monkey Plus subscription or in-app Coins (purchased with real money). Premium features include gender filters, age range selection, country filters, and Knock-knock (text-first matching). Free users have limited daily matches and cannot filter their connections.

Monkey App officially requires users to be 18 years or older. However, there is no effective age verification system — users simply enter their birthdate. This lack of verification allows underage users to access the platform easily, which is why it's listed among "dangerous apps for kids" by parent safety organizations. Parents should prevent minors from using this app.

Monkey App is no longer available as an iOS app since Apple removed it from the App Store. However, iPhone users can still access Monkey through the Safari browser by visiting monkey.cool. The web version offers similar features but may have a different user experience compared to the native Android app.

To delete your Monkey account: Go to Settings → About Monkey → Delete Account → Delete My Account. Follow the on-screen instructions, and your account will be scheduled for deletion in 30 days. If you log back in within this period, deletion will be canceled. To cancel a Monkey Plus subscription, tap Monkey Plus on your homepage and select "Cancel renewal."