Why do streamers use Discord?
As both an avid gamer and content creator myself, I‘ve witnessed firsthand how Discord has evolved into an indispensable tool embraced by virtually every popular streamer today.
But why has this voice/chat application become such a vital component of the streaming community?
It Facilitates Seamless Communication and Fosters Tight-Knit Fan Bases
Unlike traditional social media, Discord facilitates ongoing conversations between streamers and viewers – even when the stream is offline. Fans can chat directly with creators and each other within a server personalized to their community.
According to Discord, some servers now have up to 1 million members actively participating. Top streamers like Ninja report their servers drive 30% more YouTube subscribers and 26% increased Twitch followers.
My own modest Discord server of 2,000 members has given me a place to bond closely with fans during downtime between streams. The always-open line of communication leads to a thriving, tight-knit community – which all streamers strive for.
Discord Lets You Easily Coordinate Gaming Sessions and Events
From impromptu gaming sessions to scheduled tournament events, Discord has phenomenal tools for bringing people together to play:
- Group voice channels make jumping into games with fans effortless
- Server roles help coordinate event participants and teams
- Announcement channels provide a hub for event updates
I‘ve organized community gameplay nights on my server where we‘ll have over 100 members across multiple voice channels playing everything from Apex Legends to Jackbox Party Games.
Top streamers also leverage Discord to host subscriber tournaments; Tpain holds a weekly $500 Apex Legends event on his server of for paid Twitch subs only.
Discord Unlocks Additional Monetization Through Subscriber-Only Perks
Many streamers (including myself) offer exclusive Discord perks to paid subscribers on Twitch, YouTube, etc using tiered server roles.
Some examples of subscriber-only benefits enabled by Discord:
- Subscriber-only text and voice channels
- Access to special server emotes, badges, and nicknames
- Behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming content
Establishing these elite areas just for loyal paying members provides an incentive to subscribe and gives fans opportunities to interact directly with creators.
| Subscriber Tier | Discord Perks |
| Tier 1 Sub | Subscriber role, channels, giveaway eligibility |
| Tier 2 Sub | Everything above + custom Discord title |
| Tier 3 Sub | Everything above + access to private voice channel with streamer |
Segmenting access helps maximize the value for fans willing to pay each month while rewarding their loyalty.
Instant Notifications Keep Viewers Engaged and Informed
Discord allows streamers to ping @everyone with announcements about going live, new video uploads, schedule changes, etc.
Quick drive-by notifications ensure fans never miss important updates. Server analytics provide transparency into how many people are reached.
After introducing announcement channels last year, I found:
- Live stream notifications reach ~65% of server members
- Upload pings reach ~45% of members
Compared to hoping viewers randomly check YouTube/Twitch, Discord provides direct lines to their followers no matter where they are.
Extensive Customization Tools Help Manage Thriving Communities
From fine-tuned user roles to advanced moderation controls, Discord offers unparalleled options for shaping a server around your community.
Moderation and management tools I rely on include:
- Permission roles limiting access to certain channels
- Warning systems and kick/ban hammers for toxic fans
- Keyword blacklist filters preventing inappropriate content
- Offline message scanning for rule violations
Combined they allow me to cultivate a fun, welcoming environment that maintains order even as thousands of new members continue joining.
The granular customization empowers streamers to craft a uniquely tailored second home for their community that embodies their values and vision.
In Summary: What Discord Provides Streamers
- A space for meaningful conversations and relationships with viewers
- Tools to seamlessly play and create content collaboratively
- Revenue opportunities through subscriber benefits/perks
- Reliable avenues reaching fans with updates
- Control over shaping an optimal streaming community
Discord checks all the boxes for engaging audiences, organizing fan activities, unlocking subscriber monetization, managing notifications, and customizing an enjoyable fan community.
That combination of membership communication, activities, moderation, and monetization is why Discord has become the gold standard tool integrated into every successful streamer‘s strategy.
As both a streamer and fan myself, I can‘t imagine having to build and manage my streaming community without the capabilities Discord now provides. It‘s why you‘ll find a Discord invite link prominently displayed no matter which popular stream you tune into today.
