What is Discord, the popular community chat app? (2024)

What is Discord, the popular community chat app? (1)

Discord has become popular among creators and their fans alike.Credit: Thiago Prudêncio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

If you're a gamer, you probably know what Discord is.

The group chat service, however, has now blown up well beyond its original purpose in the gaming world. Perhaps you've heard of Discord, though, and are still not quite sure what it is or what it's for.

Look no further, Mashable will break down Discord for you right here.

What is Discord?

At its core, Discord is a web-based communication app. If you're familiar with chat services like Slack, which many users are familiar with due to its widespread use in the business world, Discord is in the same category.

However, when Discord was first released by Jason Citron and ​​Stanislav Vishnevskiy in 2015, the app quickly became popular with gamers. Both co-founders worked within the video game industry and were looking(Opens in a new window) to build a better communication tool. So, Discord finding a home amongst the type of users they had in mind made sense.

What is Discord, the popular community chat app? (2)

This is how a Discord server looks like on both desktop and mobile device.Credit: discord

On Discord, users can participate in voice and video chats, send private text-based messages, and take part in communities, which are called "servers" on the platform.

Over the years, Discord has grown in popularity and has evolved from being a tool for gamers into a full-fledged service for anyone looking to chat or join online communities. Users can even start their own communities, aka servers, and invite users to join. Inside each server, users can set up channels dedicated to specific topics so that users on each server can congregate with others about the issues they'd like to discuss.

How much does Discord cost?

Discord is completely free to join. Yes, other chat services like Slack have free tiers with messaging limits.

Discord does not have any such limits. It's completely free to use with complete access to your messages, history, communities, etc. And, furthermore, it's free to start your own server too.

However, there are paid subscriptions for bonuses and perks.

For $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, users can sign up for Discord Nitro(Opens in a new window)(opens in a new tab). This subscription gives users access to free games in Discord's store and provides platform extras such as animated avatars, custom sitewide emojis, larger file upload sizes and more.

What is Discord, the popular community chat app? (3)

Nitro subscriptions are pretty straightforward, but server boosts can get pricy.Credit: Discord

For $4.99 users can subscribe to a cheaper version of the paid service, Discord Nitro Classic(Opens in a new window)(opens in a new tab), which provides all the platform bonuses except the free games.

Perks, such as extra custom emojis or higher quality audio chats, can also be purchased for a specific server via a server boost(Opens in a new window). Each server boost costs $4.99. Two server boosts are included with a Discord Nitro subscription.

The two server boost included with the Discord Nitro sub are enough to grant your server access to the first tier. There are three total tiers with each bringing additional paid perks like more slots for custom emojis or even brand new bonuses like a vanity URL for your server.

Why has Discord become so popular?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, quite a few social networking platforms and chatting apps experienced(Opens in a new window) exponential growth as people looked to connect online.

Discord has more than 140 million(Opens in a new window) monthly active users as of the end of 2020, according to the company.

What is Discord, the popular community chat app? (4)

Find public Discord servers to join on a variety of topics.Credit: screenshot: mashable

However, Discord likely benefited from an added bonus: The rise in content creators.

Discord has become an extremely popular tool for YouTubers, podcasters, livestreamers, and other online influencers who use the platform to build their internet communities.

For example, Patreon(Opens in a new window), a monetization tool creators use so their fans can purchase paid subscriptions to each creators' content, has even integrated Discord into their service. Users who subscribe to a creator's Patreon can automatically be invited into a private Discord server set up by the individual creator and socialize amongst other fans in what is essentially a VIP room for paying subscribers.

Discord also provides other benefits that have assisted in its rise.

Livestreamers can easily take audio and video calls from guests or other viewers via Discord. There are multiplayer games that can be enjoyed via Discord's screensharing feature. There are integrations with other services so that you can do things like listen to Spotify with friends in real time. And there are bots you can set up to automate different tasks or provide additional features like polls or news alerts.

Is Discord secure?

If this rundown has sold you on Discord, that's great. It's a versatile platform with many different uses.

However, Discord is not meant for secure communications. It is by no means a substitute for an app like Signal. It's not end-to-end encrypted and all the data you post goes through Discord's servers. Your data is vulnerable to a breach.

In fact, over the years, there have been quite a few stories about unauthorized users gaining access to private Discord servers and wiping communities of content.

Hacktivists have also taken advantage(Opens in a new window) of these vulnerabilities though. There's been numerous instances of nefarious groups(Opens in a new window), such as white supremacist(Opens in a new window) and far right extremist organizations, being doxxed due to unauthorized access to their private Discover servers. However, over the past year, Discord has clamped(Opens in a new window) down on such users.

Where can I access Discord?

Users can access Discord at discord.com(Opens in a new window) and chat on their servers right within their web browser upon signing into their account.

There are also desktop applications for Windows and Mac computers(Opens in a new window), as well as mobile apps for iOS(Opens in a new window) and Android device(Opens in a new window)s.

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What is Discord, the popular community chat app? (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest community on Discord? ›

Fortnite

What is Discord and why is it popular? ›

Discord is essentially a social media platform that is shifting an aspect of social media to be less public and more private, by providing private chat rooms and communities. In a day and age in which many things that users do are being tracked, this seems like a pretty favorable option in terms of privacy for users.

Is Discord a good chat app? ›

It's a great tool for social media people that want to connect with their viewers, and on top of that Discord also allows voice and video chats, and you can even livestream so your server or friends can watch you play games or talk to people in real time.

What are the best Discord communities? ›

These are the best Discord servers:
  • Anime Soul Discord Server.
  • The Choco Bar Server.
  • The Daddy Server.
  • Weeb Empire Server.
  • Frog Dream World Server.
  • Quantum Labs Server.
  • Dank Trades Server.
  • Friends Cord Discord Server.
Sep 21, 2022

Who mostly uses Discord? ›

As of May 2022, users between the ages of 25 to 34 years accounted for the biggest share of Discord.com users worldwide, making up over 42 percent of the platform's audience. Younger users between 16 and 24 years made up 22.2 percent of the Discord user base.

How do you find a good Discord community? ›

You can often find invites to private servers on Twitter, Facebook, Steam, and other social media sites. Reddit is an excellent place to search for Discord servers. Alternatively, your friends can send you an invitation directly through Discord (to do this yourself, right-click a server icon and select Invite People).

Do adults use Discord? ›

Discord's explosive popularity thus far has been fueled primarily by teens and young adults who flock to its platform to connect while playing games, do homework together, hold club meetings, sing karaoke, or just hang out.

What are the pros and cons of Discord? ›

Discord
  • Pros: Manage learning materials in one place. Communicate via video, audio, text, or screen sharing.
  • Cons: Possible exposure to adult content. ...
  • Bottom Line: With some creativity and moderation, this student-loved messaging alternative to Google and Microsoft could be a key extension of your classroom.

Does Discord cost money? ›

Does Discord cost money? Discord is free to use, though it does offer a subscription service that expands file upload sizes and the kinds of emoji people can send.

What are the disadvantages of Discord? ›

Problems with Discord :
  • Limited Channel Library: Voice/Video and Text; that's all you can do on Discord. ...
  • Broken Notification System: Say you have 1000 members on your Discord server. ...
  • No Incentivization: Discord has Nitro for community incentivization; but it comes with a cost.

Is it safe to talk on Discord? ›

Is Discord safe? With the right privacy settings and monitoring, it's easy to use Discord safely. However, there's always a risk when it comes to sites and apps with open chat. The safest way to use Discord is to only accept friend requests and participate in private servers with people you already know.

Is Discord very safe? ›

Is the Discord platform safe? With the correct privacy and security settings, Discord can be used safely by kids. Please bear in mind, there are always risks when it comes to sites with online chat options. Take a look below for what you need to know about Discord.

What age group uses Discord the most? ›

U.S. registered Discord user reach 2022, by age group

Among these, the largest age group on the platform was composed by users aged between 18 and 34 years, while only 16 percent of respondents aged between 35 and 44 reported using the platform.

Who is Discord owned by? ›

Jason Citron owns Discord.

Jason Citron founded Discord in 2015, after previously having founded OpenFeint, another social gaming platform. In 2016, Discord raised $20 million in funding; this included an investment from WarnerMedia.

Is Discord a good place to find friends? ›

Discord: a community where you can find new friends

Discord is texting and voice chatting app for gamers, if you would like to be friends with gamer friends, discord is one of the great space to make friends. All you need is to talk to someone, so you should be extrovert at leason online.

Why is Discord so famous? ›

The platform is fast and easy to use, and isn't as clunky or cumbersome as alternatives. Anyone can join up and create their own server with zero training. It truly is focused on its users first.

Why do hackers use Discord? ›

Discord as stolen data storage

Webhooks allow third parties to send messages to a Discord channel. Hackers can use them to create URLs to send messages. Webhooks are a popular method to withdraw data from a hacked user device. A hacker can sync webhooks with a corrupted system and extract the stolen data via Discord.

Do police look at Discord? ›

Discord provides user information to law enforcement when we are in receipt of enforceable legal process. Discord works with law enforcement agencies in cases of immediate danger and/or self-harm, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2702.

How do you meet girls on Discord? ›

Top 5 Adult Discord Dating Servers
  1. PlayRoom – A Singles Discord Server. Playroom is one of the largest dating servers on Discord. ...
  2. Like 18+ With over 15,000 members, Like 18+ is one of the most active Discord Dating servers on the platform. ...
  3. Noose 18+ ...
  4. World's Lounge. ...
  5. SKINS (Some Kind of NSFW Server) ...
  6. Cutie Club. ...
  7. Little Bunny.
Dec 15, 2022

How many Discord communities are there? ›

Discord has over 850 servers that are dedicated to voice and video calls. These are Discord's physical servers that they use to be able to handle all users' voice and video calls.

Are there predators on Discord? ›

“Unlike text conversations, predators thrive in the voice space because there isn't a record,” she said. “When a parent goes to report that a kid has been engaging with someone [inappropriately] or that they're being groomed by a sexual predator, there's often no proof [because audio isn't saved].”

What do men use Discord for? ›

Either on a call with friends/gaming buddies, or he is in some kind of discussion group for something. A group of friends could create their own discord server. Discord is very popular amongst gamers. If he does not play video games, he could be using it to be a part of a group think tank.

What should I not do on Discord? ›

Do not organize, promote, or engage in any illegal or dangerous behavior, such as sexual solicitation, human trafficking, and selling or facilitating the sale of prohibited or potentially dangerous goods (firearms, ammunition, drugs, and controlled substances).

Which is better than Discord? ›

Slack is often touted as one of the best team chat software. It's better than Discord in terms of integrations it offers. Unlike Discord, Slack integrates with various third-party tools like Trello, GitHub, MailChimp, and many others.

Is Discord a dating app? ›

Though it's not explicitly a dating app, Discord has increasingly become a platform for people to make romantic connections.

Why is it called Discord? ›

The name Discord was chosen because it "sounds cool and has to do with talking", was easy to say, spell, remember, and was available for trademark and website. In addition, "Discord in the gaming community" was the problem they wished to solve.

How much is Discord per month? ›

For $3 a month, I can now whip up all the chameleon heart emoji that my conversations crave, as well as upload bigger files and get new badges on my profile that denote my status. For many newcomers, Discord feels a little like a fun but chaotic house party.

Why do people not use Discord? ›

Discord has been linked with several security issues in the past. Several incidences of phishing and ransomware, for example, have taken place on the platform. Because of cybersecurity threats, many users have deleted their accounts and moved onto platforms they feel are more secure.

Can Discord track you? ›

We collect information about the device you are using to access the services. This includes information like your IP address, operating system information, browser information, and information about your device settings, such as your microphone and/or camera.

Is Discord vulnerable to hackers? ›

There is transport layer security (TLS) encryption, which encrypts the message in transit, but that's the full extent of Discord's security. This means that Discord can view your communication with others, and so can anyone who might hack into Discord's systems.

Can people on Discord see my email? ›

Countless hackers and scammers have been lurking on Discord, making their way into other people's accounts. Because they have access to the account, they can view the victim's email.

Should I let my kid get Discord? ›

As an open platform, Discord comes with some risks, especially for younger users. Parents are well-advised to take the 13+ age restriction seriously, and ensure kids are prepared to deal with adult content and potential contact with strangers before they sign on.

How does Discord make money? ›

Its revenue model is currently based on a monthly subscription for extra-features, a commission from games sold by developers on their server (10% commission), merchandise (currently paused), and partnerships.

Can I be anonymous on Discord? ›

There is a high degree of anonymity for users on Discord, speak to your child about making friends online, and remind them never to reveal personal information.

Is Discord closing down 2022? ›

Conclusion. All in all, Discord isn't shutting down any time in the near future! That message is made up by someone for some purpose.

Is Discord addictive? ›

Discord is a popular app used by gamers for voice, video and text messaging. However, as with video games, some users can become addicted to Discord and use it problematically.

What gender uses Discord the most? ›

Discord: distribution of global audiences 2022, by gender

During the first quarter of 2022, over 65 percent of Discord users were men. By comparison, women using the communication and social media platform were less than 35 percent.

What is the target audience of Discord? ›

Discord initially targeted gamers when it launched in 2015. However, the group chatting app has since attracted users and communities with different interests. Today, Discord has over 6.7 million active servers of varying topics and interests. It also rose to become the leading voice and text chat app for gamers.

Who is Discord designed for? ›

Discord is used by everyone from local hiking clubs, to art communities, to study groups. Discord has millions of people creating places for their friends and communities, talking for upwards of 4 hours per day on the platform. Discord is now where the world talks, hangs out, and builds relationships.

Is Discord affiliated with China? ›

Unfortunately, Discord will not work in China. However, you can unblock Discord in China with the help of a VPN, we reveal how and the best VPNs for the job. Are you wondering if Discord works in China? Unfortunately for regular users, this hugely popular communication app is banned by China's Great Firewall.

Is Discord a Chinese company? ›

Tencent is not the sole-shareholder of Discord Inc. (the company behind the Discord app) and the Chinese government is not the sole-shareholder of Tencent, if at all. However, it is far to say that political imperatives can complicated.

Is Discord a US company? ›

Discord is now used by everyone from local hiking clubs, to art communities, to study groups. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Can you meet strangers on Discord? ›

Just go into the group or server, type their name into the search bar, and they should pop up – even if you aren't friends. There are a few exceptions. If they restrict this activity in their privacy settings, you won't see their name in the search.

Can you make real friends on Discord? ›

To add someone as a friend on desktop, click on their avatar, then choose View Profile. Here, you'll find the Add Friend option to send them a friend request. On mobile, simply tap their avatar and you'll see the Add Friend option right there. Tap that, and that's it!

What Discord server has 1 million members? ›

1. Genshin Impact Official. With nearly 1 million members, it's no wonder that this Discord server is thriving, seeing as everyone there gets to discuss one of the best action role-playing games ever: Genshin Impact.

How big is the Discord community? ›

Discord had 13.5 million active servers in 2021, a large expansion on the 6.7 million in 2020.
...
Discord active servers 2018 to 2021 (mm)
YearServers (mm)
202113.5
2 more rows

Who is the first ever Discord user? ›

There is no exact name of the first Discord user but among the first users is someone called Vind on Discord. The user and his friends stopped using TeamSpeak and started using Discord because they wanted something that offered a community besides offering a platform for gaming.

Can a 11 have Discord? ›

Can Children Use Discord? Discord's Terms of Service states that only users who are 13 years or older may use its service in the U.S. That said, there are children under 13 who use Discord.

What is the most popular Discord server 2022? ›

The platform allows users to create or join thematic communities called servers, and as of August 2022, the dedicated Valorant server was the most popular on the platform, with over 950 thousand members.

What if 10000 people have the same Discord name? ›

Conversation. Unfortunately if there is 9999 people with the same username, you won't be able to use that name.

Can other people see my Discord friends? ›

Is it possible to see who someone is friends with on Discord? No, you're not able to view who someone is friends with. However, if you have mutual friends, they will be displayed on the user's profile, even if you are not friends with them.

How many servers can you join on Discord? ›

A single user can join up to 100 servers, and you can adjust which servers you want to receive notifications from. You can even give yourself a different nickname for each server you join.

Why did Discord become so popular? ›

The platform is fast and easy to use, and isn't as clunky or cumbersome as alternatives. Anyone can join up and create their own server with zero training. It truly is focused on its users first.

Why does Discord end call after 5 minutes? ›

On the desktop app, if you're in a private call with someone and the other person leaves the call for over 5 minutes, Clyde will automatically disconnect you to save bandwidth.

How long is AFK in Discord? ›

You can set the time from 5 minutes to 1 hour, and the inactive user will automatically be dumped in the AFK channel after missing that specified time.

Can you AFK in Discord call? ›

An AFK (away from keyboard) channel allows server administrators and moderators to move users who are inactive in a voice channel to a special 'holding' channel. When the user becomes active again, they can leave the channel, but they won't be taking up room in other voice-only channels in the meantime.

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