While Facebook and Skype are busy fighting it out for video messaging dominance, a new app called Movy has quietly entered the fray with a few compelling hooks of its own. It’s pronounced “moh-vee” (as in Moby with a “v”) and it just might have what it takes to surpass the usual suspects in the rapidly growing video chat sphere.

To really understand how Movy works, you have to look at it as a cross between Skype and an open social media platform. On the one hand, you have the ability to send private video messages to individuals, or groups of individuals, from your smartphone contacts list. Movy calls this your “private stream.”

On the other hand, there’s also the ability to post public video messages for all the Movy audience to see, appropriately referred to as your “public stream.” When you post to your public stream, anyone can view and respond to your message – turning it into something of a 21st century version of good old AOL chat, only better.

Probably the most important feature about Movy is that there are no caps to the length of video messages you can record. The only limitation you’ll experience is the time it takes your video to upload from your smartphone to the virtual world, which could be sizable if you’re sharing a full-blown presentation. Potential uses for this kind of service expand well beyond simple social communication; having no video cap makes it rather handy for work-related needs as well..

The app boasts a handsome UI that can incorporate your Google+ or Facebook info to create your profile. On installation, it asks for access to your contacts list so that you can easily send video messages from within the app.

Unlike other free video messaging services, though, Movy distinguishes itself by not requiring your recipients to have the app installed in order to receive your message. You can send video messages to the uninitiated on any platform, and they can view it from any standard browser (they’ll need to install the app to respond, of course). Just don’t go too wild bugging your friends or co-workers with vids they may not always want.

Support is robust, even though the app should be easy enough to pick up on your own. It gives you brief video tutorials that show you how to navigate and get the most of the app. Camera orientation for either front-facing or rear-facing video is supported and easily toggled. You can also share your recorded videos across Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Movy requires Android 4.0 and up and is available for free at Google Play.