Trying a random video chat platform for the first time can feel a little nerve-racking. You are not sure what to expect, where the buttons are, or what the etiquette is. This walkthrough takes you through a first session on JustChill Live step by step, so that when you press Start, you know exactly what will happen.
JustChill Live is free, runs in your web browser and does not require an account. It is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. Before starting, please take a moment to read our Community Guidelines. They are short and they explain what makes the platform work for everyone.
Before you start: two minutes of preparation
A little preparation makes your first session far more enjoyable.
- Find a quiet, private spot. Somewhere you can talk comfortably without people walking behind you.
- Face the light. Sit facing a window or lamp so your face is clearly visible. See our lighting guide.
- Raise your camera to eye level. Prop up your laptop or phone. See camera angle and framing.
- Put on headphones. This prevents echo for the person you are talking to.
- Check your background. Remove anything with your name, address or school. Our privacy checklist covers this in detail.
Step 1: Enter a name
On the JustChill Live homepage you will see a box asking for your name. Type a first name or nickname. We strongly recommend not using your full name. The name is used within your session on your own screen, and choosing a nickname is a good habit on any platform.
Then press the button to start. You will be taken to the video chat page.
Step 2: Allow camera and microphone
Your browser will ask for permission to use your camera and microphone. Click Allow. JustChill Live cannot access your camera or microphone without this permission, and you can revoke it at any time in your browser settings.
If you do not see a prompt, or you accidentally clicked Block, see our guide to fixing camera and microphone problems.
Once you allow access, you will see yourself in the video area. This is a good moment to check your lighting and framing one last time.
Step 3: Searching for a match
The status indicator will show that you are searching. Behind the scenes, you have joined a queue of people looking for a conversation. As soon as another person is available, the two of you are paired. Our explainer on how random matching works describes this in detail.
Matching usually takes a few seconds, depending on how many people are online at that moment.
Step 4: Connected
When a match is found, your browsers set up a direct, encrypted video connection, and the status changes to show that you are connected. The other person's video appears in the main view, with yours in a smaller view.
This is the moment to smile and say hello. A friendly greeting in the first few seconds makes a big difference. If you need some ideas, our list of conversation starters has fifty.
Step 5: Using the controls
The controls are at the bottom of the video area. Here is what each one does:
- Microphone button: Mutes and unmutes your microphone. Useful if you need to cough or deal with background noise.
- Camera button: Turns your camera off and on. When it is off, the other person sees no video from you.
- Next (skip) button: Ends the current conversation immediately and starts searching for a new partner.
- Text chat: Type messages that appear for both of you during the conversation. On mobile, the chat panel can be opened and collapsed.
You can also swap which video appears in the main view, focusing on your partner or on yourself.
Step 6: Chatting
Once connected, just talk. There is no time limit. Some conversations last thirty seconds, others last an hour. A few tips for your first chats:
- Say hello quickly rather than waiting in silence
- Ask easy, open questions
- Listen and follow up on what they say
- Keep personal details private
- Be patient with connection hiccups and language differences
Our article on keeping a conversation going has more techniques.
Step 7: Moving on
When a conversation is finished, it is kind to say a quick goodbye before pressing Next. See ending a video chat politely. If someone skips you, do not worry; it happens to everyone and is rarely personal. Our article on dealing with skips explains why.
When you or your partner leaves, the text chat is cleared, and you are returned to searching for a new match.
Step 8: If something goes wrong
If anyone behaves inappropriately, whether that means being rude, showing sexual content, asking for money or making you uncomfortable in any way, press Next immediately. You never need to explain.
If you want to report someone, use our Contact page, including the date, time and a description of what happened. Our guide to handling inappropriate behaviour explains reporting in detail.
Step 9: Ending your session
When you are finished, simply close the tab or navigate away. Your camera and microphone stop, and you leave the queue. There is no account to log out of and no chat history saved to an account.
It can also be worth checking in with yourself after a session. Did you enjoy it? Did anything bother you? Our Safety Guide has more resources if you need them.
Common first-session questions
Do I need to create an account? No. JustChill Live works without sign-up.
Is it free? Yes.
Can I choose who I talk to? No. Matching is random, which is part of the fun.
Can I find someone again after skipping? Not through the platform. There are no accounts or friend lists. If you want to stay in touch with someone, read how to stay in touch safely first.
Does it work on my phone? Yes, in a modern mobile browser. See video chatting on your phone.
Who can see my video? Only the person you are connected to. Video travels directly between your browsers, encrypted. See how WebRTC works.
Final thought
Your first session is about getting comfortable. Do not worry about having the perfect conversation. Say hello to a few people, try the controls and see what random chat feels like. Most people find that after a few conversations, the nerves disappear and curiosity takes over. Welcome to JustChill Live.