Paltalk Rates a 10

Video chat service Paltalk marks a milestone today with the release of Paltalk 10.0. New features include virtual gifts, YouTube functionality, and an improved user interface.

The virtual gifts are whimsical animation that one member of a chat room can send to another. They can be used as conversational ice-breakers or as a way to flirt. They can also be easily personalized, as shown in the example linked here. The other members of the chat room will see who was gifted and what gift was sent. Paltalk has the full list of virtual gifts here, as well as their price in credits.

Also new to this version is social viewing with YouTube. Members can send YouTube links to each other in a SuperIM and then watch the video together.

The site's improved interface is intended to make using Paltalk easier by removing on-screen clutter. A new Chat Rooms area at the bottom of the Paltalk list lets users find their favorite rooms faster.

"When designing Paltalk 10.0, we listened to our user community and incorporated the types of social features they have already embraced on Facebook and other social networks," says Jason Katz, Paltalk's CEO. "Users will find a sleek, intuitive interface and a host of new ways to interact socially, either through virtual gifts or sharing YouTube videos in real-time via video chat."