Discord is a platform providing voice over IP (VoIP), instant messaging and digital distribution services for user to connect with friends and communities, create a custom channel for interesting topics. Discord runs in multiple operations systems such as Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and web browsers etc. Originally launched in 2014, Users use invite links to join voice chat channels and communicate with each other in private chats via voice calls, video calls, text messaging. The registered users reach over 350 million as of now while active users are over 150 million monthly.
In total, 5,335,664 reviews are found in Google play store with 4.3 stars rating. There has been 100,000,000+ installs and has been collected in the most authorized "Editors' Choice" list. While in Apple app store Discord is ranked No. 6 in social networking category with 4.7 stars rating by 2.5M users. The app is rated as 17+ on both Google play and iOS App store due to its infrequent/mild mature content.
Although Discord started from gaming community, it has shifted focus away from video gaming several years ago to build an all-purpose/function communication for app users aligned with its new slogan "Your place to talk". It has also reduced the use of gaming related jokes while chatting. Other improvement measures include enhancing onboarding experience, expanding server capacity and increased reliability. The company has received additional investments to help with these changes.
As of the latest update, Discord developers have not only added richer and more detailed profile information to show users, but also made improvements and enhancements to the latest bugs and overall performance.
Though Discord is originally advertised as a gamers' platform for socialising, It is still one of the best chatting platforms you can find on market today. It is incredibly helpful for other things as well, such as group projects for students. You will not feel bored even if you are using it for a long time because there is plenty of free customization available.
It is a well-built and easy to use application. Also, they don't spam you with ads/pop-ups. The free version is good enough, although there are paid services if you wish to spend money.
Undeniably, Discord faces the same problem as other online chatting apps like hostile behavior and abuse within chats, or chat servers being "raided" by other larger communities by flooding with controversial topics related to race, religion, politics, and pornography.
To safeguard its users and services, Discord has implemented a 24/7 on-call trust and safety team to monitor and take appropriate actions against incidence reports. The team will determine malicious activity from use patterns and other system generated user reports.
Pros:
•Help to connecting people with same interest
•Easy and intuitive to use
•Trust and Safety team monitor and take corrective actions around the clock
Cons:
•Mature content, inappropriate, vulgar, and violent in chat channels
•Privacy concern and data leaking threat when connecting online with others
•Possible bullying behavior like raiding other community