Video Quests will start rolling out to mobile users in June.
Discord, the popular voice and chat platform widely used by gamers and online communities, is expanding its advertising initiatives to mobile devices. The company announced that a pilot program for Video Quests—a unique ad format that rewards users with in-game items and avatar decorations for watching sponsored videos—will officially launch in June 2025 on mobile, following its earlier introduction on PC and gaming consoles last year.
A New Advertising Strategy for Discord
“Expanding our advertising platform to mobile is an obvious, natural evolution in our strategy,” said Peter Sellis, Discord’s Head of Product. “Our mission is to create the most authentic, player-centric advertising platform in the galaxy. This expansion will provide brand partners access to Discord’s highly engaged, cross-platform mobile audience—while creating new opportunities for businesses to connect with our community in meaningful and effective ways.”
For years, Discord stood out as one of the few major platforms that remained ad-free, relying primarily on Nitro subscriptions for revenue. However, with the introduction of Quests in 2024, the platform took its first steps toward integrating ads in a user-friendly manner. Now, with mobile Video Quests, Discord is pushing its monetization efforts further while ensuring users still have control over their experience.
How Mobile Video Quests Will Work
Unlike traditional mobile ads that often disrupt the user experience, Video Quests are designed to be optional and non-intrusive. They will appear as a “Quest Bar” at the bottom of the screen, which users can either dismiss or tap on to explore available quests. If a user chooses to engage, they will be redirected to a dedicated Quest tab, where they can watch full-screen video ads in exchange for exclusive rewards.
Discord has emphasized that user choice remains a priority. On PC and consoles, users can already opt out of certain promotional Quests or hide in-app promotions altogether. While Discord has not yet confirmed whether these same privacy settings will be available for mobile users, the company has stated that it will provide updates on user control options closer to launch.
The Evolution of Quests on Discord
Video Quests are just one of two Quest formats that Discord introduced last year. The other, known as Play Quests, allows users to earn rewards by completing specific in-game challenges. Together, these advertising formats aim to provide a gamified, engaging ad experience that feels more integrated into the platform rather than intrusive.
Prior to Quests, Discord primarily relied on its Nitro subscription service and server boosts for revenue generation. However, the introduction of ad-based monetization suggests a shift in the company’s financial strategy. While some long-time users have expressed concerns about Discord adopting ads, the company appears to be taking a measured and user-first approach, ensuring that ads remain entirely optional and incentive-driven rather than forced.
Why Now? Discord’s Possible IPO Plans
The timing of this expansion raises questions about Discord’s long-term business plans. Reports have been circulating that the company is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO), which would explain the push toward more diversified revenue streams. Discord was last valued at approximately $15 billion by private investors in 2021 and was rumored to have explored a $10 billion acquisition deal with Microsoft that ultimately did not materialize.
By integrating ads into its monetization strategy, Discord is signaling to investors that it has the potential to generate sustainable revenue beyond subscriptions, making it a more attractive proposition for a public offering.
What’s Next for Discord?
With the expansion of Video Quests to mobile, Discord is entering a new phase of growth, one that balances user experience with increased revenue opportunities. The success of this rollout will likely determine whether Discord continues experimenting with advertising or introduces additional monetization strategies.
As the June 2025 launch date approaches, users can expect more details on how these mobile ads will function, including whether they will have the same opt-out controls as their PC and console counterparts.
Will Video Quests be a seamless way for users to earn rewards, or will they spark controversy among Discord’s loyal user base? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Discord’s advertising future is just beginning.
