Summarize this article with:
Monkey made random video chatting feel effortless. One tap and you were face-to-face with a stranger anywhere on the planet. But between safety concerns, content moderation issues, and multiple app store removals, a lot of users moved on.
The demand for apps like Monkey hasn’t slowed down, though. If anything, it’s grown. People still want that quick, spontaneous connection through live video chat without jumping through hoops to get it.
The good news? Better alternatives exist now. Platforms like Azar, OmeTV, Yubo, and Emerald Chat offer similar random video matching with stronger privacy settings, AI-powered moderation, and features Monkey never had.
This guide breaks down the 10 best Monkey alternatives available right now. You’ll get honest details on what each app does, what it costs, how safe it actually is, and which one fits the way you want to connect with new people.
Apps Like Monkey
Azar
What It Does
Azar is a random video chat app built by Hyperconnect, a South Korean company acquired by Match Group in 2021. It pairs you with strangers worldwide through live one-on-one video calls using a simple swipe mechanic.
The app has crossed 500 million downloads and works in over 190 countries. That’s a massive user base for a stranger chat platform.
One standout feature is real-time voice-to-subtitle translation supporting 13+ languages. So you can actually hold a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak your language. Pretty useful if you’re into cross-cultural connections.
Who It’s Best For
Adults looking to meet new people globally. Azar skews older than Monkey did, and the platform leans more toward social discovery and casual dating than quick teen-friendly hangouts.
Not recommended for younger users. The app is rated 17+ on the App Store.
Key Features
- Instant video matching with a swipe-to-connect interface
- Real-time translation across 13+ languages
- Profile browsing in the Lounge section
- AR filters and visual effects during calls
- Azar Badge system for verified, well-behaved users
Safety and Moderation
Azar uses AI-powered moderation that runs 24/7. The system detects nudity, violence, and other inappropriate behavior, then flags or bans accounts automatically.
There’s also an in-match blur feature. If the system spots something it shouldn’t, it covers the screen temporarily. Users can report others with a single tap.
That said, moderation isn’t perfect. Some users still report running into explicit content, and complaints about unfair bans pop up regularly in app reviews.
Free vs. Paid
Basic random video matching is free. But if you want to filter by gender or region, you’ll need to pay.
Azar Plus runs $10.99/month and gives you two gender filters per day plus ad removal. Azar Premium costs $22.99/month with five daily gender filters and location changing. There’s also a Supreme tier at $114.99/month for unlimited everything.
The pricing is a common complaint. Many users feel that basic features like choosing who you talk to shouldn’t cost that much.
Downsides
The monetization is aggressive. Gender filtering behind a paywall frustrates a lot of people.
Without paying, male users often get matched exclusively with other men. That’s a deal-breaker for many.
Connection quality also varies depending on time of day and your region. Peak hours work best.
How It Compares to Monkey
Monkey was fast, chaotic, and teen-focused. Azar is more polished and structured, with stronger moderation and a more global user base. If you want something similar to apps like Badoo that blends social discovery with video chat, Azar fits that niche well.
The trade-off? You’ll likely spend money to get the full experience.
OmeTV
What It Does
OmeTV is a random video chat platform that works both in browsers and as a mobile app. It connects over 5 million people daily across 50+ countries.
You don’t need to create an account to start chatting. Just open the site, hit start, and you’re matched with a stranger for a face-to-face video conversation. It also includes a built-in text chat with automatic translation.
Who It’s Best For
People who want quick, anonymous video conversations without the hassle of signing up. OmeTV works well for casual chatting, language practice, and meeting people from different countries.
The platform is intended for users 18 and older. However, age verification is minimal, which has raised safety concerns.
Key Features
- No sign-up required for instant access
- Works on web browsers, iOS, and Android
- Automatic message translation for cross-language chatting
- Country and language filters for targeted matching
- One-tap skip to move to the next person
Safety and Moderation
OmeTV requires users to keep their face visible during chats. That’s the big rule. If you hide your face or point the camera elsewhere, you risk getting banned.
Moderators monitor the platform 24/7, and there’s a community reporting system. Users who get multiple complaints get automatically banned. The platform also bans nudity, discrimination, threats, and obscene gestures.
But here’s the thing. The eSafety Commissioner in Australia found OmeTV had insufficient safeguards for protecting children. As of October 2025, OmeTV’s primary apps are no longer available in Australia because of this.
Real-time moderation at this scale is tricky. Content can still slip through.
Free vs. Paid
OmeTV is mostly free. You can video chat without paying anything. The platform offers an ad-free experience for some users, though premium options vary by region.
Compared to other stranger video chat apps, OmeTV keeps its paywall light.
Downsides
No real age verification is the biggest problem. Anyone can access the platform regardless of age.
Screen recording is possible through external tools, so your video chats aren’t truly private. And while moderation exists, it relies heavily on user reports rather than catching issues in real time.
How It Compares to Monkey
OmeTV gives you a similar random matching experience but with a larger user base and browser access. Monkey was app-only and targeted younger users. OmeTV is broader in scope.
If you also enjoy live video content beyond one-on-one chats, you might want to check out alternatives to Periscope for live streaming options.
Yubo
What It Does
Yubo combines live streaming with social discovery. It’s not just a random video chat app. It’s more like a social network where you can join live streams, swipe to make friends, and hang out in group video sessions.
The app targets teens and young adults, which is exactly the same demographic Monkey used to serve.
Who It’s Best For
Gen Z users who want a social platform that feels less like speed-dating strangers and more like hanging out. If you’re under 25 and looking for a community-based experience, Yubo is built for you.
Key Features
- Live streaming with group participation
- Swipe-based friend matching
- In-app games during live sessions
- Age verification using Yoti technology
- Safety tools including word muting, real-time alerts, and reporting
Safety and Moderation
Yubo takes safety more seriously than most apps in this space. The app uses Yoti for age verification, meaning users need to confirm their age with a face scan. It separates users into age groups (13-17 and 18+) so minors aren’t mixed with adults.
There’s also live content moderation using AI, plus human moderators watching streams. Parental controls exist for younger users.
It’s not bulletproof, but it’s significantly better than what Monkey offered.
Free vs. Paid
Yubo is free to use. Premium features like boosted visibility and extra swipes are available through in-app purchases, but the core experience costs nothing.
Downsides
The live streaming format isn’t for everyone. If you just want quick one-on-one video chats with strangers, Yubo might feel like too much.
Also, because it targets younger users, the conversation quality can be hit or miss. You’ll run into plenty of people just scrolling through streams without engaging.
How It Compares to Monkey
Yubo is what Monkey could have been if it had invested in safety and community features. Similar audience, better execution. The live streaming angle adds something Monkey never had.
Users who enjoy community-driven platforms might also find value in exploring apps like Amino for interest-based social networking.
HOLLA
What It Does
HOLLA is a mobile-first live video chat app that connects you with random strangers for face-to-face conversations. It uses a swipe-based interface similar to dating apps, but the focus is on spontaneous chatting rather than romantic matching.
The app has over 10 million downloads and is growing fast, especially in markets outside the US.
Who It’s Best For
People who want a quick, casual video chat experience on their phone. HOLLA works well for users who enjoy the unpredictability of meeting strangers but want a bit more polish than Chatroulette.
Key Features
- Random video and voice chat with strangers
- Swipe-based matching interface
- AR face filters and fun visual effects
- Built-in translation for cross-language conversations
- Geo-location features for proximity-based matching
Safety and Moderation
HOLLA uses AI moderation to filter inappropriate content during live video chats. The system is more regulated than Monkey’s approach was.
Users can also report and block others. The platform starts video with a blur effect, so you’re not immediately exposed. You choose when to reveal yourself, which gives you more control over privacy.
Free vs. Paid
Basic video chatting is free. Premium features like gender filtering, unlimited scrolling, and ad removal require a subscription. Pricing typically falls in the $4 to $12 per month range, depending on the plan.
Downsides
Smaller user base compared to Azar or OmeTV. During off-peak hours, matching can take longer.
Some users complain about the heavy push toward premium upgrades within the app.
How It Compares to Monkey
HOLLA feels like Monkey with guardrails. The swipe interface, quick matching, and fun filters give it a similar energy, but with better moderation. If Monkey was too chaotic for you, HOLLA dials it back just enough.
Chatroulette
What It Does
Chatroulette is one of the original random video chat platforms. Launched in 2009, it lets you connect with a stranger through your webcam with a single click. No registration needed.
The concept is dead simple. You’re paired with someone random. Don’t like them? Click next. That’s it.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who wants the rawest form of random video chatting. Chatroulette is browser-based, so there’s nothing to download. It works best for spontaneous, no-commitment conversations.
Key Features
- No account or registration required
- Browser-based, works on any device
- Instant random matching worldwide
- Quick skip functionality
- AI moderation tools added in recent years
Safety and Moderation
Chatroulette had a rough reputation in its early years. It was basically the wild west of video chat. But they’ve cleaned things up significantly since then.
AI moderation now catches a lot of inappropriate behavior before it reaches you. The platform still relies on community reporting, but the automated systems have improved.
It’s still not as safe as newer platforms, though. The anonymous nature means bad actors can come and go quickly.
Free vs. Paid
Completely free. No paywalls, no subscriptions. You get the full experience without spending anything.
Downsides
The experience is hit or miss. You might get matched with interesting people or skip through 20 connections before finding a real conversation.
The platform carries baggage from its earlier reputation. And because there’s zero registration, accountability is low.
How It Compares to Monkey
Chatroulette is Monkey’s spiritual ancestor. Monkey basically took this concept and made it mobile-friendly for a younger audience. If you miss the raw spontaneity of meeting strangers through video, Chatroulette still delivers that. Just expect less structure.
Camsurf
What It Does
Camsurf is a random video chat platform focused on providing a cleaner, safer environment than most alternatives. It works across web and mobile, and you can start chatting without creating an account.
The platform emphasizes simplicity. Open it, tap start, and you’re connected.
Who It’s Best For
Users who want random video chat without the chaos. Camsurf targets people who are tired of running into inappropriate content on other platforms but still want the thrill of meeting strangers.
Key Features
- No registration needed to start
- Language and location filters for targeted matching
- Ad-free experience
- AI and human moderators working around the clock
- Lightweight mobile app that works on slower connections
Safety and Moderation
This is where Camsurf stands out. The platform has strict anti-harassment rules and active moderation. Both AI and human moderators review activity 24/7.
Camsurf also enforces a no-nudity policy more aggressively than most competitors. If you get flagged, you’re banned. Simple as that.
Free vs. Paid
Camsurf is free. The ad-free experience is a big draw since most competitors bombard you with ads unless you pay. There are optional premium features, but the core video chat experience costs nothing.
Downsides
Smaller community compared to bigger platforms. This means fewer matches during off-peak hours and less variety overall.
Some users report occasional technical glitches, especially on mobile.
How It Compares to Monkey
Camsurf trades Monkey’s chaotic energy for a more controlled environment. If safety and a respectful community matter to you more than raw excitement, Camsurf is the better pick. It also works well as a companion to FaceTime alternatives when you want to video chat with people outside your contacts.
Emerald Chat
What It Does
Emerald Chat is a browser-based random video and text chat platform that launched in 2016. It positions itself as a safer, more thoughtful alternative to the old Omegle model.
The platform has around 10 million monthly active users and 30 million monthly visits as of 2025. It’s popular with Gen Z, with about 70% of users aged 18 to 24.
Who It’s Best For
People who want random chat but with better matching quality. Emerald Chat works well for users who care about shared interests rather than purely random connections.
The platform is designed for users 18 and older.
Key Features
- Interest-based matching using tags you set before chatting
- Karma system that rewards positive behavior
- One-on-one video chat, text chat, and group chat rooms
- Friend system for keeping connections after a chat
- Emerald Gold premium at $5.89/month for gender filters, priority matching, and ad removal
Safety and Moderation
The karma system is Emerald Chat’s signature feature. Other users rate you after each conversation. High karma means better matches. Low karma means you get paired with other low-rated users or restricted entirely.
AI moderation claims 92% accuracy in detecting nudity. There’s also a human moderation team and a user reporting system.
But the karma system has a known flaw. It can be gamed. Some users give negative karma randomly, which punishes innocent people. And you can pay to boost your karma, which feels counterproductive to building genuine trust.
Free vs. Paid
Basic text and video chat is free. Emerald Gold ($5.89 to $9.99/month) unlocks gender and country filters, priority matching, picture sharing, and removes ads.
The free version works fine for casual text chatting. Video users will probably want the paid filters.
Downsides
Technical issues are common. Users report site crashes and connection drops. The gender imbalance is also a problem, with more male users than female.
The paid unban feature (you can pay to lift a ban) rubs a lot of people the wrong way. It suggests that moderation is partly a revenue tool.
How It Compares to Monkey
Emerald Chat is more structured and community-oriented than Monkey ever was. The interest-based matching and karma system add layers that Monkey lacked. But it also carries some of the same risks that come with any anonymous video chat platform.
If you enjoy platforms that mix social interaction with shared interests, you might also like apps like Wizz for social discovery features.
Wink
What It Does
Wink is a social discovery app that lets you swipe through profiles and connect with new people through text and video chat. It pulls design cues from dating apps but frames itself as a friend-making platform.
The app connects directly with Snapchat, so good matches can continue their conversation there.
Who It’s Best For
Young adults and teens looking for a casual way to expand their social circle. If you already spend time on Snapchat and want to find new people to add, Wink makes that process straightforward.
Key Features
- Swipe-based profile matching
- Snapchat integration for continuing conversations
- Profile customization with photos and bios
- Text and video messaging
- Global user base for meeting people worldwide
Safety and Moderation
Wink includes reporting and blocking tools. The app moderates profiles for inappropriate content and uses some automated screening.
Still, because profiles are public and the user base skews young, parents should be aware. Wink doesn’t have the same level of age verification that platforms like Yubo offer.
Free vs. Paid
Free to use with optional in-app purchases for boosted visibility and extra features. The core matching and chatting experience doesn’t cost anything.
Downsides
Heavy reliance on Snapchat means the app is basically a gateway to another platform. If you don’t use Snapchat, Wink loses most of its purpose.
Fake profiles are a recurring complaint in app reviews.
How It Compares to Monkey
Wink replaces Monkey’s random video roulette with a more deliberate swipe-and-match approach. You choose who to connect with instead of being randomly paired. Less chaotic, but also less spontaneous.
Hoop
What It Does
Hoop is a friend-making app that connects users and then moves the conversation to Snapchat. Think of it as a matchmaking layer that sits on top of Snap’s ecosystem.
The app uses a gem system. You earn gems through daily activity and spend them to send friend requests. It’s gamified, which keeps people coming back.
Who It’s Best For
Snapchat users who want to meet new people without staying on a separate platform. Hoop solves a common frustration with Monkey, where good connections disappeared after one conversation.
Key Features
- Snapchat-integrated friend matching
- Gem-based economy for sending requests
- Profile setup with age, photos, and interests
- Global discovery for meeting international users
- Daily rewards for staying active
Safety and Moderation
Since conversations happen on Snapchat, Hoop itself doesn’t host much chat activity. It moderates profiles and uses automated tools to screen content.
Snapchat’s own safety features (disappearing messages, screenshot notifications) apply once you’re connected there.
Free vs. Paid
Free to download and use. Gems can be earned through daily logins and engagement or purchased outright. The gem system is a soft paywall. You can use the app for free, but paying speeds things up.
Downsides
Completely dependent on Snapchat. If Snap changes its API or policies, Hoop’s entire model breaks.
The gem system can feel limiting if you’re active and burn through them quickly.
How It Compares to Monkey
Hoop bridges the gap between random discovery and lasting connections. Monkey gave you 15 seconds with a stranger. Hoop gives you a path to keep that connection going through Snapchat streaks and ongoing chats.
People who like the idea of meeting strangers but want conversations that last might also enjoy apps like Replika for deeper one-on-one interactions.
LivU
What It Does
LivU is a mobile video chat app that mixes random stranger matching with social media-style features. You can video chat, follow users, send virtual gifts, and interact with people after the initial match.
The app also includes real-time message translation, AR masks, and beauty filters.
Who It’s Best For
Users who want more than just a quick random chat. LivU appeals to people who enjoy the social media side of connecting, where you can build a following and maintain relationships beyond a single video call.
Key Features
- Random video matching with global users
- Real-time translation for cross-language chats
- AR masks, beauty filters, and stickers
- Virtual gifts and follow system
- Post-chat interaction through profile following
Safety and Moderation
LivU has moderation tools in place, though details on how strict they are remain vague. The platform allows reporting and blocking, and it uses some automated screening.
Because of the virtual gifts and follow system, LivU has more of a social media dynamic. This means interactions can extend beyond a single session, which has both upsides and risks.
Free vs. Paid
Basic video chatting is free. Premium features like location and age filtering, along with virtual gift purchases, cost extra. LivU uses an in-app currency system for gifts and boosts.
Downsides
The virtual gift economy can feel pushy. Some users report that the app steers interactions toward spending money rather than genuine chatting.
Moderation transparency is lacking compared to platforms like Camsurf or Emerald Chat.
How It Compares to Monkey
LivU takes Monkey’s concept and adds a social media layer. Where Monkey was purely about quick, disposable video encounters, LivU encourages ongoing engagement. It blends the fun of random matching with features you’d expect from apps like BeReal or other social platforms focused on authentic interactions.
If the entertainment side of random chatting appeals to you, LivU delivers more than most alternatives.
FAQ on Apps Like Monkey
What happened to the Monkey app?
Monkey was removed from the Apple App Store due to safety concerns and reports of inappropriate content. The app faced ongoing content moderation challenges. It’s still partially available on Android and web, but most users have moved to alternatives like Azar and OmeTV.
Are random video chat apps safe?
It depends on the platform. Apps like Camsurf and Yubo use AI moderation, age verification, and active human moderators. Others rely mostly on user reports. Always check privacy settings, avoid sharing personal information, and use the report and block features.
What is the best free alternative to Monkey?
Chatroulette and OmeTV are both completely free with no registration required. Camsurf also offers free random video chat with an ad-free experience. For younger users, Yubo provides free social discovery with stronger safety tools built in.
Which Monkey alternative has the best moderation?
Yubo leads with Yoti age verification, AI screening, and separated age groups. Camsurf enforces strict anti-nudity rules with 24/7 moderation. Emerald Chat uses a karma system that rewards positive behavior, though it can be gamed by some users.
Can I use these apps without creating an account?
Yes. Chatroulette, OmeTV, and Camsurf let you start video chatting instantly without signing up. Other apps like Azar and HOLLA require a quick registration through Google or Facebook. No-signup platforms trade convenience for less user accountability.
Are there Monkey alternatives specifically for teens?
Yubo is the strongest option. It separates users into 13-17 and 18+ age groups using face-based verification. Hoop and Wink also target younger users through Snapchat integration. Parents should still review each app’s safety features before allowing access.
Do these apps work on both iPhone and Android?
Most do. Azar, HOLLA, Yubo, Wink, Hoop, and LivU are available on both the App Store and Google Play. Chatroulette and OmeTV also work directly in mobile browsers, so no download is needed at all.
Which app is best for meeting people from other countries?
Azar stands out with real-time translation across 13+ languages and users in 190+ countries. OmeTV also supports automatic message translation. LivU adds cross-language video chat with AR filters, making international conversations more engaging and accessible.
Do I have to pay to use gender filters?
Usually, yes. Azar, Emerald Chat, and HOLLA lock gender filtering behind paid subscriptions. Prices range from about $5 to $23 per month depending on the platform. Chatroulette and Camsurf don’t offer gender filters at all, free or paid.
What should I look for when choosing a Monkey alternative?
Focus on three things: moderation quality, platform size, and cost. Check whether the app uses AI-powered safety tools or just relies on user reports. A larger user base means faster matching. And decide whether free features are enough or if paid filters are worth it.
Conclusion
Finding the right apps like Monkey comes down to what you actually need. Some people want fast, anonymous video calls with zero setup. Others care more about safety features, interest-based matching, or building connections that last beyond a single chat.
Platforms like Azar and OmeTV handle global reach and real-time translation well. Yubo and Camsurf push harder on user protection and age verification. Emerald Chat adds structure through its karma scoring system.
No single app replaces everything Monkey offered. But honestly, that’s a good thing.
The random video chat space has matured. Better content moderation, smarter matching algorithms, and cross-platform support on iOS and Android make these alternatives more reliable than what came before.
Try two or three. See which one matches your vibe. The right fit is personal.
Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces and for free on Codepen.
Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Design Your Way, Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, and Speckyboy, and Slider Revolution among others.
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