The different types of cam shows

There are usually around 3 or 4 different kinds of shows on cam sites. They may appear under different names, but the basic principles are more or less the same.

Public or Free Chat

In this kind of chat, the model can usually be seen by all of the viewers who enter the site—member or not. There is no rate-per-minute involved, which is why it is sometimes called “free”. You can, however, typically make some tips from users during these. This can be used as a platform for exposure and making clients that then take you to private, group, or paid sessions. Sometimes sites will not let you be nude during public chats, so be aware of your site's rules.

Private show with on-lookers

A private show is done at a particular per-minute rate. This rate is either chosen by the cam girl herself or by the site. Typically, when you begin a private show, it is reserved only for the model and her private viewer. Sometimes, however, there is an option for on-lookers or “voyeurs” to peek in on your show, without being able to communicate with you. They can do so at a lesser rate than the one for a purely private show. Sometimes a cam girl can entice viewers by teasing with what will happen during the show. Some sites can record your private show and give it to the viewer who paid for the show or use it for other purposes. Don't forget to check your site's rules on this. Different levels of membership (i.e., gold, platinum. Premium) can sometimes be offered by websites, which can give greater access to some or all shows, including private. Some places even have “fan clubs” where members can choose to follow a certain cam girl and have access to all of her show.

Private show without on-lookers

A private show/chat is reserved for a cam girl and an individual member. You can sometimes hear these being referred to as “True Private”, “Exclusive Show”, or “Personal Show”. This kind of show is offered to members at a higher price than the shows with possible voyeurs. In fact, it is the most expensive kind of show, but also the most popular among members.

Group

Group shows/chats are also offered at a per-minute rate and involve multiple viewers who all pay the same rate and are allowed the same amount of communication with the cam girl. Typically, these kinds of shows require a minimum number of viewers to begin.

Streamate, for example, offers Premium chat, which is a kind of group chat. There needs to be one user who initiates the show, and then any other members can enter of leave whenever they please, with each viewer paying the same rate, chosen by the cam girl. The show goes on until the last viewer leaves or until the model decides to do so.

This kind of show is typically the cheapest out of all the options, because the show's cost is split among several viewers.

GOLD or ticket shows

These types of show are prepaid or reserved by views instead of paying on a per-minute basis. A model decides what will happen during this show, how long it will last, and how much each viewer will have to pay to enter. She can then begin the countdown to begin, although typically, she can also start before the timer hasn't finished. If a cam girl cancels the show, all of the signed-up viewers will get a refund and the girl will not be paid anything.

When a cam girl begins her gold show, her and all of the paying viewers are taken to a private group chat. Viewers can still enter the show after it begins, although they will still be charged the full entry fee. Viewers can see and interact with each other during a show.

The main difference between gold shows and other shows is that these are prepaid and last a specified amount of time. Similar to regular group shows, gold shows are typically less expensive than private one-on-one shows.