Skip to main content

​
What is MeetMates?

MeetMates (also known as Pingo) is a college-exclusive platform that enables students to connect via random video calls in a safe and verified environment. By using college email IDs for authentication, the platform ensures that only verified students can join, fostering meaningful connections within the campus community. MeetMates Interface

​
Key Features

College Email Authentication

Ensures only students from the college can join using Google OAuth restricted to college email domains

Random Video Matching

Connects users with random peers for seamless conversations and new connections

Real-Time WebRTC

Powered by WebRTC for smooth peer-to-peer video communication with low latency

Secure & Private

JWT-based authentication prevents unauthorized access and ensures data privacy

Minimal UI

A simple, distraction-free interface built with React for easy interaction

Safety Features

Includes reporting and blocking features to maintain a positive experience

​
How It Works

1

Authentication

Users sign in using Google OAuth restricted to college email domains. Their token is validated on the backend via /api/verify-token before connecting to the Socket.IO server.
2

Matching

Users can opt for video or audio-only chat. When they click “Start Chat”, a findChat event is emitted. The server pairs them with another waiting user based on preferences.
3

WebRTC Connection

If video is enabled, MeetMates establishes a WebRTC peer-to-peer connection between users for low-latency video communication. Text-only messaging is available for audio-only chats.
4

Chat Session

Once connected, users can chat freely. Messages are relayed via Socket.IO events, and the UI handles rendering local/remote streams and chat history.
5

Next/Leave

Users can click “Next” or leave the session to disconnect from the current room. The app resets state and automatically searches for a new partner.

​
Tech Stack

Frontend

  • Framework: React 19 with Vite
  • Styling: TailwindCSS 4.0
  • Real-time: Socket.IO Client 4.8
  • UI Icons: Lucide React

Backend

  • Runtime: Node.js with Express 4.21
  • Database: MongoDB with Mongoose 8.13
  • Authentication: Google OAuth + JWT
  • Real-time: Socket.IO 4.8 + WebRTC

​
Use Cases

Help new students connect with their peers and make friends on campus through casual video conversations.
Find fellow students to discuss coursework, form study groups, or collaborate on projects.
Build a stronger campus community by connecting students across different departments and year levels.
Practice communication skills and language exchange with other students in a safe environment.

​
Architecture Overview

MeetMates uses a modern full-stack architecture:
MeetMates prioritizes user safety with college-verified authentication, ensuring all participants are legitimate students from your institution.

​
Next Steps

Quickstart

Get MeetMates running locally in under 5 minutes

Installation

Detailed setup instructions for frontend and backend

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Get started for freeTalk to us