Chatroulette has been an internet phenomenon since its launch in 2009. The site randomly connects two users from all over the world to video chat. Individual users can end the session and start a new session with a different user at random. If you're ready for a unique experience full of challenge and entertainment, check out Step 1 below to get started! Disclaimer:
Chatroulette's terms of service prohibit anyone under 18 years of age from using it.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Connect to Chatroulette
Step 1. Use the right equipment
Chatroulette is a video-based chatting service, so you'll need to get the right equipment and accessories. Make sure that your computer has a good webcam, has the latest version of Flash installed, and has good speakers.
In order to speak, make sure your microphone is also working properly. But this is not important, because you can still use text chat
Step 2. Set up your account
Initially, Chatroulette was allowed to be used by everyone anonymously. However, to limit its abuse, Chatroulette now requires users to register with a free account before being able to use its features. You will need a username and specify an email address and password to create an account and connect.
To create an account, visit www.chatroulette.com (at this point you will not be visible to others). Click the "Start" button at the top left of the window and a pop-up window will appear asking you to create an account
Step 3. Test the webcam
On the main Chatroulette screen, you will see two black squares on the left side of the screen. When you use Chatroulette, the bottom box will show the webcam feed, while the top box will show the chatting partners. Click the "Preview your webcam" button in the bottom box to activate your computer's webcam. If it works properly, you will see the image captured by your lens, usually yourself.
When you preview the webcam, a window may appear asking for permission to activate the webcam. In this case, simply click "Ok" or "Accept" or similar option to activate the webcam
Step 4. Start chatting
When you've created an account and your camera is working, you're ready to spin the Chatroulette wheel! Visit www.chatroulette.com. When you're ready, click the "Start" button at the top left. Mic and camera must be active and you will enter into a chat session with random users from anywhere in the world. Enjoy!
Step 5. Get ready to jump to the next user, or you can just stop the feed
Once you click the "Start" button, the text on the button will change to "Next". This button is used to end the video chat with the current user and switch to another user randomly. If you're in doubt, you can hover your mouse cursor over this button, so you can quickly skip any inconvenient content.
- Also, the "Stop" button on the top left will immediately cut the video feed without reconnecting you to another user. As you can imagine, this button is useful for stopping the feed altogether.
- Finally, if you find content that is offensive or abusive, click "Report and next". If a user is reported frequently enough in a given time, he or she will be temporarily blocked.
Part 2 of 2: Behave with Proper Chatroulette Etiquette
Step 1. Protect your identity
The internet is full of scammers, including Chatroulette. Look at the objects around you - is there anything visible on your camera that can identify you? If there is, hide the object or move it. Here are just a few of the types of things that can be used to identify you:
- The original name
- Address
- Financial Information
- Birthmark/tattoo
Step 2. Improve your appearance and surroundings
You may forget that whoever your chat partner is can see you. Before visiting Chatroulette, take a moment to make sure that you and those around you are doing well. Wash your face and comb your hair, or remove any visible debris to give your chat partner a clean look.
If you have a choice of lighting, choose soft, warm lighting. This is so that your display does not look pale on the camera
Step 3. Have fun in a positive way
Despite the risk, Chatroulette is a great facility. If used properly, with Chatroulette you can build good relationships with people from other parts of the world that you have never been to. Take advantage of this opportunity! Behave the same way you would when you meet people from far away - be polite, friendly, and open-minded. Common sense will take you on a journey!
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Chatroulette has several rules of use. These rules are displayed on the main Chatroulette page before you start chatting, they include:
- Users must not broadcast nudity or offer to do so
- User must be 18 or older
- Users may not broadcast spam (ads)
- Users should not fake video streams from other people
Step 4. As an option, plan a fake role
Here comes the fun of Chatroulette! Use Chatroulette to reach the world, to surprise and/or entertain people you don't know! For example, you can prank your chat partner by having your friend suddenly appear in front of the camera. Or, you can lip sync in front of the camera. Your imagination and the rules of Chatroulette are the only limits there are!
Step 5. Do not use Chatroulette if you are under 18 or offended by graphics
It is clearly stated - Chatroulette is not for children or the faint of heart. Although the majority of Chatroulette users were normal people and ordinary people, there were a few of them who were lewd, perverted, thick-faced, and dangerous. A study published earlier on the site stated that about 1 in 8 "rounds" will connect users with "adult" content. Despite successful efforts to reduce this abuse, graphic content like this is still common on Chatroulette.
Do not use Chatroulette at all if you are a minor, and if you are a father/mother, do not allow your children to use Chatroulette. It's easy to spot inappropriate things on Chatroulette
Tips
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The celebrity look on camera is definitely fake.
There are programs that allow users to feed videos through their webcams, so that they look like other people. Even some of the "normal" people seen on Chatroulette are pre-recorded videos. To test this, ask your chat partner to do a small thing in front of the camera.
- Be an interesting person. The best way to take advantage of Chatroulette is to be fun! Come up with a few tricks like singing a Lady Gaga song or wooing your chat partner with music. Or, make sure that you at least look at the camera and smile.
Warning
- Beware of the dangers of strangers. The dangers of exposing your face and personal information to others on the internet are obvious. There are many people on the internet who can embarrass you, or defame you, or ruin your life. Don't say things that could hurt you later, and be aware that even revealing your first name can expose your personal information to the internet.
- Chatroulette is not to be opened at work. There's nudity, offensive gestures, inappropriate language, and all sorts of shocking things in Chatroulette. This site is completely unsafe at work. For additional information, check out the Wikihow guide on how to avoid perverted users on Chatroulette.
