Discord is officially bringing advertisements to its mobile platform starting in June 2025, introducing a feature called Video Quests. This new ad format, which previously launched on PC and consoles, allows users to watch optional video ads in exchange for in-game items and avatar decorations. The move marks a shift in Discord’s revenue model, which has traditionally relied on its Nitro subscription service and largely avoided traditional advertising.
The ads won’t be intrusive. Instead of interrupting conversations or gameplay, they’ll appear as a small “Quest bar” at the bottom of the app interface. Users can either dismiss the bar or tap it to enter the Quest tab. Only after opting into a Quest will a full-screen video ad play. Rewards will be offered for those who complete the videos, which are tied to in-game or cosmetic benefits across supported games and experiences.
Discord’s product lead, Peter Sellis, described the expansion of its ad program as a “natural evolution,” noting that mobile presents a huge opportunity to engage with the app’s massive cross-platform user base. “Our mission is to create the most authentic, player-centric advertising platform in the galaxy,” he said in a statement. “This expansion will provide brand partners access to Discord’s highly engaged, cross-platform mobile audience — and create new opportunities for businesses to connect with our community in meaningful, and performant, ways.”
This rollout is part of Discord’s broader push to build a scalable advertising business. Video Quests are one of two advertising formats introduced by the company, the other being Play Quests, which reward users for completing in-game challenges. The introduction of these features followed years of Discord maintaining a reputation as an ad-free platform — a stance that won favor among its gaming-heavy user base. However, the need to diversify revenue beyond subscriptions has led the company to explore more interactive and user-controlled forms of advertising.
Users concerned about privacy and control still have options. Just like on desktop and console, mobile users will be able to hide specific Quests or opt out of personalized promotions altogether. Discord has emphasized that participation in Video Quests is entirely voluntary, aiming to balance monetization with a user-friendly experience.
The mobile ad launch arrives as rumors swirl about Discord’s potential plans to go public. The company, last valued at around $15 billion in 2021, has reportedly explored a $10 billion acquisition deal with Microsoft — a deal that didn’t go through. With its growing revenue strategies, including a budding ad business and a solid subscription base, Discord appears to be positioning itself for a stronger financial profile, possibly in preparation for an initial public offering.
Some early results from Discord’s Video Quest campaigns have been promising. A campaign tied to the upcoming TV series “Dune: Prophecy” boasted an 85% video completion rate for a nearly three-minute trailer. Another with the hit game “Genshin Impact” attracted millions of users and led to an 80% increase in playtime during the promotion. These figures suggest that the model can be both engaging and effective — especially when users are given clear incentives and choice.
As Discord enters this new chapter, the company is banking on the idea that gamers will embrace ads when they’re optional, rewarding, and well-integrated. The success of the mobile expansion will likely influence how much Discord leans into advertising in the future, and how its community responds to a platform that’s evolving from ad-free to ad-savvy.
