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As the global pandemic heads into its third year, you may be yearning for a change of scenery. Perhaps you’re living in a locked-down area, you’re in quarantine, or you’re frustrated about travel restrictions.
If you’d love to see a different view but can’t travel to a new place, check out WindowSwap, a website that shows videos with views from windows around the world. Take a few minutes out of your day to watch views from windows that can transport you virtually away from your reality.
About WindowSwap
Launched in 2020, the creators explain, “WindowSwap is a place on the internet where people from around the world share the view from their windows to help someone else relax, focus, meditate and travel without moving.” In other words, WindowSwap relies on the kindness of strangers to share the view from their windows to bring joy, peace, and comfort to others.
WindowSwap was designed “to fill that deep void in our wanderlust hearts by allowing us to look through someone else’s window, somewhere in the world.” The site is about as simple as it gets, letting you see others’ views without leaving the comfort of your couch.
How to Use WindowSwap
To get started, go to WindowSwap, then tap or click on the button that says Open a new window to somewhere in the world.
You’ll be treated with an HD video from someone’s window somewhere on Planet Earth. The videos are 10 minutes long and pre-recorded. These aren’t live-stream videos so you don’t have to worry about time zones. You don’t have to figure out where it’s currently daylight to see the views from the windows. After all, if the view is complete darkness, you probably won’t be entranced by it.
Either sit and watch the entire 10-minute video or move along more quickly to another window by using the Open a new window to someone in the world button at the bottom of the screen.
You may see scenes from San Francisco, California; Stockholm, Sweden; Moscow, Russia; Dijon, France, Lausanne, Switzerland; Staffordshire, U.K.; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Hong Kong, China; Wellington, New Zealand; Noida, India; Istanbul, Turkey; or many other places.
The view will show you the window as well as the first name of the person who submitted the video. You can also see the location of the window.
Or don’t look at the location and see if you can figure out where in the world the window is. That information disappears after a few seconds to better immerse you in the experience.
=> Want more fun traveling virtually around the world? See GeoGuessr – How Well Do You Know the World?
Videos include a wide variety of sounds, such as nature, traffic, conversations, and users’ messages to viewers. You can adjust or mute the volume using the speaker icon.
Not all scenes are panoramic vistas. Some show exterior building walls close up, rooftops filled with heating units, or clotheslines with laundry flapping in the wind. But all scenes are viewed by others in the world. And that can make us feel more connected, even in these times of isolation.
Sharing Your View
Although the name of the website is “WindowSwap”, there’s no actual requirement that you swap the view from your window. You can, if you’d like, share the view from your window with others by adding a video to WindowSwap.
Take a 10-minute HD video and upload it to the site. You must have registered an account to submit your video to WindowSwap.
Availability
WindowSwap is free to use around the world, though there is a donation button you can use if you’re so moved. You can also support the creators by purchasing a $20 upgrade for unlimited bookmarks and other features.
You don’t have to create an account to use WindowSwap. But if you create a free account, you can save bookmarks for your favorite views, get email updates about the site, and/or upload a video of the view from your window.
Your Thoughts
Have you been needing a change of scenery? Have you tried WindowSwap to escape to a different place? Would you share a video from your window to WindowSwap?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Love this!
Christmas morning I happened upon a live Florida sunrise video on YouTube, which was stunning, but as you mentioned, the time difference was notable.
This site adds a great sense of wonderment and fantasy. The bookmarking feature is a clever addition.
We also have a uniquely beautiful view from our balcony which will be fun to share.
Thank, Carolyn!
Hi Leigh, I’m so glad you were able to discover WindowSwap from this article. I hope it brings you many moments of peace and enjoyment. Thank you for sharing your wonderful view with others by submitting a video to WindowSwap. The kindness of strangers is as uplifting as the views!