Send it as your first message. A real question beats “hi” or “asl”, which many people skip straight past.
Answer it yourself next. If they reply, share your own answer too, so the chat does not turn into an interview.
Follow the detail. Whatever specific thing they mention, like a game, a city or a song, is your next question.

Want more?

Browse every line on the conversation starters page, read why some openers work in our guide to conversation starters for strangers, or see how to keep a conversation going once the first message lands.

Common questions

Where do these conversation starters come from?

They are hand-written, not AI-generated: the topic openers from our 22 topic guides plus the question bank on the conversation starters page, grouped by vibe. The generator picks three at random from whatever you select.

What makes a good opener for a stranger?

A question that is easy to answer and has no wrong answer, ideally about something you both care about. “What game stole the most hours of your life?” works far better than “hi” because it gives the other person something to say.

Can I use these on other apps?

Of course. Copy any line. The “Use it on a stranger” button opens StrangerChat with the opener already in your message box and the topic set, so you are matched with people who picked it.

Got a line you like? Try it on a real stranger.

Free, anonymous, 18+.

Start chatting