Discord is a messaging platform and app that may be used during streaming, as well as for non-gaming activities. Users communicate with one another through voice calls, videos, text messages and media files in private chats or as part of communities, called “servers”. Follow these tips to get started with Discord.
First steps
Discord can be accessed through a web browser or through the Discord app on a smartphone or PC. If you only want to test out Discord, then the browser-based version is fine – but to really get the most out of the service, the app is far better as it lets you know when there’s a new message in a channel or chat that you’re part of.
On a mobile device, you’ll need to download the app. To get started, you will need to create an account and username. Connecting your email address to your Discord account will allow you to regularly use Discord with the computer programme or mobile app.
Discord’s layout
Discord’s layout may seem rather overwhelming and confusing at first but the more you familiarise yourself with it, the easier you will find it. You will soon see just how well designed the app is overall. Direct Messages, as well as any servers you’ve joined, will appear on the far left side of the screen.
Depending on whether you’re on the Direct Message screen or a Discord server, the left side of the screen will show either your friends list or a list of server channels. Your username and profile image will be displayed beneath these lists, as well as your online status, whether your microphone is muted, or whether your headphones are ‘deafened’.
The chat messages are shown in the centre of the screen. For each Discord server, there will be a list of channels broken up into specific topics.
How to connect with friends and groups
You’ll need to find servers in which you wish to participate. To join a Discord server, you must first receive an invitation. Friends can invite you straight through Discord, and once you have a link to a Discord server, all you have to do is click on it to join. It’s important to read any channel guidelines when joining a server and be sure not to spam, as this is a surefire way to get banned.
There are a few sites available to help you find servers of interest to you. Disboard is one such site that allows you to view channels by category, to help you find a server that works for you.
Be mindful of internet safety when joining any server and keep your personal details private. Discord allows you to block users who are harassing you, so be sure to use that feature if necessary. This platform can be a fun and engaging way to interact with other people online. Whether friends or fellow gamers, Discord allows people to communicate in more ways and drive a spirit of community in the online world.
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