15-Step Beginner’s Guide to Using Discord

15-Step Beginner’s Guide to Using Discord

Discord, one of the world’s most popular instant messaging and digital distribution platforms, is preferred by millions worldwide, especially gamers. If you want to dive into this platform where you can send text and voice messages, make video calls, or even stream live, this guide is perfect for you. Are you ready to explore Discord’s handy features in just 15 steps?

Getting Started with Discord

Creating an Account and Starting to Use Discord

Discord is a free platform. You can use it on browsers, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android. To create an account, simply fill in your personal details like your email and confirm your account. Then, download the appropriate Discord app for your device, whether it's a smartphone or a computer.

For added security and verification, you can use your phone number. Once your account is set up and verified, log in and join millions of users worldwide to start enjoying the platform.

Joining Servers and Creating Channels

After setting up your account, you can begin exploring servers. Whether you’re interested in gaming, art, music, or any other topic you can imagine, you can find servers that match your interests. However, keep in mind that not all servers are open for everyone, and some may require an invite link to join.

Discord servers and channels can be customized by their owners to restrict access and require invitations. If you want to join such servers or channels, you’ll need an invite from an authorized user. You can create your own server for various purposes such as:

• Gaming
• Music
• News
• Hobby Groups
• Communities

Click the “+” icon on the left side of the Discord panel to create your server or join one with an invite code. Discord’s simple and user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up a server in just a few clicks. During the setup, you’ll answer small questions about the purpose of the server to simplify customization. Then, you can name your server, upload a profile picture, and finish the setup.

Sending Messages and Using Emojis

Now that you’re chatting in a server, let’s dive into messaging. You can start conversations using short messages, format your messages with Markdown, or highlight words for emphasis. Additionally, you can express yourself creatively with emojis, reactions, and GIFs.

Discord’s chat section allows you to send messages in real-time, either through private direct messages or in large servers with multiple users. You can also customize messages by marking spoilers, formatting text with different colors and styles, or adding emojis and GIFs to make conversations more engaging.

Most servers provide a library of emojis and GIFs for participants, though access may vary by channel. Regardless of your chat preferences, always respect community rules and maintain courtesy towards others.

Voice and Video Calls

Voice and video calls are a big part of Discord’s appeal. Whether in private chats or group conversations, these features allow you to communicate more effectively. Simply join a voice channel in a server to start chatting. By default, entering a voice channel automatically enables your microphone, but you can adjust your settings to avoid this.

You can also start video calls by clicking the video icon. Additionally, you can share your screen during conversations, choose which application or screen to share, and customize your live stream settings. Voice and video calls are particularly useful for gaming, study groups, meetings, and more.

Managing Your Friends List

Your friends list is essentially your digital address book on Discord. You can add or remove friends, manage friend requests, and keep track of your contacts. Add people you’ve connected with in the community to stay in touch.

If you encounter malicious users, you can block them to prevent further communication. Managing your friends list effectively supports healthy socializing and helps build meaningful connections.

Customizing Your Profile

Your Discord profile is your digital identity visible to other users. You can personalize it by adding an avatar, setting a custom status message, or updating your username. Additionally, you can set a nickname for each server (if the server owner allows it), though your username will remain visible on your profile.

Notifications and Privacy

With notifications, you can tailor your Discord experience. Control which servers and conversations trigger notifications, and adjust your privacy settings to suit your preferences.

If you’re busy or don’t want to be disturbed, you can mute Discord notifications. You can also choose to receive only the most important notifications to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Server Roles and Permissions

If you’re managing your own server or planning to, understanding server roles and permissions is crucial. Roles determine what users can do in a server, such as managing server information or moderating users.

When assigning roles with full permissions, make sure to choose trusted individuals, as these roles can modify important server details, delete the server, or ban users. Properly assigned roles and permissions make your server more functional and organized.

Bots and Integrations

Discord bots can automate tasks like welcome messages, posting updates, or playing music. Add bots to your server by completing authorization and inviting them through their official channels. Once added, bots can perform assigned tasks automatically.

Moderation and Security

To maintain a safe and friendly environment, every server needs moderation. Use tools to ban, mute, or report users who violate rules. For larger servers, moderation and security are especially important.

You can manually monitor the server or use the AutoMod tool for automated moderation. AutoMod can filter certain words and posts even when moderators and admins are unavailable.

Organizing and Managing Servers

If you’re part of multiple servers, organization is key. Use server folders to categorize your servers better, and efficiently manage server settings to make them more appealing and functional. Collaborate with moderators to create a space where everyone can have fun and enjoy different features.

Server Discovery

Public Discord servers allow users to join communities aligned with their hobbies and interests. By clicking the compass icon on the left panel, you can explore publicly available servers. You can also search for specific interests, games, or celebrities to find relevant servers.

For a safer experience, join verified servers (marked with a green checkmark) or servers with the Discord Partner badge.

Supporting Servers with Nitro

Nitro, Discord’s premium subscription, provides users with various perks like animated avatars, higher-quality streams, and more. Nitro also enhances server features.

Nitro subscribers can boost servers, helping them level up and unlock additional features. However, the number of boosts a user can provide depends on their subscription type.

Staying Connected with Mobile Devices

As mentioned earlier, Discord is available on mobile devices. You can manage servers and use almost all Discord features from your smartphone or tablet. Features like voice and video calls are also supported on the go. If you plan to use Discord actively, don’t forget to install the mobile app.

Growing Your Community

Now that you know how to start using Discord, it’s time to invite others to your server and grow your community. Having knowledgeable and engaged moderators can make managing a growing server easier. Promote your Discord server on other social media platforms to reach a larger audience.

Speaking of communities, let’s talk about Techcareer.net, Turkey’s Technology Talent Platform. Techcareer.net aims to create a vast network for young talent, help them specialize, and offer new opportunities. By bridging the gap between digital talents and employers, Techcareer.net supports the tech industry with bootcamps, hackathons, and career opportunities.

For more information, visit Techcareer.net and join our Discord server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Discord on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use Discord on different supported devices, though not simultaneously. If you log in from another platform, your active session will disconnect.

How can I join a Discord channel?

Click here to join the Techcareer.net Discord server and become part of a large community.

Are bootcamp trainings free of charge?

Yes, all bootcamp trainings on Techcareer.net are free. They also offer certificates and career opportunities.

What are the requirements to join bootcamp trainings?

You can apply for free if:

• You aim to build a career in technology,
• You are about to graduate or recently graduated,
• Or you want to advance your career in fields like software and IT.