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How to Use Discord: A Simple Guide for Beginners

how to use Discord

Key Takeaways
  • Discord is a versatile communication platform offering text, voice, and video chat through servers organized into channels and categories for easy navigation.
  • Setting up a Discord account is simple, available on desktop, web, and mobile, with customization options for profiles and verification through email.
  • Users can join or create servers, interact with each other through text and voice channels, and add bots or integrate apps like Spotify and Twitch for enhanced functionality.
  • Discord provides security features like encryption, privacy controls, and notification management, with optional advanced features through Discord Nitro for increased customization and perks.

Jason Citron and Stan Vishnevskiy, childhood friends and avid gamers, founded Discord to create a communication platform optimized for gamers. Inspired by their shared love of gaming and the connections they formed while playing, they recognized the need for a faster, more reliable, and user-friendly tool. Since this ambitious beginning, Discord has attained global popularity, with an estimated 196 million users now logging in every month to chat, text and engage with their community.

However, Discord can be overwhelming at first. For newcomers, it may feel like entering a room full of conversations, without knowing who to talk to or what’s going on. This guide will help you move from “I’m lost” to “I got this” in no time—so you can jump into conversations, join voice chats, and make the most of everything Discord offers.

How to Use Discord

Originally a gaming platform, Discord has evolved into a versatile social media tool for everyone—from communities, schools, and work teams to crypto enthusiasts and NFT communities. At its core, Discord allows users to connect through GIFs, pictures, videos, emojis, reactions, files, and more. You can join different servers (or communities) that focus on specific topics, collaborate with others, and create your own community from scratch.

How to Set Up a Discord Account

Setting up a Discord account is simple and free. You can sign up through the desktop app, the web, or mobile.

Step 1: Download Discord or Use the Web Version

  • Desktop: Head to discord.com and download the app for Windows or macOS.
  • Web: If you prefer not to download anything, you can use Discord directly in your web browser.
  • Mobile: Download the Discord app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

Step 2: Create an Account

  • Open the app or website and click Sign Up.
  • Enter your email, choose a username, and set a password.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your account setup.

Step 3: Verify Your Email

  • After signing up, Discord will send a verification email. Open it and click the verification link to confirm your account.

Step 4: Customize Your Profile

  • You can upload a profile picture and update your personal information by clicking the user settings icon (the gear symbol) in the bottom left corner. Personalizing your account will allow others to recognize you easily.

Explore more personalization tips from Discord’s explainer on Server Profiles.

Navigating the Discord Interface

After setting up your account and logging in successfully, you’ll see the Discord interface. For new users, Discord’s dashboard appears confusing. We’ll break it down so it’s easier to understand.

Here are the key elements you need to know to start exploring:

  • Servers: Servers are like chat rooms focused on different topics or communities. Each server can have many channels, which are separate conversation threads.
  • Channels: There are two main types of channels on Discord: text channels, where people communicate through written messages, and voice channels, where people can talk in real-time.
  • Direct Messages (DMs): Discord also allows you to send private messages to people, whether on the same server or not. Read our guide on How to DM on Discord to learn more.
  • Bots: Bots are automated programs that help moderate servers or provide entertainment. You can use them to play music, post memes, or handle moderation tasks.

The sidebar also includes your friends list and direct messages (DMs), allowing you to chat privately with other users. In the bottom left corner, you’ll find the settings to customize your account and Discord experience.

How to Join and Create a Discord Server

Discord dashboard

Servers are the heart of Discord, where all the action happens. You can create your own server for a specific group, or join one that already exists. It’s worth noting that in Discord many servers require an invite link – you can usually get one from another user, or from the website of the community you’re joining.

  • Joining a Server:
    1. Click the plus sign in the left-hand sidebar.
    2. Choose Join a Server.
    3. Enter an invite link and click Join.
  • Creating a Server:
    1. Click the plus sign in the sidebar.
    2. Choose Create a Server.
    3. Name your server, choose a region, and upload an icon.
    4. Once created, you can invite friends by sending them an invite link.
  • Deleting a Server:
    1. Right-click on your server name.
    2. Select Server Settings > Delete Server.
    3. Confirm that you want to delete it (note: this action is permanent).

Using Text and Voice Channels

Discord’s channels are where most of the interaction happens. Once  you’ve joined a server, it will normally be split into multiple subsections called channels, each acting as a hub for a different topic of conversation within that community. For example, you might have a channel dedicated to terms and conditions of an NFT airdrop, and another for community announcements and general chat. Channels themselves come in different formats, let’s check those out now:

Text Channels

These are like chat rooms where you can send messages, images, videos, and other media. To send a message, simply click on the channel and start typing. Using the quote feature, you can also react to messages with emojis or reply to specific messages.

A couple of neat tricks to keep in mind:

  • Use @username to mention someone.
  • Create threads to keep conversations organized. These are sub-chats within a channel where you can discuss specific topics.

Voice Channels

These are open voice chats where you can talk in real time. Joining is easy—just click on a voice channel and start speaking.

Here’s what you can do in voice channels:

  • Have a voice conversation.
  • Share your screen to show something to the group.
  • Start a live stream to share your game or content.

To leave a voice channel, just click the telephone icon at the bottom of your screen.

How to Use Discord Bots and Integrations

Discord bots are automated programs that help manage your server or enhance your experience. You can use them for various tasks, from moderating your server to playing music.

  • Adding Bots:
    • Find a bot that will automate a task to simplify your server management.
    • Go to the bot’s website and click Invite.
    • Select your server and authorize the bot.
  • Popular Bots:
    • MEE6: For moderation and fun commands.
    • Groovy: For playing music in voice channels.

Bots help boost productivity by managing tasks that would otherwise require manual input.

In addition to bots, you can also integrate apps like Spotify and Twitch into Discord. For example, if you’re a streamer, you can connect your Twitch account and notify your server members when you go live.

Advanced Features: Discord Nitro and Customization

If you want to enhance your Discord experience, Discord offers a premium service called Discord Nitro. Here are the perks you receive with Nitro

  • Larger file uploads (up to 100MB).
  • Enhanced video quality for streaming.
  • Custom emojis and animated profile pictures.
  • The ability to boost servers gives them perks like more emoji slots and higher audio quality in voice channels.

You can also customize your servers by setting up roles and permissions. This allows you to assign different users specific roles (like moderator or admin) and control what they can do within the server.

Is Discord Safe? Encryption, Privacy, and Notifications

Like any platform, taking safety precautions when using Discord is important. While the platform prioritizes user privacy through end-to-end encryption for audio and video, messages on the platform are not encrypted.

Here are some tips to maximise the security of your communication:

  • Adjust your privacy settings: In the user settings, you can control who can send you direct messages and who can add you as a friend. Here’s how you do it:
    • Click on the settings icon.
    • Go to the Privacy & Safety tab.
    • Adjust your settings to limit who can send you DMs or friend requests.
  • Use two-factor authentication (2FA): It adds more security to your account by requiring a password and a code sent to your phone to log in.
  • Manage notifications: If specific servers are too overwhelming, mute them. You’ll still be part of the server without the constant alerts.

Closing Thoughts

Discord can be a lot to take in at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s an incredibly versatile platform for communication and collaboration. To truly blend into a server and avoid awkward moments, it’s good to know the unwritten rules:

  • Don’t spam: Avoid flooding channels with multiple messages in a row.
  • Respect channel topics: Keep discussions relevant to the channel’s purpose.
  • Be mindful of voice channels: Don’t interrupt or dominate conversations. If someone’s speaking, let them finish.

With this guide, you can dive into Discord and make the most of it. Just remember to take your time, explore its features, and have fun connecting with communities worldwide.

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