The business model of Discord.
Personal problem turned into global victory.
Imagine a group of friends who love playing video games together. They were tired of using complicated communication platforms, so they decided to create their own. That was the beginning of Discord, a platform that now connects millions of people and communities worldwide.
Empowering Communities and Cultures.
Discord was created to solve the problem of communicating with friends around the world while playing games online. But it quickly grew into something much bigger. Discord is no longer just a communication tool for gamers; it's a symbol of innovation and success. By creating something that solved a problem they faced, the founders were able to build a platform that resonated with millions of people.
Discord's non-gaming uprising.
Discord's user base goes far beyond gaming—it's a vibrant and diverse community. From TV show enthusiasts to sports fans, investment groups to hobbyist circles, Discord hosts a wide range of non-gaming servers where people with shared interests come together. And get this: 70% more users now embrace Discord for both gaming and other exciting purposes! It has truly transformed into a versatile hub, connecting individuals who want to engage, learn, and have fun together. The pandemic has only accelerated this growth, as adults working from home sought meaningful connections, while young users turned to Discord for text, audio, and video chats to build friendships.
“The success of Discord is a testament to the power of technology to bring people together and create new communities.” — Casey Newton
Discord's business model revolves around the needs of its users, their success teaches us the importance of listening to our audience and solving their problems. A true user-first approach.
Another great strength of Discord is its versatility. You can use it for (almost) everything; to organise study groups, run meetings, watch movies together, plan community events, and much more. There is something to do for everyone.
"Discord's success is a reflection of our team's dedication to building a product that people love. We're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in online communication."
Let’s take a look at their business model in action:
Say goodbye to ads and hello to freemium.
Discord prides itself on being ad-free and monetizing its users as little as possible.
The company's revenue comes from a variety of non-ad sources like premium subscriptions, game sales, memberships, stickers, and server boosting. In 2020, Discord generated $130 million in revenue, up from $45 million the previous year. And the company is currently transitioning to a semi-freemium business model that offers additional and better features to those who pay.
Discord's success is about more than just revenue - it's about the connections it helps people make. Discord started as a place for gamers to chat, but now it's used by everyone. It's an inspiring story that shows the power of building a great product that's easy to use and focussed on its users' needs.
Now it’s up to you!
Here are the 3 main learnings from Discord’s story:
1: Focus on solving problems for your customers to build a product that people will love.
2: Be adaptable and open to change, don't be afraid to pivot if necessary.
3: Foster a strong community around your brand and create a positive user experience to build loyalty and attract new customers.
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