What to say when starting a random video chat: 15 ways to say hi
· Callumbra
On a random video chat you have a few seconds to make the other person want to keep talking. A bare «hi» usually ends in «Next». The good news: you don't need to be funny, just show interest and give them something to answer.
Simple greetings that work
- «Hi! Where are you calling from?»
- «Hey, what time is it there?»
- «Hi! You're the first person I've matched with today, how's your day going?»
- «Hey, what were you doing before you got on?»
- «Hi there! Is this your first time on a video chat?»
Greetings that use what you see
- «I like your poster, what's it from?»
- «Is that your cat in the background?»
- «Your lighting is great, is it daytime there?»
- «I see a guitar, do you play?»
- «Are you having coffee or tea?»
Greetings with a bit of play
- «Quick: beach or mountains?»
- «Here's an idea: we each share something curious about our city.»
- «What song is stuck in your head this week?»
- «If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?»
- «Tell me a typical dish from your country I have to try.»
To keep the conversation going
- Smile and look at the camera: it shows more than you think.
- Listen to the answer and ask something about it, instead of jumping to the next question on your list.
- Share something about yourself too, so it doesn't feel like an interrogation.
- If there's no chemistry, say goodbye kindly and move on to the next person: it's part of the game.
Try it
On Callumbra we connect you on video with new people from your browser, with nothing to install. If you choose interests, we connect you first with someone who shares one, and icebreaker ideas show up during the call. If there's no chemistry, «Next». It's 18+ only.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I go blank?
Ask about something you see on their screen, or about the time and place they're calling from. They're easy questions to answer and almost always lead to another conversation.