Discord introduces Orbs currency to monetize user engagement with ads

In a recent development taking place in the United States, Discord has shifted from its original ad-free model to a monetization strategy involving advertisements. This change signals a significant departure from the company's roots since its establishment in 2015. As of May 29, 2025, users are being offered a new virtual currency called 'Orbs,' which can be earned by clicking on in-platform advertisements. This move is aimed at encouraging users to engage with ads, which is deemed crucial for the company's advertising revenue growth. The introduction of Orbs allows users to exchange this currency for various items in Discord's shop, including profile customization options and credits for its subscription service, Nitro. Nitro offers premium features like increased file upload limits and high-definition streaming, which have been proven attractive to users. The company has highlighted that this new currency system aims to enhance user incentives by allowing them more flexible rewards, resonating especially with Nitro subscribers who will notice improved deals and opportunities as part of this initiative. Furthermore, Discord is collaborating with Kantar, a brand measurement firm, to help advertisers measure the effectiveness of their ads utilizing metrics such as awareness, recall, and intent. This partnership indicates a deeper reliance on advertising revenue streams, as Discord seeks to establish itself as an effective advertising platform for the forthcoming generation of users. Through this collaboration, Discord aims to provide marketers insights into user behaviors, cultivating an advertising environment that can attract a wide range of clients. In addition, Discord has announced plans to offer video ads and sell advertising 'Play Quests' to further monetize the platform. This innovation follows the introduction of video ads to the Discord mobile app and represents a strategic pivot that is markedly different from its previous policy of maintaining an ad-free experience. The company aims to compete more aggressively in the digital advertising landscape, following trends observed in other platforms like Reddit, which have successfully increased their ad revenues. Discord's new operational direction comes on the heels of anticipated changes in its business model as it prepares for a potential IPO, possibly later in the year.