Decoding Discord’s Revenue: What Percentage Does Discord Take?

Discord, the ubiquitous communication platform popular among gamers, communities, and increasingly, businesses, operates on a multifaceted revenue model. A key component of this model involves taking a percentage of certain transactions within the platform. So, directly answering the question: Discord typically takes 10% of subscription revenue earned by server owners through premium memberships and other monetization features. Understanding the nuances of this percentage, how it’s applied, and other related fees is crucial for anyone considering using Discord as a platform for building and monetizing a community.

Diving Deep into Discord’s Revenue Split

Discord’s 10% cut applies primarily to revenue generated through Server Subscriptions. This feature allows server owners to offer premium memberships to their community members in exchange for exclusive perks, content, and access. It’s essentially a way for creators to monetize their Discord communities directly within the platform.

This 90/10 split means that for every dollar earned from monthly subscriptions or one-time purchases within a server, the creator receives 90 cents, and Discord retains 10 cents. This percentage is relatively competitive within the digital content creation landscape, placing it in a similar bracket to platforms like Patreon, depending on tier pricing and associated fees.

It’s imperative to note that while the 10% figure is the headline, other fees can impact the final payout to creators. These fees can include:

• Processing fees: These are charges levied by payment processors (like Stripe or PayPal) for handling the financial transactions.
• Currency conversion fees: If the creator’s payout currency differs from the currency of the transaction, a conversion fee may apply.
• Taxes: Depending on the creator’s location and applicable tax laws, taxes may be deducted from the payout.

Therefore, while the headline “Discord takes 10%” is generally accurate, it’s essential to factor in these additional fees to get a clear picture of the actual revenue a creator receives.

Is Discord Still Free?

Discord remains free to download and use for its core functionality. The platform offers robust voice chat, text chat, video chat, and screen-sharing capabilities at no cost. The 10% revenue split only comes into play when server owners begin to monetize their communities through features like Server Subscriptions. The company sustains itself through optional paid features like Discord Nitro and other premium offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Discord’s Revenue Model

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Discord’s revenue model and usage, providing further clarity on various aspects of the platform:

What is the $9.99 Discord Charge?

The $9.99 charge refers to the monthly subscription cost for Discord Nitro. Nitro is a premium subscription that unlocks a range of enhanced features, including larger file uploads (500MB), HD video streaming, access to activities, custom profiles, and animated avatars. A cheaper version called Nitro Basic costs $2.99 per month and offers smaller upgrades like 50MB uploads, custom emojis, and a unique Nitro badge.

What is the Discord Revenue Split?

As mentioned, Discord operates on a 90/10 revenue split for Server Subscriptions. Creators receive 90% of the subscription revenue, while Discord retains 10%. Additional processing and other fees may apply.

Does Discord Make a Profit?

While Discord reported $130 million in revenue in 2020, the company has yet to turn a profit. Discord invests heavily in technology infrastructure, content moderation, hiring, and marketing.

Is it Okay to be 12 on Discord? How Old Should You be to Use Discord?

Discord’s official Terms of Service require users to be at least 13 years old. While Discord doesn’t always verify age upon signup, reporting of users under 13 can lead to account suspension until age verification is provided. Games Learning Society supports adherence to age requirements for online platforms.

Why is Discord 17 Now?

This refers to the age restriction that can be applied to Discord servers with adult content. Servers with mature themes are required to include an “age-restricted” label to ensure they are not accessible to younger users.

Can a 7 Year Old Have Discord?

No. As stated in Discord’s terms, users must be at least 13 years old. Accounts reported as belonging to children under 13 will be locked.

Who is the CEO of Discord?

Jason Citron is the co-founder and CEO of Discord.

Does Discord Sell Data?

No. Discord explicitly states that it does not sell users’ personal information. Their business model is based on subscriptions and paid products, not data monetization.

How is Discord Paid?

Discord generates revenue through:

• Discord Nitro Subscriptions: Premium features for individual users.
• Server Boosts: Enhance server features and perks.
• Server Subscriptions: Revenue sharing with content creators offering premium memberships.
• Merchandise Sales: Selling branded merchandise.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with other companies.
• Investor Funding: Capital raised from investors.

Is Discord a Billionaire Company?

Yes. Discord was last valued at $15 billion in 2021.

Does Discord Pay Server Owners?

Discord doesn’t directly pay server owners in a general sense. However, through the Server Subscription feature, server owners can generate revenue from their communities, with Discord taking a 10% cut. This empowers server owners to monetize their dedicated communities.

Is Discord 100% Free?

Discord offers a robust free version with core communication features. Discord is not 100% free in the sense that it has paid options such as Discord Nitro and server boosts.

Why Does Discord Cost Money?

Discord’s core functionality remains free. However, Discord Nitro offers premium features like higher upload limits and profile customization, and Server Boosts enhance server features, both of which come at a cost.

Why is Discord Taking my Money?

Unexplained charges might indicate unauthorized access to your account, especially if a payment method like PayPal is linked. Contact Discord support immediately to investigate. It could also be a recurring subscription you forgot about.

Does Discord Work with the FBI?

Yes. Discord complies with legal requests from law enforcement agencies and provides user information when presented with enforceable legal process.

Does Discord Sell my Messages?

No. Discord’s privacy policy states they do not sell or share personal information, including messages, as defined by the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act).

Can You be on Discord Under 13?

No, unless local legislation mandates an older age. Discord asks users to confirm their date of birth upon creating an account to help ensure that they are at least 13 years old.

Who Owns Discord Chinese?

Tencent does not own Discord. While Tencent does own the WeChat app, and has holdings in various gaming companies, Discord remains independently owned and operated.

Why is Discord Called Discord?

The name Discord was chosen for its cool sound, relevance to talking, ease of recall, and availability for trademarking. The term “discord” also relates to the problem they aimed to solve within the gaming community.

How Old is the Owner of Discord?

Jason Citron, the co-founder of Discord, was born on September 21, 1987, making him 37 years old (as of late 2024).

Should I Let My 13 Year Old Have Discord?

Discord’s terms of service require users to be at least 13 years old. Parents should consider the open chat nature of the platform and monitor their child’s activity.

Is Discord Used for Dating?

While not primarily a dating app, Discord is sometimes used for this purpose. Some servers offer “blind matching” and “speed dating” features.

Why Discord is so Popular? Why do Young People Prefer Discord?

Discord’s popularity stems from its unique combination of features, including servers for community building, voice and video channels, and customizable permissions. These features resonate with young people seeking a more organized and engaging online communication platform.

Conclusion

Understanding Discord’s revenue model, including the 10% cut on Server Subscriptions, is vital for creators seeking to monetize their communities. While the platform remains free for core communication, various premium features and revenue-sharing opportunities contribute to its overall sustainability. Being aware of potential fees and adhering to age requirements helps ensure a positive and compliant user experience. For more insights into digital communities and online learning environments, be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org.