How matching works
We pair two people who are waiting in the same mode (text or video). Everything else you choose is optional and only used to find a better conversation. There is no hidden compatibility score and no AI deciding who you meet.
The rules we never relax
- You are only matched with someone in the same mode.
- You are never matched with someone you blocked, or who blocked you.
- If you choose languages, you are only matched with someone who shares one, unless you allow other languages.
What we prefer
Among people who meet those rules, we look at a limited group of the longest-waiting people and prefer, in order of weight, a shared language, shared interests and the same goal (just talk, practise a language, or talk about interests). Similar words count as the same interest, for example “soccer” and “football”.
When someone has waited about 20 seconds, waiting time comes first so nobody waits forever for a slightly better match. We also avoid pairing you again with someone you just talked to for a few minutes.
When few people are online
You will see how long you have been waiting. After a few seconds we may offer to widen your preferences, but we never do it for you. We do not show fake partners, queue positions or online counts.
After you are connected
If you both chose the same interest or language, we say so. You both see the same conversation starter, and either of you can ask for another topic.
Read about safety features and their limits, or how random text chat differs from video.
Matching questions
Can I choose a country or gender?
No. There are no country, gender or couple filters, paid or free. Matching uses the mode you chose, up to three languages, up to five interests and an optional goal, and everyone gets the same matching for free.
How many interests and languages can I add?
Up to five interests and up to three languages, plus one goal: just talk, practise a language, or talk about interests. All of them are optional.
What if nobody shares my interests?
You still meet someone. Interests are preferences, not requirements. After about 20 seconds of waiting, waiting time comes first so nobody waits forever for a slightly better match.
Do languages work the same way?
Languages are the one strict rule: if you choose languages, you are only matched with someone who shares one, unless you tick that other languages are fine.
Does “football” match “soccer”?
Yes. Similar words count as the same interest, so small spelling or wording differences do not stop a match.
Will I meet the same person twice?
Not right away. After you press Next we avoid pairing you with that person again for a few minutes. If you block someone, you are never matched again in either direction.
Are the online counts real?
We do not show online counts, queue positions or fake partners at all. You see how long you have been waiting, and that number is real.