Discord’s New Era: Public, Profitable, and Possibly Perilous—What Users Need to Know in 2025
Rumors of a Discord IPO and new ad strategies spark anxiety as users wonder: Will the beloved chat platform descend into chaos?
- Ad Onset: Discord began showing ads in its desktop and mobile apps in March 2024
- IPO Buzz: Discord is rumored to go public in late 2025 after leadership shakeups
- User Base: Over 200 million monthly active users globally
- Reward System: New Orbs incentive lets users earn in-game rewards by engaging with ads
Discord, the digital home for millions of gamers and communities, sits at a pivotal moment. Reports swirl of a looming initial public offering (IPO) in 2025, and longtime users fear Discord could fall victim to the same downward spiral—called “enshittification”—that’s plagued so many beloved online spaces.
As Discord increasingly leans into advertising and new monetization strategies, community members and tech analysts fret about the platform abandoning its roots. The concern: Will Discord turn into just another user-hostile, ad-cluttered site?
Why Are Discord Users Anxious in 2025?
Discord has long been praised for its clean, user-friendly interface and community-driven ethos. However, whispers started in early 2024, when the platform launched sidebar ads on desktop and console apps. Fast forward to 2025: video ads now appear on mobile, and Discord’s new “Orbs” system rewards users for interacting with advertisements.
Leadership changes have also raised eyebrows. In April 2024, CEO Jason Citron stepped down, paving the way for Humam Sakhnini—a veteran of corporate giants like Activision Blizzard—to take the helm. Many read this as a clear signal: Discord is gearing up for its public debut.
What Do Discord’s Leaders Say About “Enshittification”?
Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Discord’s co-founder and CTO, acknowledges the alarm. He says company leaders regularly debate the “enshittification” risk, referencing the notorious decline of other online platforms that prioritized revenue at the expense of user experience.
Vishnevskiy insists that sustainable monetization is possible—and necessary—but stresses the importance of resisting bad ideas. Discord, he notes, has swiftly axed failed experiments in the past.
How Intrusive Are Discord’s Ads Right Now?
Currently, Discord’s ad strategy remains modest compared to rivals. Sidebar ads only expand if clicked, and the Orbs reward system offers tangible virtual benefits—a clever way to cushion the blow of commercialization.
Still, even limited ads spark concern. With Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook all notorious for overwhelming their users with intrusive marketing, skeptics wonder how long Discord can hold the line.
Q&A: What’s Next for Discord Users?
Q: Will Discord become pay-to-play?
A: Not yet. Basic use remains free, though new premium perks and ad engagement incentives are popping up.
Q: Is the IPO a sure thing?
A: Not officially. Discord’s leadership hints at the possibility, but no public filings exist—yet.
Q: Can users avoid ads?
A: For now, ads are minimally invasive. But industry trends suggest ad volume may rise, especially post-IPO.
How Can You Prepare for Discord’s Possible Changes?
1. Stay Informed: Join tech news communities and set Google Alerts for “Discord IPO” updates.
2. Back Up Communities: Export server data and save important chats in case features change.
3. Provide Feedback: Use Discord’s feedback tools to voice concerns about intrusive ads or unwanted changes.
4. Explore Alternatives: Keep an eye on emerging platforms in case Discord’s experience erodes.
Don’t let changes catch you off guard. Stay vigilant, speak up, and keep your community’s interests front and center!
- 🔲 Monitor Discord announcements and leadership updates
- 🔲 Test server export and archiving options
- 🔲 Report intrusive ads through Discord’s feedback system
- 🔲 Evaluate new chat platforms if needed
For more on digital communities and IPO news, check out CNBC and Reuters.
