Discord

Discord is a proprietary communication platform designed for online communities and groups. It provides voice, video, and text chat and is widely used by gamers, educators, and hobbyist communities as well as remote teams. The product was created by Jason Citron and Stan Vishniac and released in 2015, emphasizing persistent servers that host topic-specific channels and activities.

Core features include servers that may be open or private, many text and voice channels, and options for screen sharing and live streaming. Users can manage access with roles and permissions, moderate content with bots, and exchange files and custom emojis. The platform also supports direct messages, group chats, and integrations with external services and bots. Discord Nitro offers enhanced upload limits and cosmetic perks.

Discord runs on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web browsers, using a client–server model that routes data through Discord servers. The company provides an application programming interface (API) and a developer portal to create bots, integrate services, and customize servers. The service uses a free core with optional paid features via Nitro and server boosts.

Since its launch, Discord has become a major hub for online communities beyond gaming, including education, open-source projects, and hobbyist groups. It has faced scrutiny over moderation and safety on large servers, and concerns about privacy and data practices. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most widely used chat platforms for real-time, community-centered communication.