Drawing on literature on interaction and participation in computer-mediated communication (CMC) and video-mediated communication (VMC), this study explores cross-modal exchanges with regards to participation in public video chats. By cross-modal, it marks interactions in which the production modality varies from the interlocutor's feedback modality, in the same communicative occurrence and in a synchronous way. Initial inquiry on recreational text-based CMC, in particular Internet Relay Chat (IRC), has demonstrated that starting and upholding interactions with strangers can be demanding. This study points out that public video chats not only introduce these same defiances, but also that the accessibility of video and audio contributes yet another intricacy level to participation matters. Based on synchronous and naturally occurring interactions from public Google Hangouts, this study denotes that cross-modal exchanges are a method for participation mobility. Farther, this analysis adverts to questions of visibility and noticeability in video chats.