Discord: More Than Just a Chat App for Gamers ?????

Introduction

Hey, corporate professionals! You might think of Discord as just a chat app for gamers, but it's so much more. With a valuation of over $2 billion and more daily users than Slack, Discord is a force to be reckoned with. Let's dive into how it became a global phenomenon. ????

The Genesis of Discord: A Gamer's Dream ????

The Problem with Existing Tools ???

Discord's CEO, Jason Citron, noticed that existing tools like TeamSpeak and Skype were either outdated or not tailored for gamers. Discord was born to fill this gap, offering an all-in-one voice, video, and text chat app.

Rapid Growth ??

Launched in May 2015, Discord tripled its user base in 2018. It now boasts around 250 million users and 14 million daily active users, outpacing Slack's 10 million daily users.

The Business Model: Freemium and Beyond ????

The Game Store ??

Discord introduced a game store in October of the previous year, taking a 10% cut from all purchases. This diversifies its revenue streams beyond its freemium model.

Premium Subscriptions ??

Discord offers two levels of premium subscriptions, providing users with additional features, higher upload limits, and free games.

The Power of Community: Not Just for Gamers ????

Beyond Gaming ??

Though initially targeted at gamers, Discord has evolved into a platform for various communities, from stock trading to fantasy football. It's as much a social platform as it is a utility.

Privacy and Moderation ?????

Discord places a strong emphasis on privacy, requiring custom invite links for joining servers. However, this has led to controversies, such as the platform being used to organize the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville.

The Future: Global Expansion and Challenges ????

Truly Global ??

Discord is gaining users globally at a rate of 2.5 million people per week. Its cross-cultural appeal is one of its strongest assets.

The Road Ahead ???

While Discord has successfully diversified its offerings, it faces challenges from bad actors and needs to continue innovating to stay ahead.