How to Use Discord: A Beginner’s Guide!

Discord is a communication platform that allows users to text, voice chat, and video call. Originally created for gamers, Discord has expanded to various communities. It offers flexibility, similar to Zoom but more fun, and resembles Slack without corporate control.

Here, I  will teach you how to use Discord, its basic features, and the various ways you can enjoy the platform.

also read: How to Use WhatsApp: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

Getting Started with Discord

To begin using Discord, you can access it via a mobile app or web browser. Discord has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. There’s even an option to use it on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Here are the initial steps for how to use Discord:

• First, create a username when you log in.
• Link it to your email and set a password.

You’ll be prompted to join or create a server, which is where communities and conversations happen.

Servers are forums dedicated to different topics such as gaming, music, or memes. Some servers are public, while others are private and require invitations. Once you join a server, you’ll see various channels dedicated to specific conversations.

Understanding the Discord Interface

For new users, Discord’s layout might seem overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of the interface:

• On the left, you’ll find a list of servers you’ve joined. Each server has its own icon.
• Clicking on a server reveals its channels. These channels are rooms focused on specific topics.
• Channels can either be for text or voice. Text channels have a hashtag (#) symbol, while voice channels have a speaker icon.

The central part of the screen shows the ongoing chat in the selected channel. You can reply, react with emojis, or start a thread. The far-right panel displays the members of that server and their status.

If you ever feel lost, the home icon in the top left will take you to your friends’ list and private messages.

Text and Voice Communication on Discord

There are two primary ways to communicate on Discord: text and voice. Text channels are where you type messages. If the channel’s name is bold, it means you have unread messages. You can also reply to other people or use emojis to react to their posts. Threads allow for side conversations without interrupting the main chat.

Voice channels are located near the bottom of the channel list. By clicking on a voice channel, you’ll be connected to a live voice chat. You can mute yourself by clicking the microphone icon near your username. On the desktop, you’ll see “Voice Connected” when you join a voice chat. On mobile, a green bar will indicate you’re in voice chat.

Some servers also allow video calls. Simply click the camera icon to start a video chat. Whether it’s for gaming or socializing, voice and video communication are crucial to how to use Discord effectively.

Customizing Your Discord Experience

Discord allows you to link your account to platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, YouTube, and TikTok. This feature is especially useful for cross-platform gaming or streaming. Here’s how to set it up:

• Go to “User Settings” and click on “Connections.”
• Select the platform you want to link, and Discord will guide you through the process.

Additionally, Discord lets you share your gameplay or other activities. If you’re playing a game, Discord can automatically display what you’re playing to others. You can control this visibility by adjusting your status—Online, Idle, Do Not Disturb, or Invisible. This allows you to control what others see about your activities.

How to Stream and Share Content on Discord

Streaming on Discord is straightforward, making it easy to share your screen or gameplay with others. Here’s how to do it:

• Join a voice channel.
• Click “Share Your Screen” in the bottom left corner of your screen.
• Select the window you want to share, then adjust your streaming settings.
• Click “Go Live” to start your stream.

If you’re on Xbox, you can also stream directly by linking your Xbox account to Discord. Once linked, go to “Parties and Chat,” then select Discord. You’ll be able to voice chat and stream your games with friends.

Maintaining Privacy and Security on Discord

When learning how to use Discord, maintaining privacy is essential. Discord shows your activity status and other details by default. To change your privacy settings, follow these steps:

Go to “User Settings” and click “Privacy & Safety.”

You can adjust who can message you, whether Discord filters inappropriate content, and other privacy features.

You can also control what activity others see. If you don’t want others to know what game you’re playing, go to “Activity Settings” and uncheck “Display current activity as a status message.”

Lastly, take advantage of two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your account. This will ensure that only you can access your account, even if someone gets your password.

Exploring Servers on Discord

Discord is home to thousands of communities, known as servers. If you’re looking to join more, here’s how:

• Click the compass icon at the bottom left, labeled “Explore Public Servers.”
• Browse through popular categories like Gaming, Music, and Education.
• Some private servers require an invite, which you can get from someone already in the community.

Many content creators on platforms like Patreon or Kickstarter offer access to exclusive servers as rewards for supporting them.

Dealing with Spam and Scams on Discord

Like many online platforms, Discord isn’t immune to spam. Sometimes, users may send malicious links or messages. Here are some tips to avoid falling into these traps:

• Don’t click on links from unknown users.
• Be cautious when downloading files.
• Report suspicious activity to server moderators or Discord support.

By following these guidelines, you’ll protect yourself and enjoy a safer Discord experience.

Using Discord Nitro for Premium Features

While Discord is free, users can subscribe to Discord Nitro for premium features. There are two plans:

Nitro Basic: Costs $3 per month, offering limited features.

Nitro Standard: Costs $10 per month or $100 annually, offering full premium features like custom emojis, animated profile pictures, and higher-quality video streams.

Nitro also allows you to upload larger files and access other cosmetic features. You can even “boost” a server, giving it extra benefits like higher streaming quality and more emojis.

Creating Your Own Server on Discord

If you want to create a space for your friends or community, Discord makes it simple to create a server. Follow these steps to start:

• Click the “+” icon at the bottom of the server list
• You can create a server from scratch or choose a template.
• Name your server and set an icon for it.

Next, you’ll need to add channels. You can create categories and add text or voice channels within them. To invite friends, click “Invite People” and share the server’s link.

You can also create roles for members, allowing them to help moderate the server. For larger communities, you may want to enable “Community Server” settings, which add extra features like email verification for members and content moderation.

The Bottom Line

Learning how to use Discord is easy once you understand its core features. Whether you’re using it for gaming, socializing, or streaming, Discord provides a versatile and engaging platform.

With its privacy settings, community options, and premium features, it’s no surprise that millions of people use Discord daily. Start exploring today, and enjoy all the benefits this platform has to offer.