The basics
What is ChatBridge?
ChatBridge is random 1 to 1 video chat, exclusively for Cambridge students. During an open window you press Start, get matched with another student, and talk over live video. You can skip to meet someone new at any time.
Who can use it?
Any current Cambridge student. You log in with Raven, so everyone you meet on ChatBridge is a verified Cambridge student.
When is it open?
ChatBridge opens during scheduled windows rather than all day. The home page shows whether it is open right now and counts down to the next session.
Does it cost anything?
No. ChatBridge is free to use.
Calls and matching
How does matching work?
When you press Start you join a queue and are paired at random with another waiting student. If you skip, you go back into the queue for a new match.
What does my partner see about me?
Only your first name during the call. Your college, course, and CRSid are never shown. Your CRSid is only shared if you both choose to exchange it after the call.
Can I be matched with the same person twice?
It can happen, but we avoid rematching you with recent partners when enough people are waiting. If you report someone, or they report you, you will never be matched with each other again.
How do I end a call?
Skip ends the call and finds you a new partner. Stop ends the call and takes you back. If either person leaves, the call ends for both.
Sharing your CRSid
How does the CRSid exchange work?
After a call, you both get a short window to choose whether to share your CRSid. It is only revealed if both of you opt in. If either of you does not, nothing is shared.
What if I miss the window?
The exchange simply does not happen and nothing is shared. There is no way to recover it afterwards, so if you want to stay in touch, opt in during the window.
Safety and privacy
Are calls recorded?
No. Calls are live video only. Nothing you say or show is recorded or stored.
What data do you keep?
Your profile (first name, college, degree, and course), when your calls happened and how long they lasted, and the outcome of any CRSid exchange. We never store call audio or video.
How do I report someone?
Use the Report button during the call. Pick a category, add an optional message, and the call ends for you immediately. You will never be matched with that person again, and the report goes to the moderation team.
What happens to people who break the rules?
Reports are reviewed and can lead to a temporary timeout or a permanent ban. Repeated reports from different people lead to an automatic suspension while the team reviews.
What is the explicit content filter?
Calls are protected by automated detection for explicit content. If the filter triggers, the call ends immediately and the account is blocked while the incident is reviewed. Calls are never recorded, and no images are ever stored or shared. We keep only a record that a detection happened, never a picture.
I was banned or timed out. What can I do?
You can submit an appeal from the page you see when you log in. Appeals are reviewed by the team, and a successful appeal lifts the block.
Problems
My camera or microphone is not working
Check that your browser has permission to use your camera and microphone, and that no other app is using them. Then refresh the page and try again.
I found a bug or have an idea
Use the ? button in the top left corner of any page after logging in. From there you can report a bug or request a feature. Reports go straight to the team.
Still stuck? Log in and use the Help button to report a bug or request a feature