Discord is a chat app, similar to programs like Skype, TeamSpeak, and professional communication platforms like Slack. So what is Discord and how does Discord work? If you do not know yet, let’s take a look at the article below.
What is Discord?
Launched in 2015, Discord is a platform for like-minded people to share and communicate. It is popular in the gaming community because it provides a way for video game players to interact with each other and develop a community outside of the game itself. With over a quarter billion users, Discord(Opens in a new window) is one of the most popular ways for gamers to communicate online. Discord lets friends communicate directly via voice, video, or text and join servers so larger communities can interact together.
Gaming is definitely the focus of Discord, and at one point the service was giving away free PC games to paying users before even realizing it couldn't beat Steam. However, any online community can take advantage of what Discord has to offer. More on its other uses.
How does Discord work?
The platform works by using servers. These settings have a specific focus or theme and serve as a way for people to meet online to discuss and exchange images, links and information. These servers provide text channels and voice chat through the microphone on the device you use.
Servers identified by a hashtag (#) are the most popular text channels. Users share messages along with images and GIFs.
Voice channels have a speaker icon next to them. When users join, they automatically hear the ongoing conversation and can join. In addition, chat features, such as those available in text channels, allow users to communicate in multiple ways at the same time.
Users can be invited to visit the server or find links online to access them. The person who sets up the server usually sets some ground rules about who the server should be used for and how it should behave. They can also provide strict guidelines to filter out explicit content and keep their moderator accounts safe.
Does Discord Cost Money?
Discord is free to download, and you don't have to pay to use it. However, Discord users can enjoy premium add-on services through Discord Nitro, divided into two tiers.
Discord Nitro Classic is the cheaper premium plan at $5 per month or $50 per year. This subscription gives you the ability to change your four-digit username tag, the Nitro badge for your profile, custom emoticons you can use outside of its main server, and the ability to convert animated GIFs into avatar pictures and emoji. Video quality has also been improved. Live in 1080p at 60fps. Screen share in 720p at 60fps or 1080p at 30fps.
For $10 per month or $100 per year, the standard Discord Nitro tier offers everything in Discord Nitro Classic, plus a few perks. You can upload files up to 100MB, which is double Nitro Classic's 50MB limit and well above the 8MB limit for free users. Streaming at the source provides better video quality.
Is Discord safe for your kids?
It is a rewarding way to connect with other people if they are the right age and have the appropriate support and background from parents and carers. Children of all ages may be at risk on this platform, but children under 13 should instead use social apps or platforms designed for them, such as YouTube Kids and PopJam.
I hope this article will help you to learn what is discord and how does discord work.
For teens, this can be a very effective way to discover others with similar interests and build a community. This could come from playing video games, but it could be any other interest, such as playing an instrument, liking a favorite artist, or reading a book by a favorite author.
