What is the Monkey app?

Monkey (often searched as “the Monkey app”) is a random video chat / social discovery platform that matches you with strangers for fast, real-time conversations. It’s commonly compared to Omegle-style “talk to strangers” services, but packaged as a modern app with profiles, swiping, and other social features. (1)

One quick note before we dive in: “Monkey” is an extremely reused name in app stores. There are similarly named apps (for example, “MonkeyCool”) that aren’t the same product. If you’re trying to identify the well-known random video chat Monkey, the Android listing commonly referenced is “Monkey: live video chat & call” (package id shown in the Google Play URL as cool.monkey.android). (2)

What Monkey is for (and why people use it)

Monkey is built for spontaneous, low-commitment conversations—think of it like “social roulette”:

You open the app when you’re bored or curious.
You get matched with someone new.
If the vibe isn’t right, you move on quickly.

Monkey positions itself as a way to meet people “in seconds” via live video, emphasizing casual, unrehearsed interactions.

After Omegle shut down in 2023, a lot of users went looking for similar experiences, and Monkey has been widely discussed as an alternative. (1)

How the Monkey app works (features you’ll actually notice)

While the exact interface can change by version, Monkey typically includes:

1) Random video chat

You’re matched with a stranger for a live conversation. Many reviews describe Monkey as using short, timed chats (often around ~15 seconds) that you can continue if both people want to keep talking.

2) Profiles and “swiping” discovery

Monkey also includes a more “social app” layer—profiles and cards you can swipe through to add/meet people.

3) DUO / group-style chatting

Some versions let you bring a friend into chats (so you aren’t talking to strangers solo).

4) Text chat / DMs

Alongside video, Monkey supports messaging to continue conversations.

5) Paid upgrades and in-app currency

Monkey has been reported to offer premium features (often marketed as “Plus”) and coin-style purchases for extras (like preferences or gifts).

Where is Monkey available?

Android

As of November 27, 2025, Monkey appears on Google Play as “Monkey: live video chat & call” and is labeled “Mature 17+.”

Web

Monkey also promotes a web experience via its official site.

iPhone (iOS)

Availability on iOS can be confusing because the name “Monkey” is reused by many unrelated apps. Some safety guides report that Apple removed the Monkey app from the App Store due to safety concerns (availability can vary by region and over time).

What age is Monkey for?

This is one of the biggest “gotchas”:

Monkey’s Terms of Service state the service is not available to anyone under 18. (3)
Google Play’s content rating for the Android listing shows Mature 17+, which is not the same as “18+.”
Multiple safety organizations warn that age verification may be weak or absent, which can expose minors (and adults) to higher risk interactions. (4)

If you’re deciding what rule to follow, go with the strictest: treat Monkey as 18+ and avoid it entirely for kids/teens. (3)

Is the Monkey app safe?

Monkey markets “safety features and active moderation,” but it’s still fundamentally a random stranger video chat app—which comes with predictable risks.

Commonly cited concerns include:

1) Unexpected explicit or inappropriate content

Because you’re matched with strangers, you can encounter content you didn’t ask for. Safety reviewers and parent-safety orgs repeatedly flag this category of risk for Monkey-style apps. (5)

2) Age-mixing (minors and adults in the same space)

Even if a platform says “18+,” weak verification can lead to underage users joining—creating safety and legal risk for everyone involved. (4)

3) Privacy and data handling

From the Google Play data safety section (as shown on the listing):

The app indicates it may collect data like location and personal info.
It also states “Data isn’t encrypted.”

That doesn’t automatically mean “don’t use it,” but it should raise your bar for caution—especially with live video.

Practical privacy & safety tips if you (as an adult) still want to try it

If you choose to use Monkey, treat it like you would meeting strangers in public—friendly, but cautious:

Don’t share identifying info (full name, phone number, personal email, workplace, school, exact location).
Disable precise location permissions unless you have a specific reason.
Use a minimal profile (avoid linking other social accounts unless you’re truly comfortable).
Be mindful of what’s visible behind you on camera (mail, photos, street signs, anything identifying).
Report/block quickly—random chat is not the place to “debate” with bad actors.
Assume you can be recorded (screen recording exists everywhere, even if it violates rules).

And for parents/guardians: if a teen is asking about Monkey, it’s a good moment to talk about random chat risks and set clear boundaries. Many child-safety reviewers strongly discourage minors using these apps. (6 4)

A safer adult alternative if what you want is controlled, private interaction

Sometimes people end up on stranger-chat apps because they want novelty, connection, and interactivity—but not necessarily the risk of random video encounters or the data/privacy tradeoffs.

If you’re an adult looking for something private and controlled at home, it can make more sense to explore purpose-built adult tech. For example, Orifice.ai offers an interactive adult toy / sex robot for $669.90 with interactive penetration depth detection—which is a very different experience from live chatting with strangers, and one that stays in your own space and on your own terms. (No explicit details needed: the key point is privacy + control.)

Bottom line

The Monkey app is a random video chat platform that pairs you with strangers for quick conversations, with extra social features like profiles, swiping, and chat tools.

But because it’s built around talking to strangers on camera, the main question isn’t just “what is it?”—it’s whether the risk level matches what you’re looking for. If you do try it, do it as an adult, keep your personal data tight, and prioritize safety over curiosity. (3)

What is the Monkey app?