Instant messaging platform Discord will start serving ads within the service. This is part of the company’s plan to increase revenue, despite repeated statements that it would not use it.
In May 2015, a new free VoIP service see the day. Its name is surely not unknown to you since it still exists today after having gained massively in popularity over the years: Discord. Now mixing instant messaging, audio calls and video or live broadcast of its gaming sessionsthe platform created by the American developer and entrepreneur Jason Lemon is no longer only used by gamers, to whom it was originally aimed.
Over time, some companies take it over and make it their own. internal communication tool, while other people open communities on all subjects, unrelated to video games. In March 2024, it is estimated that Discord is more than 200 million active users each month. To generate money, Jason Citron has repeatedly repeated that he does not want to resort to advertisement. That is why Discord’s main source of revenue is its paid Nitro subscription, which offers some advantages over the free version. He reported approximately 192 million euros in 2023. A visibly insufficient amount.
There will soon be advertising in Discord
According to The Wall Street Journal, Discord will start showing advertising in the coming weeks. The decision follows the dismissal of 17% of company employees last January. Internally, the pubs have a name, the “sponsored quests“, and a very particular shape. They will be displayed in the lower left corner of the screen and targeted based on the games you play, your age and your location.
Also Read – Discord Takes Controversial Step To Fight Malware
The idea is that they will allow users to earn rewards by broadcasting himself playing the title mentioned in the ad and by accomplishing certain tasks in it. At least one person must be looking at you to validate the “quest”. Discord indicates that advertisements can be disabled in the settings, but we imagine that this will be reserved for users paying for the Nitro subscription. Those who have seen examples indicate thatthey are not very intrusive. We will have to wait a little before forming an idea for ourselves.