Mobile Ads Are Coming to Discord

Discord, the popular chat app among gamers, is set to introduce ads on its mobile version. This change is part of a bigger plan to expand its advertising reach. The new ads, called Video Quests, will let users watch videos to earn rewards like avatar decorations and in-game items. This feature has already been successful on PC and consoles, so Discord is bringing it to mobile devices starting in June 2025. This move makes sense for Discord. The app has always been about connecting gamers, and now it wants to connect businesses with its users too. By adding ads to mobile, Discord can offer brands a way to reach its large, active user base. This could open up new ways for companies to engage with Discord’s community in a meaningful way. However, Discord has always been known for being ad-free. It relied on user subscriptions for income. So, this shift to mobile ads is a big change. The good news is that these ads won’t be pushy. They’ll show up as a “Quest bar” at the bottom of the screen, which users can choose to interact with or ignore. If a user wants to watch the ad, they can tap on it to start the video. Plus, users will still have the option to hide or opt out of personalized promotions, just like on other platforms. This news comes at an interesting time. There are rumors that Discord might go public soon. The company was valued at around $15 billion a few years ago. There were even talks of a big acquisition deal with Microsoft, but that didn’t happen. So, adding mobile ads could be a strategic move to boost revenue before a potential public offering. Discord’s plan to add mobile ads is a significant step. It shows the app is evolving, but it also raises questions. Will users be okay with ads after being used to an ad-free experience? How will these ads affect the user experience? Only time will tell how this change will play out. One thing is for sure: Discord is betting big on its ability to connect users with brands in a way that feels authentic and valuable.