This disclosure describes a video room system that can generate a video room utilizing a cross-application technique by accessing functions of one application based on user interaction within a separate application. In particular, the disclosed systems can generate a video room that remains open for access by a creator device and invitee devices in a casual come-and-go fashion. The disclosed systems can further generate a video room link that is distributable intelligently to grant access to the video room to invitee devices. The disclosed systems can also automatically surface a video room link to an invitee device based on determining a digital connection between the invitee device and the creator device.