How Long Has Discord Been Out? A Look Back at the Rise of the Popular Communication Platform
Discord, the popular communication platform used by gamers and non-gamers alike, has come a long way since its inception. In this article, we’ll take a journey through the history of Discord, exploring its development, growth, and evolution over the years.
Direct Answer: How Long Has Discord Been Out?
Discord was first released on May 13, 2015, by Jason Citron, a game developer and entrepreneur. So, as of 2022, Discord has been out for approximately 7 years. Since its launch, the platform has experienced rapid growth, expanding its user base, features, and capabilities, ultimately becoming a staple in the gaming and online community.
The Early Days of Discord
In the early days, Discord was designed as a more modern and efficient alternative to traditional voice chat technologies, such as Ventrilo and Mumble. Citron’s vision was to create a platform that combined the functionality of a traditional voice chat with the ease of use of a popular social media platform. The first public beta version of Discord was launched in March 2015, and it quickly gained popularity among gamers, attracting a significant user base in the gaming community.
Key Milestones in Discord’s Development
Here are some significant milestones in Discord’s development:
- May 13, 2015: Discord officially launches, with over 100,000 users signing up in the first day.
- June 2015: Discord raises $20 million in funding from investors, including Benchmark Capital and Tencent Holdings.
- August 2015: Discord introduces its mobile app, allowing users to stay connected on-the-go.
- March 2016: Discord adds video conferencing capabilities, expanding its feature set to include group video calls.
- June 2016: Discord raises an additional $50 million in funding, bringing the total raised to $70 million.
- November 2017: Discord introduces Screen Sharing, enabling users to share their screens with others in real-time.
Growth and Expansion
Discord’s rapid growth and expansion can be seen in the following statistics:
| Year | Active Users | Funding Raised (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 5 million | $20 |
| 2016 | 30 million | $70 |
| 2017 | 45 million | |
| 2018 | 90 million | |
| 2019 | 150 million | |
| 2020 | 200 million |
As of 2022, Discord has over 400 million active users, making it one of the most popular communication platforms in the world.
Security and Safety Features
Discord has introduced several security and safety features to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for its users:
- Two-Factor Authentication: Additional security measure to prevent unauthorized access to accounts.
- Private Servers: Users can create private servers for exclusive conversations.
- Muted Roles: Server administrators can set up roles to manage user interactions and prevent unwanted behavior.
- bot blocker: A feature to prevent spam and unwanted automated messages.
Conclusion
Discord has come a long way since its inception in 2015. From its humble beginnings as an alternative to traditional voice chat technologies to its current status as a leading communication platform, Discord has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its user base. With its ease of use, robust feature set, and commitment to security and safety, it’s no wonder why Discord has become a staple in the gaming and online community.