This is due in part to the 'follow' button, which permits viewers to receive notifications when the model is broadcasting. There are popular chat rooms, that can have more than 500,000 followers and can get up to 20,000 viewers at once. Models can synchronize remote-controlled vibrators and other sex toys so that they can be activated when 'tipped' and the frequencies affected by the amount of 'tips' given, with the intention of 'users paying to try to give an orgasm'. Viewers are allowed to watch for free (with the exception of private shows), but pay money in the form of 'tips' in order to see certain sex acts performed. 'Chaturbate' is a portmanteau of 'chat' and 'masturbate'.
As of April 2022, Chaturbate was the 57th most popular website in the world and the fifth most popular adult site. Spy shows are private shows where viewers do not interact, and hence they are cheaper to view than private shows. The gender-specific categories are free to watch but viewers have to pay to join a private show. The site is divided into six categories: female cams, male cams, couple cams, transgender cams, private shows and spy shows. Chaturbate is an adult website providing live webcam performances by individual webcam models and couples, typically featuring nudity and sexual activity ranging from striptease and erotic talk to more explicit sexual acts such as masturbation with sex toys.