A Guide to Discord/Servers

A screenshot of a Star Wars Discord server

A server is a chatroom that can only be accessed via invite. Servers can be created for a variety of topics, including clubs, study groups, fandoms, role-playing, or simply casual conversation.

Structure

Channels

Communication is conducted via channels, themselves organized by category. There are four primary types of channels: text channels, voice channels, announcement channels, and stage channels.

• Text channels are distinguished by the "#" sign.They allow you to send messages, as well as images, videos, files, and stickers. Some Discord servers will not allow you to upload media immediately after joining until you reach a certain level. To chat, enter your message in the text box at the bottom of the screen and press "Enter" to send.
• Voice channels allow you to communicate via voice or video. For more information, see Voice chatting.
• Announcement channels are primarily used by the server staff to announce changes to the server or server events. Non-staff members will rarely be able to send messages in this channel. Occasionally, the channel will be used for announcements outside of the server (for example, if the server is owned by a Twitch streamer, it will be used to announce when they are streaming). Following the announcement channel will add it to another server, so you can follow the announcements in your own server.
• Stage channels are a special type of voice channel used for audio-only conversations where users talk and others listen.

Server features

Roles

Roles are used to organize users in a server. Some roles can be earned by extensive participation in the server. These roles are normally hierarchical, meaning the highest role is the most important. Other roles are purely for cosmetic purposes.

Threads

Threads are a temporary sub-channel that can be created within text channels. They are primarily used for specific topics or focused conversation. Threads are automatically archived after a certain amount of unactivity, ranging from an hour to a week.

Creating a server

Creating a Discord server is relatively simple. Scroll down to the bottom of your server list until you see the "+" icon (this may be near the top instead if you are using a mobile device). Enter a name for the server, and upload a server icon from your files. Click "create" when you are finished.

Inviting other users

Click the drop-down menu on the top-left, then select "Invite People". You will then see a list of your friends, with an Invite button next to them. Click on the button to send them an invite link.

Creating channels

Click on the drop-down menu on the top-left, then select "Create Channel". If you're on mobile, swipe right to view the channel list, click on the server's name and choose "create channel". Enter a name for your channel, ideally reflecting its intended purpose (i.e. "#gaming", "#music", "#memes"). Click "Create Channel" when you are finished.

If you want to restrict a channel to select members, click on the "Private Channel" option when you are making the channel. Then click "Next". From here you can decide which users have access to the channel. Click "Create" when you are finished. If you have created a text channel, you will be able to see a list of members who can have access to it. To edit this list, right-click on the channel, select "Edit Channel", and head to Permissions, where you will be able to adjust viewer settings.

Server Insights

Server Insights provides valuable feedback on engagement and other metrics to help community owners understand the health and activity of their server. By analyzing Server Insights, you can gain insights into visitor numbers, communicators, and new member retention.

Here's a breakdown of the terminology used in Server Insights:

• Visitors: Visitors are members who have clicked on a channel in the server. It tracks whether a member has checked the server by clicking on a channel, regardless of whether they actively participate in conversations.

• Communicators: Communicators are server members who have actively engaged with the server by posting in text channels or chatting in voice channels. They contribute to the conversations and interactions within the community.

• New Member Retention: This metric shows the percentage of new members who return to your server after a week. It indicates how well your server is able to retain new members and keep them engaged over time.

To maintain a healthy level of engagement, it is recommended to aim for roughly 50% of your members visiting the server, with 50% of those visitors actively communicating and getting involved. Discord sets a benchmark of 30% communicators as a healthy goal.

If you notice a dip in engagement for a week or two, it's important not to panic. External factors like school or holidays can influence member activity. However, regularly checking Server Insights can help you determine whether it was just a temporary slowdown or if there are recurring patterns that need attention.

To create an environment that fosters engagement, consider the following tips:

• Ensure that your server is organized, clutter-free, and visually appealing. Cut down on excess channels or fix any issues that may hinder members' navigation. A clean and user-friendly server inspires confidence and encourages members to stay longer.
• Use the "Engage" section of Server Insights to identify channels that generate the most activity. Spark conversations by asking leading questions or discussing topics that resonate with your community's interests. Avoid having too many channels, as it can spread conversations thin and lead to lower overall engagement.

• Monitor your server's speaking minutes and identify the voice channels that members use the most. Engage with your members in voice channels, hang out, and be available to support and bond with them. Teach new members about voice channels and encourage their participation.

• Hosting events related to your community's interests can foster deeper connections among members. Schedule events that allow members to bond over shared interests, showcase their work, or learn new skills. Use the "Growth and Activation" section of Server Insights to track event-related member join rates and retention.