Tandem alternative: practise Indian languages on video
Tandem is a language exchange app where learners help each other. If you're learning an Indian language and want to speak it on video without first finding and arranging an exchange partner, Viaraa offers another way.
On Viaraa you call a host who speaks the language you're learning, as soon as she's online, and practise one to one, face to face. Here's what Tandem says about itself, and how Viaraa works.
Free to join
What Tandem is
Tandem describes itself on its website as a language exchange app: you find partners who speak the language you want to learn and who want to learn yours, and you practise together by text, audio and video calls. Its free version includes audio and video calls, and its paid Tandem Pro removes limits and adds features. Tandem's website says calls are made in its mobile app rather than on the web.
If you want an exchange where you teach your own language too, Tandem is built for that.
What we say about Tandem comes from tandem.net, checked October 2026.
How Viaraa is different
- No exchange needed: you don't have to teach your language in return. Your host is there to talk with you.
- Someone to talk to now: see which hosts are online right now and call straight away, instead of waiting for a reply.
- Indian languages first: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi, plus English.
- Video, one to one, with women hosts aged 18 or over, each checked by our team.
- Calls work in your browser on Android, iPhone and computers: nothing to install.
- Pay per minute with UPI, only while you talk. No subscription.
Viaraa isn't a course and hosts aren't teachers. It's relaxed, real conversation, which is what most learners need more of.
A simple way to practise on Viaraa
- 1Sign up free on viaraa.in and choose a display name.
- 2Add coins with any UPI app.
- 3In Discover, look for hosts who list the language you're learning and are online now.
- 4Tell your host you're learning, pick a topic, and talk. Ask her to slow down, repeat or correct you whenever you like.
Ten or fifteen minutes at a time is plenty. Regular short calls build confidence faster than one long one.
- Write down three words you learnt after each call, and use them in the next one.
- Don't worry about grammar at first: being understood matters more than being perfect.
- Ask your host how people really say something at home, not just how it's written.
- Mix in English when you're stuck, then ask for the word you were missing.
Learning Kannada, Tamil or Telugu for a move?
Many people start learning a South Indian language after moving for work: Kannada in Bengaluru, Tamil in Chennai, Telugu in Hyderabad. Everyday phrases go a long way with neighbours, auto drivers and colleagues, and a few calls help you say them with confidence.
Our Kannada, Tamil and Telugu pages each have a short list of everyday phrases to try on your first call.
Prices
Joining is free. Calls are paid with coins, minute by minute. The smallest pack is ₹100 for 20,000 coins, and each host's rate is shown on her profile before you call, from 3,000 coins a minute.
- 20,000 coins₹100
- 40,000 coins₹200
- +25% extra1,00,000 coins₹400
- +25% extra2,50,000 coins₹1,000
Each host's rate is shown on her profile before you call, from 3,000 coins a minute.
Respectful and private
Everyone on Viaraa is 18 or over. Hosts see only your display name, contact details are hidden in chat automatically, and you can block or report anyone in one tap. A real person reviews every report. Viaraa is for friendly conversation and games only.
You can also compare our HelloTalk alternative and Cambly alternative pages.
Questions, answered
Is Viaraa like Tandem?
Both help you speak a new language, but Viaraa isn't an exchange: you video call hosts who speak the language and pay per minute while you talk. Viaraa isn't affiliated with Tandem.
Can I use Viaraa on a computer?
Yes. Viaraa works in the browser on computers, Android phones and iPhones, including the video calls.
Which languages can I practise on Viaraa?
Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English.
Do I have to teach my language in return?
No. On Viaraa you just talk. Your host isn't expecting a lesson from you.
Can I practise with the same host again?
Yes. If you enjoyed a call, follow her and call again the next time she's online. Talking to the same person helps you see your progress.
How much does it cost?
Joining is free. Calls are charged per minute, from 3,000 coins a minute depending on the host, and there's no subscription.
Keep reading
- AlternativesHow Viaraa compares with other video call, language and game apps.
- HelloTalk alternativePractise speaking an Indian language on 1:1 video calls with hosts who speak it.
- Cambly alternativeSpoken practice in English or an Indian language, paid per minute, no subscription.
- Kannada video call appChat or practise Kannada on a 1:1 video call with checked hosts. Nothing to install.
Tandem is a trademark of its owner. Viaraa isn't affiliated with it.