Discord
Discord is a free communication platform that combines voice chat, video calls, text messaging, and screen sharing in one app. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and in web browsers.
Users create or join servers, which are organized into text and voice channels. Originally designed for gamers coordinating during matches, Discord now hosts communities around every topic imaginable.
What it does
A server is your community space. Inside it, you create channels - text channels for written discussion, voice channels for live conversation. Click a voice channel name to join, and you are instantly talking with everyone in it. Screen sharing and video work the same way - join a voice channel, then click the screen or camera icon at the bottom.
The permission system uses roles. Go to Server Settings > Roles to create them and assign permissions per channel, controlling who can moderate and who can post where. Bots extend functionality - MEE6 handles moderation, Midjourney generates images, music bots play audio in voice channels, and utility bots manage polls or event signups. Forum channels let members create structured posts with tags instead of a continuous message stream.
Search is powerful: filter by author (from:user), channel (in:#channel), date range (before:/after:), or combine all of them at once.
Advantages
- Free voice, video, text, and screen sharing with no time limits
- Runs on every major platform including web browsers
- Massive bot ecosystem for moderation, music, games, and automation
- Granular role and permission system per channel
Drawbacks
- Nitro subscription needed for higher upload limits and HD streaming
- Privacy concerns - Discord scans messages for content moderation
- Can be resource heavy, especially with many servers open
- No end to end encryption for messages or voice calls
Who it is for
I keep Discord open all day. It replaced Slack for my hobby groups and TeamSpeak for gaming voice chat. If you run any kind of online community, Discord is the default choice now. Guilded and Revolt exist as alternatives, but the network effect makes Discord hard to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Discord free?
Is Discord only for gamers?
Are Discord messages encrypted?
Can I use Discord in a web browser?
Features & How-To Guide
| # | Feature | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Server creation | Click + on the left side › Create My Own › Name the server › Invite with a link. |
| 2 | Text channels with threads | Click a text channel › Type messages. Right-click a message › Create Thread for a side discussion. |
| 3 | Bots and integrations | Server Settings › Integrations › Add a bot (e.g. MEE6 or Dyno) via an authorization link. |
| 4 | Voice conversations 6 | Join a voice channel on a server › Click the channel name › Speak through the microphone. |
| 5 | Screen sharing 4 | Join a voice channel › Click the monitor icon (Screen) on the bottom bar › Choose a screen or window to share. |
| 6 | Role and permission management | Server Settings › Roles › Create role › Assign permissions per channel and per role. |
| 7 | Video conversations and streaming | Voice channel › Turn on the camera (camera icon) or Stream (monitor icon) › Others see the live image. |
| 8 | Message search | Ctrl+F or the magnifier icon › Search by content, author (from:), channel (in:), date (before:/after:). |
| 9 | Per-channel notification | Right-click a channel › Notification Settings › Set All Messages / Only @mentions / Nothing. |
| 10 | Photo montage / photo merging | Server Settings › Create Channel › Type: Forum. Users create posts with tags instead of a continuous message stream. |
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