Matching, WebRTC and data

How TalkLive Works

From pressing Talk or Chat to meeting a stranger: this is the practical path through matching, signalling, encrypted relayed media, text delivery and the controls that end a session.

🎙 Try a Voice Match 💬 Try a Text Match How it works

Core matching is free · No sign-up required · Voice & text · Adults 18+ · Leave any time

The system in six parts

Voice and text share a matching experience, then use different paths to carry the conversation.

Separate live queues

A voice search is paired with another voice participant and a text search with another text participant.

Preference-aware matching

The matcher considers compatible settings and live availability, then may broaden a search when narrow preferences cannot be fulfilled.

Encrypted WebRTC audio

Browsers negotiate an encrypted real-time audio connection after the signalling service introduces a pair.

Production TURN relay

Encrypted audio packets travel through TalkLive's production TURN relay to support consistent connectivity.

Server-delivered text

Text messages use the service to reach the other participant and may be retained for a limited period under the Privacy Policy.

User-controlled ending

Hang up, Next, block and report end the interaction; a new search starts only when you choose it.

From button to conversation

The visible experience is simple because the browser and server divide the work.

Choose Talk or Chat

Voice requests microphone access; text mode can begin without microphone or camera permission.

Join the matching queue

The server records the active search mode and compatible preferences while looking for another available participant.

Establish the connection

For voice, browsers exchange WebRTC connection data through signalling and establish an encrypted path through the production TURN relay.

Talk, type or leave

Continue while both people want to, then hang up, choose Next, block or report as appropriate.

Matching comes before media

When you start a search, TalkLive places the session in the queue for the mode you selected. The matcher looks for another available participant with compatible settings. Optional country and interest preferences can guide the search, but a selected country, interest, identity or language is not guaranteed.

If a narrow preference cannot be fulfilled, matching may broaden so the queue does not wait forever. The Countries hub explains why a live preference cannot reserve a person from a particular place.

Voice uses WebRTC plus signalling

After a voice pair is selected, the server relays signalling messages that let the two browsers negotiate formats, encryption and the relayed network path. The signalling channel coordinates the connection; it is not an audio recording channel.

WebRTC encrypts voice media in transit, and TalkLive configures production calls to use a TURN relay. TalkLive does not record or store voice audio. The other participant still controls their endpoint and may record on their own device.

Text follows a different path

Text chat does not need microphone access and does not use the same real-time audio path. Messages are delivered through TalkLive's service. Typed messages, friend-chat data, reports and related context may be retained for a limited period for delivery, safety and moderation.

Retention details can change as the service evolves, so the Privacy Policy is the source of truth. Do not put passwords, authentication codes, banking details, identity documents or information that would harm you if retained into a stranger chat.

What “not recorded” does and does not mean

TalkLive does not create voice recordings. That statement does not prevent the other participant from recording sound after their browser plays it. They control their endpoint, and no media protocol can stop a separate recorder in the room.

The service still handles operational information required to run and protect the platform, such as network connections, matching state and reports. Read the Safety Center for practical boundaries and the technical WebRTC guide for a deeper explanation.

Ending and moderation are part of the design

A call or chat continues only while both sessions remain connected. Hang up ends it; Next requests another match. Blocking is for preventing unwanted contact, while reporting supplies moderation information about behaviour that may violate the rules.

These controls reduce harm but do not verify strangers or make every interaction safe. TalkLive is restricted to adults, and the Terms and Safety Center explain the behaviour and precautions expected from users.

Frequently asked questions

Does TalkLive use direct peer-to-peer audio?

TalkLive configures production WebRTC calls to use a TURN relay for connectivity. The audio is encrypted in transit, and TalkLive does not record or store it.

Does TalkLive need camera permission?

No. Voice mode needs microphone permission; text mode needs neither microphone nor camera permission for a basic chat.

Does TalkLive record my voice?

No. TalkLive does not record voice calls. Another participant may still record audio on their own device, so avoid sharing sensitive information.

Are text messages retained?

Typed messages, friend-chat data, reports and related context may be retained for a limited period. See the current Privacy Policy for the authoritative details.

Why did I match outside a country preference?

Preferences depend on compatible live availability and do not guarantee a match. The search may broaden when no suitable preferred-country participant is available.

What happens when I press Next?

The current interaction ends and TalkLive starts a fresh search in the selected mode. You remain free to stop rather than enter another match.

Explore more ways to connect

TalkLive is one app with many ways to meet people. Jump into whichever fits your mood.

See the system from the simple side

Choose voice or text; TalkLive handles the introduction, and you stay in control of when the conversation ends.

🎙 Try a Voice Match 💬 Try a Text Match