- Chatroulette
- A video chat site that pairs two strangers at random, face to camera. The name comes from the first service of its kind, launched in 2009.
- Random video chat
- A video conversation with a person chosen at random by the site. You move on to a new partner with a single click.
- Next
- The button (or shortcut) that ends the current conversation and immediately starts a new random encounter.
- Webcam (cam to cam)
- The camera that films your face. In “cam to cam”, both people see each other on video in real time.
- Chat (text chat)
- The written messaging that accompanies the video, to share a first name, a link or to chat without a mic.
- Spy mode
- A mode where one user asks a question and watches two strangers answer it, without taking part directly in the conversation.
- No sign-up
- Access to the service without creating an account or giving an email: you turn on the webcam and chat right away.
- Filter (country / gender)
- An option to target your encounters by country or gender, offered by some platforms.
- Group room
- A space where several people video chat at the same time, as opposed to the classic one-on-one.
- Report
- The act of flagging abusive behavior so that moderation steps in. An essential safety reflex.
- Ban
- The temporary or permanent exclusion of a user who has broken the platform's rules.
- Anonymity
- Chatting without revealing your identity. Most chatroulettes are anonymous by default.
- Bazoocam
- A chatroulette of French origin, known for its mini-games and its French-speaking community.
- Ice breaker
- An opening line or question that easily gets a conversation going with a stranger.
- Screenshot
- A frozen image of a conversation. Handle with care: never share the image of a stranger without their consent.
- 18+
- A label indicating that the service is for adults only. Meeting strangers is intended for people of legal age.
