A Chatroulette alternative without the video roulette

Roulette-style chat, minus the risk of surprise

Chatroulette is a video roulette service: one click and you are face to face with someone you have never met.

StrangerYaar keeps that quick, new-person feeling but drops the video. It is not affiliated with Chatroulette, and it works in a quite different way.

That is the main difference: with this service you decide when a face, if any, ever becomes part of the conversation, and by default it never does.

How a match works here

Press start and you are matched in seconds with someone new. You see a random name and a face avatar, nothing more. If the chat is not for you, you can move on to the next person.

Why text suits roulette so well

When you do not know who is on the other end, text gives you control. You can read, think and reply, and you never have to react to something unexpected on a camera feed.

• No camera, so no unwanted surprises
• Report and block in a tap
• Moderators review reports
• Photos are blurred and checked
• Strangers' chats are not stored unless reported

Roulette with a bit of steering

Pure randomness can be hit and miss. On StrangerYaar you can add interests and languages, and choose a place. Matching tries your state first, then your country, then anyone worldwide.

If you want more than one chat

When a conversation goes well, use Add friend to continue it later. Chatting is free, and 18+ is required for everyone.

Ordinary chats between strangers are not stored, which keeps the experience light.

Try this: your first five minutes

Start by saying hello and asking one specific question. Examples: Which language are you chatting in tonight? or What was the last song you had on repeat? A specific question makes it easier for a stranger to answer than a bare hi.

If you get no reply, or the replies are one-word answers, there is no need to force it. Move on and you will be matched with someone new in seconds.

A few habits help in any roulette-style chat: keep your details private, do not click unknown links, and remember that you can end the conversation at any time. Roulette suits people who like variety and short chats. If you prefer deeper, slower conversations, use friends and interests to find the people you want to return to.