Chill combines online videos with social activities to bring a theater-like experience to the web. Users can "chill" with a video and friends without being in the same physical location. The user choose a lounge and can play the video while conversing with others in the virtual theater. Each video lists the number of fans it has received along with a button so the user can choose to become a fan. The lounges are essentially video pages. A single video is presented on each lounge page so the users in the lounge are always watching the same clip. Chill users can become video jockeys (or VJs) by queuing up a collection of their own videos. Users can be VJs based on how many spots are open on the Chill stage. Chill doesn't limit how long an individual can VJ and turns are rotated after each video.
Chill first appeared on the web in August of 2011. The application intended to make the popular activity of watching internet videos a social experience. Users could join others in a video lounge to enjoy the same clip and hold discussions or just sit back and chat. Chill's goal was to encourage individual expression based around video clips. After it's initial introduction, Chill continued to expand to include more avatars to accommodate the diverse personality of its increasing user base.
On first glance, Chill looks like a trendier version of sites like YouTube and Vimeo (with fewer video clips on the homepage). The application serves a similar purpose, but with a greater focus on the social element. While competing websites have social functions, such as commenting and a follow function, Chill enhances this concept by encouraging users to watch videos with others. The user can join an existing lounge and meet up with other internet users, who most likely have some similar interests based on their shared video preferences.
Chill has a subtly colorful style that gives the site a trendy appeal. The dark background features a TV snow-like texture that creates a solid backdrop to showcase each video thumbnail. The images are well spaced and the page contains plenty of open space to prevent each unique thumbnail from looking too busy. A new user can easily find a video that interests them and jump right into the lounge using the "Chill Here" button presented below each thumbnail. The website includes a user friendly interface that enhances the overall experience and sets the tone for the rest of the site.
A new user can join the Chill video watching community by clicking the blue "Connect with Facebook" button positioned at the center of the homepage. A pop up box will appear and ask the user to log in to their Facebook account and give Chill access to their profile. A similar button pops up on each lounge page so the user can register and sign in from almost anywhere on the site. Chill does not offer an alternative registration option at this time.
Chill offers an entertaining service, but it is not one that should come with a price tag. The site keeps its service appealing to all internet users by offering access for free. Users can stop by as many lounges as they like. The site provides the same level of access to all users. VJs can also share their favorite videos for free. No subscription is required and the user doesn't have to make a purchase or pay a fee to maintain their account.
Chill.com is a great resource for anyone who enjoys watching internet videos. The application transforms an often solo experience into a social event. Users can stop in and join a lounge with others and converse while enjoying video clips. The lounge gives users something to talk about as well as possible interests that help them connect. Users can also earn recognition by gaining fans on Chill for their VJing skills. Users can accumulate points to purchase more avatars.