• Gohar Aslam
• App Development
• 6 December, 2023

Discord is an instant messaging and VoIP social platform. It is a platform for people with similar interests to share and communicate voice, video, and text chat with friends, game communities, and developers. In Discord, users can talk and share files and images through an in-text channel. Additionally, users can connect through audio and video real-time calls. Discord is available for various operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as iOS and Android. If you wish to create apps like Discord, this article covers essential information regarding app creation.

Discord is incredibly popular because it is similar to Zoom, Skype, and Slack apps. According to reports, there are 100 million active users on Discord, expected to earn $207 million in 2023. If you are an entrepreneur or an investor, you should take advantage of the opportunity of creating chat apps like Discord.

Steps for making apps like Discord

Creating apps like Discord is a multifold process requiring stages. The following are the vital steps for developing apps like Discord for android, apps like Discord for iOS and other platforms.

1. Market Research 

When developing apps like Discord, conducting thorough market research and competitive analysis is essential for success. Understanding the target audience’s preferences, needs, and pain points helps craft a more appealing and user-centric platform. Additionally, analyzing competitors’ strengths and weaknesses enables the identification of opportunities and allows for implementing unique features that set the app apart from the competition.

2. Development Team

Building a development team for creating apps like Discord requires careful consideration and planning. Assembling a diverse group of skilled professionals, including software engineers, UI/UX designers, backend developers, and project managers, is crucial to ensure a well-rounded approach to app development. Effective communication, collaboration, and a shared passion for innovation are key factors in fostering a cohesive team that delivers a successful and feature-rich platform.

3. Build MVP

Developing an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) for apps like Discord is a strategic approach to validate ideas and garner early user feedback. Focusing on core features like real-time messaging, voice calls, and basic server functionalities ensures a rapid and cost-effective development process. This iterative approach allows for quick iterations, enabling the team to refine the product based on user insights, leading to a more robust and user-friendly platform in the long run.

4. Select Monetization Strategy

Selecting a monetization strategy for apps like Discord necessitates a careful balance between providing value to users and generating revenue. Adopting a freemium model, offering essential features for free while providing premium features through subscriptions or one-time purchases, can entice a broader user base while generating consistent income. Additionally, exploring non-intrusive advertising or in-app purchases for cosmetic items can further diversify revenue streams without compromising the user experience.

4. Testing

Thoroughly testing apps like Discord is a critical step in the development process to ensure a seamless user experience and robust functionality. Employing various testing methodologies such as unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing helps identify and rectify bugs, performance issues, and usability concerns. Engaging internal testers and a select group of beta users provides valuable feedback. It allows for necessary improvements before the official launch, ensuring a polished and reliable app for a satisfied user base.

5. Launch and Promote

Launching and promoting apps like Discord requires a well-coordinated marketing strategy to maximize visibility and user adoption. Leveraging social media platforms, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising campaigns can help reach the app’s target audience effectively. Additionally, engaging in community outreach, organizing launch events, and offering referral incentives can foster organic growth and create a loyal user base, ultimately contributing to the app’s success in the competitive market. 

What are the Features of the Discord App?

Apps like Discord typically offer a variety of features designed to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among users in various communities. You should integrate some or all of the following key features.

1. Real-time messaging

Your Discord-like app should have the primary feature of real-time messaging. This feature allows users to send and receive text messages in actual time, making it suitable for instant communication within communities or groups.

2. Voice and video calls

The Discord app also supports high-quality voice and video calls, enabling users to have group or one-on-one discussions with minimal latency.

3. Servers and channels 

Discord organizes communities into servers, and each server can have multiple channels. This hierarchical structure allows for easy segregation of topics or discussions, making navigating and managing conversations easier.

4. Role-based permissions

Discord also reinforces a well-moderated environment through role-based permissions, which allows server administrators to control access and privileges for different members. 

5. Screen sharing

Apps like Discord should also allow users to share their screens during voice or video calls, facilitating effective collaboration, gaming sessions, or remote assistance. 

6. File sharing

The file-sharing feature is crucial element in Discord and is available in almost every communication app. The file-sharing requirements in your app should accommodate the sharing of small and large files.

7. Emojis and reactions

Platforms like Discord should also come equipped with various emojis and reactions, that are available in Discord, which can add fun and humor to conversations.

8. Bots and Integrations

Discord allows developers to create custom bots and integrate various third-party services, boosting the platform’s functionality.

9. Direct Messaging

Users can engage in private conversations through direct messages, enabling discreet communication between individuals.

10. Message History

In order for an app like Discord to be feature-rich and user-friendly, you will also need to provide your users with access to past messages. 

11. Rich media embeds

Discord supports rich media embeds, making it easy to share links, images, videos, and other media directly within the chat.

12. Notifications 

The app notifies users of mentions and essential messages, ensuring they stay informed and engaged in relevant conversations. 

13. Moderation tools

Discord provides various moderation tools to manage and maintain a healthy community, including message filtering, banning, and reporting functionalities.

14. Mobile and desktop support

Discord is accessible on mobile devices and desktop computers, allowing users to connect seamlessly on their preferred platform.

See our latest relevant exploration How to create an App like WhatsApp?

The Benefits of Apps like Discord? 

Apps similar to Discord provide benefits to both users and investors/entrepreneurs. Let’s explore these benefits separately:

How to make money from apps like Discord?

Creating a successful Discord like app and monetizing it can be challenging but rewarding. You can follow these general steps to generate revenue from apps similar to Discord.

1. Identify a target audience

Determine your app’s target audience and their specific needs. Discord became popular among gamers for its voice and text chat features, but you could target other communities or industries with similar communication requirements.

2. Unique selling proposition (USP)

 Differentiate your app from existing competitors by offering unique features or improvements. It’s essential to have a compelling reason for users to choose your app over other alternatives.

3. Free and premium versions

You can offer a free version of your app like Discord with basic features to attract a broad user base. Then, introduce premium features or subscriptions that users can purchase to access advanced functionalities. This “freemium” model has been successful for many apps.

4. In-app purchases

 Implement in-app purchases for virtual goods, special features, or cosmetic upgrades. For example, you can offer unique stickers, themes, or custom emojis that users can buy.

5. Advertisements

Integrate non-intrusive ads into your app, but be cautious not to disrupt the user experience. Displaying targeted ads to the right audience can generate revenue.

6. Data Monetization

If your app like Discord collects user data, you can explore data monetization options. Ensure that users provide consent and comply with privacy laws and regulations.

7. Partnerships and sponsorships

Collaborate with brands or communities relevant to your app’s target audience by offering sponsored events, exclusive content, or promotional campaigns to generate revenue.

8. Marketplace for creators

Implement a marketplace where content creators can sell their creations to the community, such as custom emojis, themes, or plugins, with the platform taking a percentage of the sales. 

9. Affiliate programs

Partner with relevant services and products and use an affiliate program to earn commissions on sales generated through your app.

How much does it cost to make an app like Discord?

The cost of developing an app like Discord rests on various factors such as the project size, design, functions and features, platforms, development team’s location, expertise, and experience. Depending on these factors, creating an app like Discord can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $90,000.

Leverage our cutting-edge capabilities to create a scalable app like Discord. See Our Social Development Services