T-Mobile launched video chatting within smartphone calling. Yahoo rolled out their video chat app to a global audience. Freshdesk purchased startup 1Click to add video chatting to their customer support interface. To say 2015 has been hot for video chat would be the understatement of the year. As mobile video explodes around the world, entrepreneurs are seizing upon the opportunity and creating a variety of video chat interfaces. From one-to-many video chat tools like Periscope and Meerkat to multi-party video chat interfaces like Blab, the race is on to be the next big thing in online video communication. If you want a sneak peek at some of the innovation, take a gander at the following in-development/recently launched platforms. Which one will be the next acquisition by big name players like Google or Facebook? Which one will be a breakout startup star?
Peerly
Peerly offers a live video chat for Twitter. Features include voice and video communications, group chats, and offline message. If you’re a Twitter user on either Android or iOS, Peerly’s chat interface is an intriguing option you might want to investigate.
TlkTlk
Currently in beta testing, TlkTlk offers group video chatting. Users can sign up via Slack, Trello, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Chat with teammates around the globe or connect with family across town. TlkTlk’s peer-to-peer video streaming interface works in your web browser, regardless of whether you use Chrome, Firefox, or Opera.
speakme
speakme provides a different take on video chat. Their platform lets users record video comments on topics they find online. Instead of posting text-based comments on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit, speakme users can add their thoughts via video commenting.
Face to Face
Available for iOS users, the Face to Face app lets users have one-on-one video meetings with people in their Twitter network. Connect with a supplier, update teammates on projects, or interview potential employment candidates. There’s no need to drive across town or travel to foreign lands when you can chat face-to-face via video.
Vinnect
Vinnect lets users create video chat rooms. Use Vinnect to hold online meetings, keep in touch with family, or have a gab session with your best buds. Simply share the link to your private video chat room and anyone with the link can join your conversation. Brands can even customize their links to highlight conversation topics or tie into hashtag campaigns.
Room
Room offers in-browser video chats. Users can chat via their web browser or via their mobile browser on iOS. Room integrates with multiple communication platforms including Slack and UpWork. If you want to take your productivity to the next level, consider adding Room to your business’ communication stack.
Vidtok
Vidtok lets you add video chat to your website. There’s no need to download software or change your site’s code; click on Vidtok’s ‘get started’ button and instantly add video chatting to your website or blog.
Peeps
Peeps brings video chatting to the selfie. You can record mini video selfies to send to anyone on your smartphone’s contact list, regardless of whether they have the Peeps app installed or not. Share tidbits of your travels, goofy glimpses of the grandkids, or romantic messages to your significant other.
As you can see from the above-listed startups, there is plenty of innovation happening within the video chat sector. From communication tools for brands to interactive social selfies, entrepreneurs are approaching this market in a wide variety of ways. Do you think you will be integrating of these interfaces into your daily communication modus operandi?
