Make New Digital Connections Through 1v1 Video Chatting

Learn how 1v1 chatting works, tips for making friends and everything you need to know to ensure an enjoyable chatting experience.

If there’s one thing Gen Z is known for, it’s rewriting the rules of digital connection. Between yapping and spilling all the tea, young people have brought fresh life to online conversations, shaping the evolution of global friendships. And while connecting online has existed for years, Gen Z’s brand of connection — defined by openness and spontaneity — reflects their unique outlook.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the nuances of 1v1 video chatting, exploring how this simple medium has become a powerful way to make friends and level up conversational skills. Whether you’re new to online chatting or a seasoned yapper, we have tips to make the most of 1v1 video chats, improve social confidence and broaden your world through digital conversations.

The Evolution of Online Chatting

The concept of talking endlessly with friends has always been popular, but how we connect tends to change with each generation. So, how have we evolved from landline chatter to live streaming and video calling with people worldwide?

Well, way back before the 21st century, we knew dark days: Our phones were still attached to the house. People would spend hours on landlines diving into discussions with family and friends. These calls felt leisurely, slower-paced and less filtered.

By the 2000s, platforms like MSN allowed for online text-based chats, leading to an era of instant messaging. This format was the go-to for casual conversations among friends, marking the beginning of chatrooms, random matching and digital friendships.

Fast-forward to today, real-time face-to-face conversations are taking over. From live-streaming apps to video chat platforms, spontaneous one-to-one conversations have completely shifted. For the younger generation, who grew up with smartphones and social media, chatting online feels as natural as talking in person. But the real game-changer is how digital communication has allowed conversations to be open-ended and culturally rich. Instead of waiting for the right setting to bring up a topic, you can jump in at any moment with just a few clicks.

1v1 Video Chats: How Do They Work?

Since its debut, the video chat platform space has evolved dramatically — especially recently. Originally a luxury, video calls became essential during the socially distanced years between 2020 and 2023. Now, 1v1 video chats allow for a more personal and direct way to connect than group chats or social media threads.

Most platforms are app-based, making it easy to start a video call with just a tap. Here’s how it generally works:

Download a popular 1v1 video chat app designed for fun, casual interactions, like Higo.

Add a few details about yourself to personalize your experience and match with others.

Search for friends or use a "match" feature for carefree connections.

Hit the video button and you’re instantly face-to-face, ready for a genuine conversation or lighthearted banter.

1v1 video chats offer a fun way to meet people informally, transforming what could be simple texts into meaningful conversations.

Why 1v1 Video Chats?

Let’s set the scene. Imagine having an impromptu chat with a stranger, discussing everything from favorite shows to your most obscure hobbies. It’s fun, unpredictable and it’s personal. And that's how it's supposed to be: 1v1 video chats create an interactive space where people can connect directly, beyond the fast pace of feed scrolling.

Unlike group chats or massive online forums, one-to-one conversations feel more intimate and engaging. They’re an opportunity to share stories and express personality without the distractions of larger social settings. These calls have become the ideal setting for truly connecting, whether it’s a five-minute hello or a late-night, hours-long convo with someone on the other side of the world.

Setting the Tone: Casual, Fun and Fast-Paced

1v1 video chats are all about keeping it casual. Unlike traditional calls, Gen Z's approach to video chatting feels more like popping over to a friend’s house unannounced. It’s okay to digress, jump between topics or laugh about something random — these are all part of what makes video chats so entertaining.

Think of it like yapping — an effortless, often tangential flow where both people take turns talking and listening. The goal is connection, not perfection, and the best video chats often happen when neither side has a strict agenda.

The Benefits of 1v1 Video Chatting

Video chats have much more to offer than just an engaging conversation. These calls provide a set of advantages that align with young people's digital-savvy, culturally diverse lives:

1. Building Social Confidence

Video chatting can help you practice conversation skills in a low-pressure setting. Each online chat presents an opportunity to test new jokes, experiment with storytelling and sharpen your sense of humor — all skills that can translate into real-life confidence. Platforms like Higo even offer face filters or tuning features so you can feel more relaxed and confident during genuine interactions.

2. Mental Health and Connection

Being able to speak openly with someone carries a multitude of mental health benefits. Studies show that socializing and "relational diversity" help reduce feelings of loneliness, and video chats provide an instant avenue for those who may feel isolated to connect.

3. Diverse Perspectives

Video chatting connects you with people from different backgrounds, countries and cultures. Through these conversations, you can learn about new traditions, slang and even local quirks you may not otherwise encounter.

4. Making Friends as an Adult

As we grow up, making friends is notoriously harder. 1v1 video chats make it easy for adults to connect with like-minded people, turning a simple call into the start of a meaningful friendship.

5. Polishing Social Skills

Whether trying out new conversation topics or simply learning to be a better listener, 1v1 video chats provide a supportive space to refine your social skills in a casual, relaxed environment.

Tips for Acing 1v1 Chatting

Want to make the most of your 1v1 video chats? Here are some quick tips to keep your conversations engaging, enjoyable and genuinely fun:

If it’s your first time chatting with someone, ease in with light, funny or random questions. Icebreakers can set the tone for the relationship moving forward and create a comfortable space for both.

Conversation is a two-way street. Take turns sharing and listening, and avoid the temptation to take over the chat. People tend to open up more when they feel heard.

The wonder of video chats is that they can go literally anywhere. Don’t be afraid to take the conversation in unexpected directions. If someone brings up a topic you don’t know much about, ask questions or have fun guessing — you might even discover a new favorite pastime.

Video chatting allows you to show things in real time. Share interesting finds, like a book you're reading, an art project or your pet. Visuals add dynamic layers to the conversation.

If the energy dips, don’t force it. Changing topics or taking brief pauses to rest keeps the conversation fresh and prevents burnout. Remember, it’s fine if not every conversation is a marathon — short, engaging chats can be just as rewarding.

1v1 Video Chatting: What You Need To Know

To set a solid foundation for 1v1 video chatting, it’s necessary to stay mindful and aware. Here’s what to keep in mind as you start a new video call:

It's Popular Among Gen Z

If you’re new to the scene, expect to encounter people who use Gen Z slang and pop-culture references. Learning a few trending terms can help you communicate better and feel like part of the community.

Communicate Limits Clearly

Respect for personal boundaries is key in any interaction, digital or otherwise. Be mindful of others’ comfort levels and express your own limits if necessary. Watch out for online red flags, like overly intense behavior or requests for personal information. These are worth noting and addressing if they arise.

Privacy and Safety

Always be wary of your personal information. Video chats should be comfortable and enjoyable, but it’s important to protect your private information online and be alert to unusual behaviors. Platforms like Higo include moderation and reporting features that users can engage with to help them feel more secure, but you should always take active measures to protect yourself online.

From Stranger to Friend: Building Genuine Connections

For many, 1v1 chatting online has led to long-term friendships. As you engage in more chats, you’ll start finding people who “click” with you — perhaps they share similar interests, humor or values. Building a network of virtual friends has never been easier, and video chats make it feel as real as an in-person hangout.

To keep the connection going, consider scheduling more regular calls with new friends you’ve made online. You can start weekly or monthly chats to catch up or even plan to watch shows together via screen-sharing.

Hot tip: If you meet someone you vibe with, don’t be shy about suggesting another chat. It’s as simple as saying, “Hey, this was fun! Let’s do it again sometime.”

Why Gen Z Is All About 1v1 Chatting

Video chats aren’t just a social tool — they’re a gateway to diverse friendships, cultures and ideas. In a world that can feel increasingly isolated, these one-on-one conversations help bring people closer together. Each call is a chance to expand your circle, learn something or brighten someone else’s day.

From their casual tone to the instant connection they create, 1v1 chats are here to stay, offering everyone a way to connect on their terms. And in a world that’s moving faster than ever, taking a moment to have a real, meaningful conversation is priceless.

Whether you’re spilling tea, yapping about random topics or learning about another culture, a 1v1 chat brings back the fun of making friends, one call at a time. So, if you’re ready, jump onto Higo and strike up a casual chat that’s curious and authentically Gen Z.

Start chatting now!