Discord platform evolution and advertising expansion

Discord has transitioned from a gaming-focused chat application into a versatile platform for diverse online communities to connect through text, voice, and video. Users have utilized the platform for community building and monetization through methods such as exclusive content, affiliate marketing, and direct donations.

Building on these community and revenue trends, Discord is expanding its advertising capabilities. The company is introducing Video Quests, a mobile-first rewarded video format where users earn virtual currency, Orbs, after watching approximately 15-second videos. While designed for mobile engagement, Discord also maintains a premium, reservation-based option called Video Quests Reserve, which requires full video completion.

Additionally, Discord is launching the Discord Ads Manager, a campaign management platform designed to provide automated, self-serve options for marketers. This tool allows advertisers to manage bidding, budgeting, and performance measurement within a single interface, marking a shift from direct sales relationships toward an auction-based model. While currently limited to managed access, the company intends to roll out full self-serve access to a broader range of advertisers, including smaller businesses and game studios, by early 2027.