Discord: Instant messaging for communities and gamers

What is Discord?

Discord is much more than a simple communication platform: it represents a dynamic exchange service that has won over 250 million users.

Born in the world of video games, it has managed to go beyond this framework to become an essential tool for many online communities.

• Varied interactions : Users have the choice between text, voices or video to dialogue.
• Community servers : At the heart of Discord, they bring together enthusiasts around various themes, ranging from games to many other topics.

Behind the creation of Discord are Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.

Before the Discord site, Citron founded OpenFeint, a mobile social platform that sold for $104 million in 2011.

However, it was during this period that the idea of a communication platform that was more optimized for gamers was born.

• Identification of a need : During their gaming sessions, Citron and his team felt the need for a better communication platform, combining text, voice and video chat.
• Launched in 2015 : Guided by this vision, Citron and Vishnevskiy are bringing Discord to the world. Quickly, the platform distinguished itself by its freemium model, low latency and unparalleled audio quality.

To conclude, Discord, driven by the experience and passion of its founders, has become much more than a dedicated platform for video games: it is a real community hub in France and elsewhere with features for everyone.

Features

Discord is another complete video communication application and platform that stands out for a multitude of features designed to improve the user experience.

1. Exclusive space upon invitation

Discord allows you to create specific spaces that you control.

• Creation of spaces accessible only by invitation
• The servers are structured around lounges focused on distinct topics for better organization.

Spending time on Discord means benefiting from a platform designed for smooth and organized message exchanges.

2. Simplified interaction

With Discord, interacting with friends has never been easier.

• Open voice rooms allow you to indicate your availability, your friends can then join you without any formality.
• A simple click, and you are connected with your loved ones.

Spontaneity is a place at the heart of the Discord experience principle, in a way that makes each contact a natural and unconstrained interaction.

3. Community Management

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From a small team business to a large community, Discord is your ally.

• Moderation tools and customizable permissions ensure smooth management
• Assign specific roles, like “Coach” or “Student Leader,” to structure your group.

4. Advanced communication technology

Feel the proximity, regardless of the distance to the salons in France and elsewhere, the technology on a computer or smartphone.

• Benefit from low-latency voice and video chats for immediate exchanges with these applications
• Take advantage of features like screen sharing or game streaming to share your favorite moments.

Discord has succeeded in merging simplicity, performance, and data flexibility to offer a mobile platform suitable for all colleagues, from gamers to professionals.

Beginner's Guide: Dive Into Discord

Discovering Discord is like opening a door to a world of endless communication. You already know some of the basics, so let's move on to the next level.

1. Familiarize yourself with the online interface

The updated Discord interface is both simple and powerful. Understanding how it works can help you navigate more effectively.

• Dashboard : This is your starting point. From here, you can see all of your servers and direct conversations.
• Notifications: Keep an eye on them to stay informed of new activities.

2. How to join a server

Servers are the heart of Discord, a site offering a multitude of community games to join.

• Search for servers : Use the search bar to find servers that interest you, such as Midjourney eg
• Accept an invitation : Friends can invite you to their rooms, just accept the link to join.

3. Creating your own server

Owning a server offers a unique level of control and customization.

• start : Click on the “+” button to start.
• Customization : Define an image & a name

4. Integrations and extensions

Discord integrates seamlessly with other platforms for a rich experience.

• Connect with Twitch: If you're a gamer, you can join live chats.
• Other integrations: Discord offers a multitude of connections to other popular platforms.

Use integrations to turn your Discord experience into a true platform for sharing meeting applications, messaging, and of software of all-in-one communication.

Discord Security and Privacy

Discord is widely recognized for its voice and text chat features:

• Transparency Report : 32.8% of users have experienced harassment on the platform, 11% have been victims of cybercrime and 8.1% have encountered graphic content (NSFW).
• Innovative security measures : uses artificial intelligence to detect abuse, scams, and phishing. The platform also has dedicated moderators and blocking and reporting functionalities.
• Filtering inappropriate content using Safe Direct Messaging : introduces a color coding system for inspecting messages. The options are “Keep me safe” (scan all DMs), “My friends are nice”, and “Do not scan” (no scan of DMs).
• Direct message (DM) blocking : Users can block DMs from other members either per server or globally.
• Managing friend requests : Users can adjust who can send them a friend request.
• Blocking users : A simple click on the name of the harmful user allows the user to be blocked.
• Parental controls : Discord offers additional options for parents who want to monitor their children's use of the app.

Thanks to its varied tools, it guarantees an experience that is both secure and customizable. However, it is crucial that each user uses these tools in a specific way to optimize their own security on the platform.

Pricing

While basic usage costs nothing (100% free to use), there are exclusive benefits for those who choose Discord Nitro's premium plans. Let's take a closer look at these offers.

Nitro Basic version: The entry level

For those who want to slightly enrich their on-site experience with this online French application without breaking the bank, Discord Nitro Basic is the solution.

• Rate: $3 per month or $30 per year.
• Nitro badge for everyone's profile
• Email and password protection
• Custom emoticons and stickers that can be used outside of your main server
• Custom backgrounds
• Mobile video conferencing app with WhatsApp, Skype integration

This version of the formula is ideal for those who want to take advantage of a little extra on Discord, without investing in the higher plan.

Nitro version: The complete formula

The real advantage of the premium package is in Discord Nitro. It offers all of the software that's available in Nitro Basic, but it goes even further.

• Rate: $10 per month or $100 per year.
• Download: Up to 500MB, compared to 50MB of Nitro Basic and only 8MB for free users.
• Email and password protection
• High definition streaming: 4K quality at 60fps.
• Enhanced profiles: animated avatars, banners, and more colors to personalize your server.
• Two Server Boosts: These boosts, when accumulated, provide additional benefits to all members of a server. This includes more places for emojis, a custom URL, animated icons, and other features that are generally reserved for paying members.

The advantage of this application is that, even without paying, it is possible to benefit from premium advantages if other members of your server decide to support the community.

It is an invitation to create positive and welcoming spaces for sharing and discussion together on Discord.

Summary

Over the years, Discord software has firmly established itself as one of the main communication platforms for gamers, content creators, and even professionals. Its versatility, thanks to its ease of use and its rich functionalities, make it a first-choice option for those looking for an effective way to communicate.

As for Alternatives At Discord, platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams or Zoom have also made a name for themselves, especially in the professional world. Slack, for example, focuses on team collaboration and application integration, while Zoom focuses on video conferencing.

However, none merges gaming rooms, social networks, and the link between community and professional communication as seamlessly as Discord.