ImLive.com doesn’t look like much to todays crazy websites. The design is outdated and simple, which made me think I was in for a boring experience on a second-rate cam site. To my surprise, I ended up having a great time, proving once again one should not judge a book (or cam site) by its cover.

Why It’s Great

What the site lacks in visual appeal it makes up for in cool features and unique show ideas. There’s also lots of viewer participation on the site, which provides a more enjoyable experience for those who are looking to do a little more than watch a show and get out. You can chat with other viewers too.

My favorite thing in particular is the weekly “Outstanding Features” awards in which viewers vote for models in categories like “Hottest Smile,” “Best Listener,” and “Sweetest Face.” It’s a great way for customers to show their appreciation for the models they love without having to shell out extra cash for a tip. They also offer something called a “Personal Card,” which allows members to upload a photo and fill out information on their preferences and favorite kinks. This helps give models a better idea of how to provide viewers with the best show possible during private time.

They are an “AVN Award” winner this year. I have no idea what that means to viewers because it doesn’t mean much to me.  They must be doing something great in the industry.

What needs improvement

The front page could use some work, as it’s not very inviting and doesn’t say much about what the site has to offer. It was a complete turnoff for me and had I not come to the site with the intention of reviewing it, I probably would have left right away. Although their logo is in a font from the 90s it is sort of their brand look now. People recognize this look now.

The front page doesn’t show more than two or three models at a time unless you keep scrolling (who has time for that?), and the model categories aren’t immediately visible. The video quality is also not the greatest, with less than half the shows I viewed available in HD. Some had fair video quality, but I found several shows that looked like they were filmed on an old laptop from 2005, making it very hard to appreciate the performance.

It’s also really hard to connect with models because the bios and profiles seem to be hidden away. Once you click on a model’s thumbnail you are taken to their chatroom, but there is no indication as to where you can get more information about them. It took a good ten minutes of searching to figure out where the bios were, which can be a deal breaker for someone like me who wants to know more about the models than just their cup size.

Models

Models are called “hosts,” and while the site claims to have 80,000 of them I really don’t see how that’s possible having seen nowhere near that while I was searching the database. The models they do have are very attractive, however, and there are tons of niche categories to choose from. There are far too many to list, but aside from the standard model choices like Ethnicity, Body Type, Language and Hair Color, here are some of the more specific fetish categories I found: Balloon, Training, Wrestling, Face Play, and Wet n’ Messy.

Features

The Multi-Viewer feature lets you chat with up to six hosts at a time, which can be a great option if you’re considering several models you might want to take private. I tried it and it almost felt like I was interviewing girls for the position, which was fun despite the fact it was tough to have six conversations at once. More is not better in this case.

As for show/chat types, they offer Free Video Chat, Live Video Chat, Happy Hour, and a few other specials throughout the week. My favorite shows are the weekly “parties” where hosts participate in a theme and guests vote on the winner based on performance, costume, and props. Last week’s theme was “Black and White Surprise,” and next week’s theme is “Hot Soccer Party,” so that should give you an idea of what to expect.

Cost

Initial sign-up is free, but if you wish to purchase anything on the site (shows, special features, tipping models etc…) you’ll need to buy currency called “Imlive Credit.” This can be purchased in the following packages:

• 25 credits for $25
• 50 credits for $50
• 75 credits for $75
• 100 credits for $100

Shows are billed on a per-minute basis. The cheapest show I saw was $2/min, while the highest was $6.80/min. There are model discount clubs you can join, but you have to reach Silver member status before you can sign-up.

There are several member levels:

• Free Member
• ImLive Member
• Silver Member
• Gold Member
• VIP Member

To upgrade your membership, you just buy credits. I went with the cheapest package (25 credits) to start with and was immediately upgraded from “Free” to “ImLive Member.” Once my upgrade was complete, I was then told I needed just three more credits to qualify for Silver. When I attempted to purchase said three credits, I was only given the option to purchase credit in increments of 25, which would cost me another $25 as opposed to the $3 I originally planned on spending. Well played, ImLive, but I don’t think so.

Customer service

They offer a good help guide for those having video and webcam issues, plus email assistance and a 24/7 phone line for those with other questions. I didn’t call in myself because I didn’t have any issues so I can’t speak up on their promptness in handling issues.

Billing

The site uses third party billing, which I’m really not a fan of. They offer great support when you have a question, but I don’t like having to go off-site. It’s especially problematic because you are asked to enter your credit card information before you can even ask anything. I’m sure it’s a reputable company, but I still don’t like the idea of entering payment information into sites I myself have not chosen to patronize.

Final thoughts

I’ve enjoyed my time on the site thus far, though the billing system is a big downfall in my opinion. It gave me too much friction to stay on too long. Once they make it easier to spend here I will come back.