Discord is a platform providing voice over IP (VoIP), instant messaging and digital distribution services for user to connect with friends and communities, create a custom channel for interesting topics. Discord runs in multiple operations systems such as Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and web browsers etc. Originally launched in 2014, Users use invite links to join voice chat channels and communicate with each other in private chats via voice calls, video calls, text messaging. The registered users reach over 350 million as of 2021 while active users are over 150 million monthly.
In total, 3,900,893 reviews are found in Google play store with 4.5 stars rating. There has been 100,000,000+ installs and the most recent update is December 14, 2021. While in Apple app store Discord is ranked No. 4 in social networking category with 4.8 stars rating by 1.9M users. The app is rated as 17+ on both Google play and iOS App store due to its infrequent/mild mature content.
Although Discord started from gaming community, it has shifted focus away from video gaming in 2020 to build an all-purpose/function communication for app users aligned with its new slogan "Your place to talk". It has also reduced the use of gaming related jokes while chatting. Other improvement measures include enhancing onboarding experience, expanding server capacity and increased reliability. The company has received additional investments to help with these changes.
In October 2020, Discord launched digital stickers on its platform in Canada. Most of the stickers cost from $1.50 to $2.25 this is part of Discord's monetization strategy. In September 15, 2021, Discord worth $15 billion after new funding.
Though Discord is originally advertised as a gamers' platform for socialising, It is still one of the best chatting platforms you can find on market today. It is incredibly helpful for other things as well, such as group projects for students. You will not feel bored even if you are using it for a long time because there is plenty of free customization available.
It is a well-built and easy to use application. Also, they don't spam you with ads/pop-ups. The free version is good enough, although there are paid services if you wish to spend money.
Undeniably, Discord faces the same problem as other online chatting apps like hostile behavior and abuse within chats, or chat servers being "raided" by other larger communities by flooding with controversial topics related to race, religion, politics, and pornography.
To safeguard its users and services, Discord has implemented a 24/7 on-call trust and safety team to monitor and take appropriate actions against incidence reports. The team will determine malicious activity from use patterns and other system generated user reports.
Pros:
•Help to connecting people with same interest
•Easy and intuitive to use
•Trust and Safety team monitor and take corrective actions around the clock
Cons:
•Mature content, inappropriate, vulgar, and violent in chat channels
•Privacy concern and data leaking threat when connecting online with others
•bullying behavior like raiding other community