Discord has begun rolling out a new ad initiative across mobile devices this June, introducing optional Video Quests alongside a fresh in-app currency called Orbs. The move marks a major shift for the platform, which has long avoided traditional advertising formats in favor of a streamlined, community-focused experience.
What Are Video Quests?
These are full-screen, mobile-friendly video ads that users can choose to watch in exchange for rewards like avatar decorations, badges, or even in-game items. The new Quest bar appears at the bottom of the Discord mobile app interface and allows users to opt into short promotional experiences. According to Discord, these ads are entirely optional and can be disabled under the platform’s ad personalization settings.
Introducing Orbs: Discord’s New Currency
Alongside Video Quests comes Orbs, a new in-app currency designed to reward user participation in Discord’s evolving ad ecosystem. Orbs can be earned through watching ads, streaming content, or completing Quests. Users will be able to redeem Orbs for various digital rewards through the Discord Shop, including cosmetic items and limited Nitro trials.
This development hints at Discord’s ambition to offer a form of “earn-to-reward” system, giving users more control over their digital presence while still monetizing through advertisers.
Leadership Change: A New Era for Discord
As these changes roll out, Discord is also experiencing a major shift at the top. In late April, longtime CEO Jason Citron stepped down and moved into an advisory role. His replacement is Humam Sakhnini, a former executive at Activision with experience in scaling large-scale gaming and social platforms. His arrival signals a possible shift in priorities for the company—potentially focusing more on revenue generation, platform growth, and external partnerships.
Many believe these monetization updates are among the first signs of Sakhnini’s influence, aligning Discord more closely with mainstream tech and gaming monetization strategies.
Why This Matters
Discord’s expansion into mobile advertising raises key questions about the platform’s future direction. While some users welcome the opportunity to earn perks passively, others are concerned that the platform may eventually lean too heavily on ad-based monetization.
Unlike platforms that force ads into the user experience, Discord emphasizes “choice and transparency”. Ads will not interrupt gameplay, and users will not be required to participate to access core features.
Still, the introduction of a virtual currency and ad-supported rewards signals a clear push toward deeper monetization—a potential preparation step as Discord eyes its long-rumored IPO.
Community Reaction So Far
Initial responses are mixed. Some users appreciate the optional nature of the features and the chance to unlock cosmetic items without paying real money. Others worry this is a slippery slope that could undermine Discord’s ad-free legacy.
Server owners and moderators are also watching closely, curious to see if these monetization features will trickle down into community-based reward systems or stay strictly cosmetic.
Closing Thoughts
As Discord explores new ways to generate revenue without alienating its user base, the success of Video Quests and Orbs could set the tone for how community platforms balance monetization with user trust. Combined with its leadership shake-up, Discord appears to be entering a new chapter—one that may shape the future of social gaming communities for years to come.
