If you’re like me and have friends spread across the nation, you know how tricky it can be to keep the lines of communication open. It’s not that we don’t want to chat; it’s just that juggling kids, work, and the daily whirlwind of life makes it nearly impossible to schedule those phone calls or video chats.
Sure, texting is an option, but it often falls short. You might find yourself with your hands full or busy doing something else when the urge to message strikes. Plus, sometimes you have so much to say that a simple text just won’t cut it. What you really want is to see your pals’ faces and hear their voices without the hassle of coordinating a specific time to connect, which can easily be interrupted by the little ones.
That’s where Marco Polo comes in, the video app that has transformed how I and my friends communicate across distances. Developed by Joya Communications, its mission is to help people feel close, no matter the miles between them, by enabling meaningful and convenient connections.
Marco Polo brands itself as a “video walkie-talkie,” but I like to think of it as video messaging. My friend Sarah, who lives 1,500 miles away, convinced me to give it a shot, and now it’s how we communicate 90% of the time. She was totally right about it being awesome!
The concept is super simple. You choose a friend who also uses Marco Polo, hit “Start,” and begin talking into your camera. When you’re finished, just click “Stop.” The app sends your message almost instantly, creating an experience that mimics real-time conversation, as long as you’re both available.
But here’s the real beauty: you don’t need to be online at the same time. You can send and watch videos whenever it fits your schedule. Marco Polo archives your messages, so you have a record of your conversations—unlike Snapchat, which deletes them after a short period. Plus, you can create group chats! I currently chat with a group of five college friends who now live in different states. Coordinating a live group video call would be a logistical nightmare, but with Marco Polo, we can all stay connected effortlessly.
For those of us who dread phone calls, Marco Polo allows us to hear our friends’ voices without the pressure of a live conversation. Unlike FaceTime or Skype, there’s no need to align schedules. My friends and I often send messages while getting ready in the bathroom, waiting in the car to pick up kids, or even when we’re still half-asleep in bed.
It may feel a bit strange at first—talking to yourself and seeing your own face on video—but it becomes second nature after a few tries. And since it’s just your friends watching, who cares? The app is free, making it a no-brainer to give it a go with a friend or two. I promise you won’t regret it!
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In short, if you’re looking for a fun, flexible way to stay in touch with friends, Marco Polo could be the perfect solution.