Discord is a free app for mobile and PC that lets people chat via text, voice, or video in real time. Combining the internet-calling features of Skype with Reddit-like discussion boards, it’s broadened from gamers-only to a social networking site for communities of all types, including those with non-gaming interests like anime, TV series, music, and more. It can also be an easy-to-use group-chatting tool for friends.
You can use Discord on pretty much any device you own — there are dedicated Discord desktop apps for Windows and Mac as well as iOS and Android apps for chatting and calling on the go. It also works in a web browser if you’d rather not download anything. You can connect your Discord app to a number of popular services, including Twitch and Spotify, so your friends can easily see what you’re up to.
Discord has a wide array of privacy and safety settings that allow users to control who has the ability to send them direct messages or add them as a friend. Its “Safe Direct Messaging” feature can automatically scan and delete direct messages containing explicit content (although this isn’t foolproof, and it doesn’t apply outside of DMs). Discord also lets its users decide whether the app can collect and use their data for customization or analytics purposes, which is a nice change of pace from other social apps that provide no insight or control over your data. To view and change your privacy settings, select the “User Settings” gear icon by your username, then choose the “Privacy & Safety” menu item.
Discord is quickly becoming the internet’s primary meeting place, whether you need a virtual space to collaborate, create or just geek out with friends over your favorite games. A Discord server can be anything you want it to be — from a virtual classroom to a place to swap art and music ideas — and getting started on the platform is a breeze. And since it’s free, there’s no reason not to try setting up your own server or browsing the service’s multitude of public communities. You might just find your new favorite place to hang out.
