A video call with someone you met ten minutes ago is nothing like a call with a friend. There's no shared history to lean on, so the small stuff — light, framing, how you say hello — sets the tone for everything. On Chat AHOY every chat starts in text and you decide if and when the camera goes on, which gives you a natural moment to get ready.
Ask before you switch
Chat AHOY lets you start a video or audio call from any chat, but ask first. "Up for a quick video call?" is plenty. Some people happily text for an hour before they feel like showing their face; some never do. Both are completely fine. If they say no, take it at face value and keep typing.
Ten-second camera setup
- Face the light. A window or lamp in front of you beats one behind you, where you turn into a silhouette.
- Camera at eye level. Prop your phone up rather than holding it from below.
- Check the background. One glance at the preview saves you from broadcasting your laundry pile.
- Headphones help. Less echo, clearer sound for both of you.
Start it like a conversation
Say hi, smile, and pick up where the text chat left off. The first seconds on camera are always a little awkward; saying so ("okay, this bit is always weird") usually breaks the ice.
Be there
Look at the camera now and then, not just at yourself in the corner. Don't scroll on another screen. Need to step away? Say so and mute or turn off your camera — you can do that any time during a call on Chat AHOY.
Respect the line
- Don't ask someone to move the camera, show more, or do anything they didn't offer.
- Don't record or screenshot. It's disrespectful and it breaks the house rules.
- Don't push for a phone number or another app. If they want to move the chat elsewhere, they'll say so.
Ending the call
Video calls don't have to be long. When the conversation hits a natural pause, say you enjoyed it and hang up; you can keep texting in the same chat afterwards. Want to talk again? That's what contact requests are for: see keeping in touch after a chat.
When something feels off
You can end a call the second you feel uncomfortable, no explanation needed. If the other person behaves badly, hit the report button in the chat; reports are reviewed within minutes, around the clock. How moderation works explains what happens next.