Discord has exploded from a niche chat app for gamers to a mainstream hub for over 150 million users to gather around shared passions. With highly customized servers supporting everything from anime fandoms to entrepreneur networking, Discord offers limitless possibilities for meaningful connections.
This comprehensive guide from a Digital Technology Expert will teach you how to join both public and private Discord servers to find or form communities perfect for you. We‘ll cover:
- Discord’s runaway growth and future trends
- Public vs private server capabilities
- Getting set up on desktop and mobile
- Finding amazing public servers
- Getting exclusive access to private servers
- Making the most of servers with pro tips
Let’s dive in and start connecting!
Why Discord Is Blowing Up: Growth and Trend Analysis
Since launching just 7 years ago in 2015, Discord has seen meteoric growth in users and servers:
- Over 150 million active users up from 56 million in 2019
- 4 million+ public and private servers up from under 1 million in 2018
- Used by 71% of all Reddit communities
And Discord shows no signs of slowing down. After raising nearly $500 million in funding in 2021, Discord is expanding internationally and introducing new features like Threads and Stage Channels tailored to a wider demographic beyond gaming.
As reported by Mashable, even businesses are leveraging Discord for internal communication with remote teams as the future of work evolves post-pandemic:
| Year | No. of Active Users | No. of Servers |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 56 million | Under 1 million |
| 2022 | Over 150 million | Over 4 million |
Discord has clearly hit a sweet spot providing flexible chat capabilities as more of life moves online. Keep reading as we dive deeper into the core components enabling meaningful connections.
Choosing Between Public and Private Server Types
Discord servers come in two main flavors, each providing distinct benefits:
Public Discord Servers
- Open for anyone to join without approval
- Get discovered via Discord’s server browse page
- Allow completely open dialogue with strangers worldwide
With over 1 million listed publicly, public servers make discovering new topics and friendships easy. Just be aware they generally provide little moderation.
Private Discord Servers
- Require an invite link or admin approval to join
- Unlisted publicly to maintain privacy
- Offer closed dialogue amongst existing friend circles
Capped at a few hundred members, private servers trade reach for intimacy. Brands like TheSkimm leverage private servers to deepen loyalty with readers.
We‘ll cover accessing both server types after the quick account set-up process.
Step 1: Download Discord and Create Your Account
Whether on desktop or phone, downloading Discord and making an account takes under 5 minutes:
For Desktop
- Visit Discord’s homepage to download the app for Mac or Windows PCs
- Double click the installer and follow prompts to set up
- Enter your email, username and password on the sign-up screen
- Check your inbox to verify your new account!
I recommend using an alias vs real name for your handle and enabling 2-factor authentication for increased security.
For Mobile
- Download the Discord app from the iOS App Store or Android Play Store
- Tap to open and enter your email, username and password
- Verify via the activation link emailed to complete account creation
With account in hand, let‘s explore the vast public server possibilities awaiting!
Step 2: Finding Amazing Public Servers to Join
One of Discord’s best features is endless public servers catering to any hobby, passion or industry community conceivable.
Let’s uncover them now:
Browse Discord’s Curated Server Directory
- On desktop or mobile, click the Add a Server icon
- Select Explore Public Servers
- Scroll through categorized listings sorted by member count
With niche communities for dog lovers, artists, musicians and more, you’re sure to be inspired.
Search Online Directories
Dedicated sites aggregate popular public servers and curate lists showcasing the most active ones across topics:
- DiscordServers.com – Largest public database
- Discord Server List – Active community ratings
- Discord Me – Well-designed categorization
I recommend these curated directories over a general Google search for server hunting.
Follow Invite Links on Related Sites
Already part of a forum, subreddit, Facebook group or other community around an interest? Check if they have an official Discord server and follow any invite links shared publicly to join.
For example, here is popular Fortnite YouTuber SypherPK promoting his Discord:
This cross-community promotion helps funnel passionate members into shared Discord dialogues.
Browsing public networks marks the easiest way to meet fellow hobbyists within Discord’s thriving ecosystem.
But what if you want deeper bonds focused on real-life friends and colleagues? For that, we need private servers…
Step 3: Getting Exclusive Access to Private Servers
Unlike public free-for-alls, private servers necessitate invites. Here’s how to get that VIP access:
Have a Member Send an Instant Invite Link
- Reach out to any existing member requesting they share a join link
- They can instantly generate reusable invites unless admins disabled this
Note only Specified Members may have invite permissions, so ask an officer if needed.
Get Manually Approved by a Server Admin
- Many private servers opt-out of open invites to ensure member quality
- Instead they only allow vetted people known by admins
- DM server owners directly requesting access stating your ties
This extra layer filters members aligned with a server‘s culture.
Join Through Affiliated External Groups
Some servers act as partnered online extensions of existing organizations like:
- University student clubs not location-dependent
- Local startup incubator members staying connected
- Enterprise department team building rapport between offices
Talk to your point person within such groups for server access.
Now that we’ve unlocked both public and private servers, let’s optimize our experience within using pro tips.
Step 4: Level Up Your Experience on Servers
The most active Discord servers feel like tight-knit lounges where everyone knows your name. Apply this advice to integrate seamlessly:
Introduce Yourself in #Newcomers Channels
Most servers dedicate a space for greeting new members. Say hi there self-identifying interests and goals to fit right in.
Configure Notifications Sparingly
Tempted to enable @ Role Notify for every update? Getting distracted lowers enjoyment for seasoned members. Favor tag only urgent channels or mute during deep work periods.
Embed Images and GIFs in Messages
Visuals make conversations pop especially given Discord’s gamer roots. Upload memes, reaction GIFs and personal photos directly in chat interfaces to boost self-expression.
Organize Dialogues via Reply Chains and Threads
Extended back-and-forth exchanges often branch into separate tangents. Right click any message to start a threaded sub-discussion keeping pace fast.
Participate in Voice Channels and Screen Shares
Nothing builds community faster than literally talking in real-time or reviewing projects visually together. Discord’s seamless video/audio features enable priceless collaboration.
Follow this advice tailored to power users for getting fully immersed in server happenings.
Let the Connections Bloom
I hope this expert guide outlined everything needed to start meeting awesome people within niche Discord servers matching your interests!
Here are key takeaways as you embark on community building:
- Discord sits at the forefront of digital communications trends
- Public servers facilitate discovery while private ones offer exclusivity
- Both channel types nurture meaningful growth of relationships
- Apply pro tips to enhance server interactivity
Soon custom emojis, inside jokes and #ThrowbackThursday pics will make Discord servers feel like home. The modern social contract awaits!
What niche interests do you hope to discuss in emerging server communities? Let me know in the comments!