Month: April 2020

Video Chat Is A Top Choice As People Worldwide Go Into Isolation Because Of Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus has taken the world by storm with an increasing number of people falling prey to this virus. It has created mass fear and worry amongst people, with several countries under a complete lockdown. Governments and local authorities are trying their best to contain this beast, and in doing so, have asked their citizens to put their best foot forward by staying in isolation.

People have been asked to remain indoors and take the necessary precautions through social distancing. With the chaotic and busy lifestyle that most people have, however, it is challenging to sit still. One way to avert boredom and maintain a more ordinary life is to take available technologies in stride. Staying connected with friends and family through common social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram is one way to experience the outside world from inside. However, if you want to explore further and make new associations, video chat platforms like Camfrog are a great solution. Not only do they offer a means to meet new people, but they also provide interesting conversations where you can discuss something other than the dreaded coronavirus. Here’s why this virtual method of socializing is gaining momentum in a world struck by COVID-19.

  • Meet and greet without physical contact

Most of us are used to going out for dinners, meeting friends over coffee, or stepping out to watch our favorite movie in the theaters. However, with coronavirus looming in the last few weeks, all social gatherings have come to a standstill. In some areas, even grocery stores and supermarkets are deserted. Having no physical contact with the outside world can be tough, even for the best of us. But with scores of video chat portals popping up in every Google search, there is a beautiful opportunity to connect with others while still following social distancing rules.

Using the internet and video chatting apps, you can easily find like-minded people and forge new bonds. You might use them for casual dating, or even be lucky enough to find lifelong partners through them. However, to be able to start video chatting for any purpose, you need to review certain things. Do you have:

  1. A reliable and high-speed internet connection?
  2. An external HD webcam (or high-quality built-in cam) that gives clear video?
  3. A good microphone and proper speakers for superior sound quality?

With the basics all set, now you can browse through various video chatting platforms to choose your favorite. Be wary of bogus sites with the sole intention of getting your personal details, and be vigilant while giving out details. Do a thorough study and check out reviews before deciding on any one platform.

  • Speak without hesitation

One of the main advantages of video chatting is that there is no baggage or obligation to impress. You can be yourself and speak freely without worrying about other people’s opinions. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always leave the chat and block the concerned person(s). Since you are interacting most often with unknown people, there is no need to maintain unsuitable relations. Remember, you are your own master, so don’t feel guilty or have any hesitation. There are millions like you on the lookout for friends in this time of physical distancing, so you can always find more like-minded people.

  • A reason to get dressed

Staying home in today’s time of coronavirus and being bludgeoned with a host of tasks to do at home—from cooking to cleaning to watching the kids—you might not have the energy or inclination to dress up. However, if you know that there is a video call planned, you will definitely take that extra effort to look presentable. Wear a nice outfit, put on some makeup, do your hair well.  Afterall, physical impressions do matter, especially in the initial stage of getting to know somebody. Getting spiffed up can also lift your mood, because who doesn’t like to look good. Get ready to look your best before you start your first video chat with someone known or unknown.

  • Indulge in interesting discussions through chat rooms

One exciting feature of video chatting platforms is public chat rooms. Not all chat programs have this ability, but many like Camfrog have interesting chat rooms that people can log into and use to have discussions on myriad topics. You can share your views, exchange video and audio clips, and make chatting a community affair. It is a healthy way to discuss important issues. It also adds a fun element to the conversation, with many people adding their two cents to any topic, sharing jokes, and even making their own videos.

As they say, “What’s life if so full of care, there is no time to stand and stare,” so make time for these small things in life to get your mind off the scary state of the world.

  • An inexpensive form of socializing

Just imagine going out to a party with friends and only paying for your beer and food. Wouldn’t it be much cheaper than splitting a huge bill, paying for a cab, and maybe even paying for entry into a fancy hotel or club? This is where virtual get-togethers can improve upon the everyday choice.

Join a public chat room or make one with your new friends, and then bring your own liquor and eats and have a virtual party! Add some fun by dressing up, playing music, and planning games that work online. The only thing missing will be physical contact with one another, but you are sure to have as much fun. Many innovative ideas are floating around on the internet to spice up your virtual parties. Get some and plan your next virtual get-together through video chatting platforms to beat the corona blues.

  • The place does not matter

With video chatting, you can party without having to make an effort to step out of your home or travel to a far-off place to meet your friends. It is possible to sit in your favorite PJs and connect with friends and family and have a bash. If you’re planning to meet new people for dating purposes or otherwise, you can do so easily from the comfort of your home. It will not only relax those tense nerves but also help you continue with your social life in times of COVID-19.

  • Share videos and audios easily

With video chatting platforms, you can not only chat with people but also share video clips of your favorite TV shows, or a trending song you want to talk about. You can also make audio clips and take exciting pictures to share with others. This is a great way to connect with friendly strangers and find new things to talk about. However, not all video chatting apps have this facility of sharing files, videos, and audios, so it is important to check for this feature while shortlisting. Some apps like Camfrog will provide this feature, making video chatting more fun and interactive.

  • Networking and working from home

With coronavirus affecting work and businesses, people are finding it tough to meet their deadlines, complete unfinished work, and find new jobs. However, video chatting can help address these issues. Those continuing with a normal work schedule can plan out their weeks by using video chat apps for video conferencing, and those in search of new work can network through chat rooms. You never know when you might find the next excellent project or assignment.

  • Connecting with family in affected areas

With most of us in quarantine mode, it is almost impossible to meet family and friends with whom you don’t already live. It can be scary not knowing the health of your loved ones on a daily basis. With video chatting, these problems are put to rest. You can not only hear from family and friends, but also see them. Visual contact might not be the same as physical contact, but it’s the next best thing. Make use of technology in these trying times to stay in touch with your family in COVID 19 affected areas.

Given all these fantastic benefits of video chatting in time of self-quarantine, you are sure to want to try it out soon, but do you know the best way to get the most out of video chat? Here are some simple and easy-to-follow tips for video chatting.

  • Internet speeds

You need to have good internet speeds that can ensure a smooth and clear connection. Remember that video chatting needs considerably more bandwidth than just emailing or web browsing.

  • Compatibility

Ensure that your device—be it the smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer— is compatible with the app you choose. You might need to upgrade your software or even the device itself to use the latest version of some video chat apps. Also, ensure that the app can run on any operating system such as Windows, iOS, and others. This will make it easier to connect and stream.

  • Proper webcam

Do not rely on the built-in webcams that come along with laptops. They are usually low resolution and make your picture blurry. If you can find one, invest in an external HD webcam. They are available online so you don’t need to step out or break quarantine.

  • Natural lighting

Ensure that you have as much natural lighting as you can while on a video call. Never sit right in front of a window. Instead, place yourself in a way that the light is shining on your face. In case you do not have natural lighting, find the most well-lit room you can access and make it your studio.

  • Reduce background noise

Find a quiet place for video chatting. It is rude to have a lot of noise in the background when you are on a video call with someone. Preferably, choose a time when there is the least activity in your home or find a room where no one will disturb you while you are chatting.

  • Sharing options

Many video chatting platforms do not have file-sharing options. This limit chatting capabilities. Prioritize those platforms that allow easy exchange of videos, audio, and other files. This will make the chatting experience more enjoyable and interactive.

  • Anonymity of identity

Often you might not want to share your details with any stranger you meet online on these video chatting mediums. Many platforms allow you to stay anonymous as a user. This guarantees a higher level of safety and also allows you to speak freely.

  • Multilingual capabilities

Look for video chatting platforms that allow chatting in different languages, like Camfrog. This helps in connecting with people from all over the world. It also allows you to speak freely in whichever language you are most comfortable in.

  • Don’t give personal details or share information

Meeting strangers online can be quite intimidating, so it is best to be formal and cautious as a beginner. Never share intimate details with anyone in the first few conversations. Get to know the person well and then decide if you want to go ahead with providing any identifying information. Also, do not download anything, be it file, photo, or video, unless from a trusted source. Be wary and smart to avoid technological harm and enjoy to best parts of the Internet.

Conclusion

Video chatting has been a popular medium for forging new relations and cementing old ones for a while now, but with coronavirus knocking on each of our doors, the world is moving online with greater force and speed than ever before. Video chat is also a good way to take a break from the mundane household chores and be a part of a new form of socializing. Embrace it with open arms and soon you won’t want to stop!

Camfrog Video Chat

Make The Most Of Video Chat To Socialize Amidst The Coronavirus Epidemic

The greatest pandemic of the 21st century – COVID 19 – has gripped the earth. Schools and offices are shut down, restaurants and social spaces are deserted, and people are confined to their homes, finding it tough to pass the time. Most notably, “social distancing” is terminology that has become a part of the active vocabulary of children and adults alike. Having advanced technology is a great boon in these times, though. It offers people a viable option to stay connected with friends and family. In fact, video chatting has emerged as a great option for the young and old alike to socialize amidst the coronavirus epidemic, without losing the face-to-face connection. Let’s find out how we can make the most of this modern form of socialization and what the best video chatting mediums to stay connected are.

Benefits of video chatting

Video chatting is a great way to connect today while the whole world isolates due to the threat of coronavirus. It not only helps with making new friends and acquaintances, but also allows you to keep in touch with family and friends and enquire about their well-being. Here are some reasons why you should take up video chatting if you haven’t already.

  • Socializing remotely

Amid physical, social distancing, people are finding innovative ways to socialize online. Turning to the scores of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, they update their statuses, send messages, and keep in touch with their near and dear ones. If you want to make new friends in this time of “social distancing”, one effective medium that can be effective is video chats. There are hundreds of video chat applications available today, whose basic aim is to help people connect with strangers from all over the world in a bid to forge new bonds. In fact, amidst all the serious and oft depressing talk and news of coronavirus, video chatting comes as a welcome respite. Also, finding somebody to share your views and fears about this dreaded viral threat, helps relieve tension. But if you want to take your mind off the statistics and discuss other things in these self-quarantined times, video chat makes for an amazing outlet too.

Creating a happy environment

Everything is a little glum these days, fueled by dread of COVID 19. People are not stepping outside their homes at all— a rarity with today’s chaotic lifestyles and busy work schedules, and being in confined spaces can get quite depressing. Video chatting can help alleviate these feelings. The prospect of meeting new people to talk to without having to step outside your home is both motivating and exciting. While speaking with complete strangers can be a little overwhelming initially, once the ice is broken it can be a great boon. For instance, there is no requirement to prove yourself. You can be what you are and speak about what you like without the fear of being judged.

Spending a couple of hours in this environment will help set the pace for the rest of the day and help overcome forced “social distancing”.

  • Dress as you like

With no office to go to or formal and informal dinners to attend or movie nights to relish, life can get quite boring. You might begin your day in your PJs and end it the same way. However, having to meet somebody through the virtual medium is motivation to fix yourself up. Adding that dash of makeup or trying out a new hairstyle you learned on YouTube can lift your mood. This type of self-care kills two birds with one stone. You get dressed up and feel good like you might during normal life, and you also get to meet someone interesting (even if it is through a screen).

  • Communal watching of favorite shows or news

Many video chatting platforms like Camfrog offer free access to videos in countries worst hit by COVID-19 like Italy, South Korea, Spain, Germany, France, and others. Watch videos with your new virtual friends and ditch the isolation blues. You can also use free video to stay in touch with your friends and family all across the globe. Try killing time by watching Youtube videos with others through video chatting platforms. Simply share the video link and watch it simultaneously in real-time. It will give you the feeling of watching a movie in a theater or cheering for your favorite football team together.

Watching shows, news, and other videos of common interests can also be a precursor to interesting conversations. It can make for intellectual discussions and a platform to share your views on myriad topics.

  • A good way to network

With the world economy taking a major hit due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is a general lull on the job front. People are scared of losing their jobs, and new jobs are hard to find. Video chats, though typically used for more casual and fun rendezvous, can be a great way to network too. You can join video chat rooms related to your current job or the kind of work you would like to learn, and use this medium to meet like-minded people. You can also use it to find freelancing assignments from home. You might be surprised when luck knocks on your door. Don’t shy away from sharing your professional prowess while you are having fun in this physical distancing phase.

  • Have a virtual party

When the parties are out of the question, it is time to take the party virtual through video chat platforms. Many people rely on social networking services for group video chatting to have get-togethers even though they are miles apart. It helps alleviate bad moods, get people out of the monotony, dress up well, and have a hearty laugh. Use these platforms to make new friends and invite them to common chat rooms for a virtual party with drinks, popcorn, and some groovy music. Believe you me, it is a great way to beat the corona blues!

Now that you have understood the various benefits of video chatting during this social alienation phase, here’s how to find a good video chatting platform and use it to your benefit.

  • Choices galore

With innumerable video chatting sites and applications available today, it is often overwhelming for those trying it out for the first time. You might not understand which platforms will fulfill your requirements. Therefore, it is essential to know about these video chat mediums properly before plunging into any particular one.

Before deciding on the video chatting platform, it is essential you have a fast internet connection to prevent drops and gaps in conversation. Not only will it spoil the conversation, but also the other person might lose interest in you. Ensure that you have the best possible internet plan that will give you high-speed connectivity.

  • Best way to find an appropriate video chatting portal

The first step towards finding your perfect video chat portal is to do thorough research. Browse through video chatting sites, read user reviews, check security options, and settings, and then shortlist your top choices.

Next, check if the video chatting portal has a global reach to provide a wider choice of people with whom you can interact. Video chatting platforms like Camfrog and Paltalk offer this advantage of connecting with people from around the world. This gives you a more extensive choice and also allows you to meet people with different experiences.

While searching, always look out for products that have interesting public chat rooms for you to join. Having such chat rooms is a great way to connect with people with a common interest. You can share your thoughts on different topics and get insight from others, too.

It’s also worth investigating if the chat platforms have the ability to download and share videos, audio, and pictures. This will make chatting more enjoyable and real.

  • Safeguard yourself

While you explore all the attractive features of video chatting mediums, it is vital to safeguard yourself as there are many fraudsters lurking around. The first thing you will do after deciding on a particular portal is to create your profile. It will give basic information about you so that people can search for you. While making the profile, keep in mind some precautions.

You should never give out any personal details such as phone numbers and addresses in your profile, as they are visible to everyone there. Also, never share any personal details in the first few conversations with a new online friend, as you might not know their intentions. Initially, it is best to speak about general topics of interest, discuss hobbies, likes, and dislikes, and only if you think the person is genuine and can be trusted should you move on to personal conversations.

  • Check for video and audio clarity

One of the main things to review while setting up your video chatting platform is the audio and video quality. On a video chat, it is important to have clear picture and audio. This helps the flow of conversation and in maintaining the other person’s interest. Ensure that if possible, you have a good external HD webcam instead of the low-quality built-in webcams. Also, check out the lighting of the room in which you plan to sit and chat. One sure-fire way of hurting the video quality is to sit with your back to a window or a bright light. Turn your computer in a way that you are side- or front-lit. Also, consider chatting in a location with a visually interesting background. For clear audio, have a proper microphone and ensure that your speakers or headphones are at an appropriate volume.

  • Anonymity of identity

While scouting around for video chats, it is essential to look for platforms that safeguard your identity. Platforms like Camfrog allow their users to be anonymous in case they are not interested in sharing their details. This is a considerable advantage as it assures security and also lets you speak without any inhibitions. It is also a good way to protect you from any fraudulent activities.

  • Video conferencing facility

Having the luxury of doing a one-on-one chat as well as indulging in a video conference if you want is something that you should look out for on a video chatting platform. This will let you be a part of chat rooms with multiple people in it, thereby connecting you with more people at a time, while also allowing for more in-depth discussions and perspectives when you chat with someone directly. You can also use this facility to chat with your family members and friends simultaneously.

No matter who you are, it’s dispiriting to see your social life vaporized by this grave pandemic. However, thanks to the internet, it is still possible to have a bustling social life. Make use of technology to the fullest in this time of crisis to get your mind off this dreaded disease that is spreading like wildfire. Video chat through easy-to-use and safe platforms like Camfrog to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. Share your woes, worries, or simply have a laugh— you surely will not regret it!

Update on Live Broadcasting

Over the last couple of years, we’ve worked to bring the best social video experience we can to you. We’ve experimented and tried lots of different ways to improve. Some things stick around, some don’t.
Today we’re announcing that one of our experiments is coming to an end. We’ve come to the difficult decision to shut down Live Broadcasting on Camfrog as of Sunday, April 12th.

We didn’t come by this decision easily, but decided it’s time to refocus our attention and efforts on our core product and service: Group Video Chat. We have many exciting plans that we can’t wait to share with you, and are working hard to continue improving Camfrog to make it the best video chat experience you can have. We’d like to thank everyone who’s ever broadcasted on Live for helping grow our community, and we want to thank everyone who’s ever watched a broadcaster for being an amazing audience. We look forward to continuing to provide a fun interactive way to meet and chat with new friends around the world.