Discord, the popular communication platform known for its ad-free experience, is taking a bold step by introducing mobile ads in the form of Video Quests. Announced on March 20, 2025, by Jess Weatherbed, a news writer specializing in creative industries and internet culture, this move marks a significant shift in Discord’s strategy. Starting in June 2025, mobile users will begin seeing these ads, which were first rolled out on PC and consoles in 2024. This decision reflects Discord’s efforts to diversify its revenue streams while maintaining a user-friendly experience.

Video Quests are third-party ads that allow users to earn rewards, such as avatar decorations or in-game items, by watching videos. On mobile, these ads will appear as a “Quest bar” at the bottom of the screen. Users can dismiss the bar or tap it to explore the dedicated Quest tab. Importantly, full-screen videos will only play if users choose to accept the Quest, ensuring that the ads remain non-intrusive. Additionally, users can hide in-app promotions for specific Quests or opt out of personalized promotions altogether.

Peter Sellis, Discord’s product leader, emphasized the platform’s commitment to creating a player-centric advertising experience. He stated, “Expanding our advertising platform to mobile is an obvious, natural evolution in our strategy. 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 — and create new opportunities for businesses to connect with our community in meaningful, and performant, ways.”

This announcement comes at a pivotal time for Discord. The platform, which has long relied on user subscriptions for revenue, is now exploring new monetization avenues. Video Quests are one of two Quest formats introduced in 2024, the other being Play Quests, which reward users for completing in-game tasks. The move aligns with rumors of Discord preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). The company was last valued at $15 billion by private investors in 2021, and while Microsoft reportedly discussed a $10 billion acquisition deal that same year, it never came to fruition.

Discord’s approach to ads is designed to balance monetization with user experience. The platform has a reputation for being ad-free, and this new initiative aims to preserve that ethos by giving users control over their interactions with ads. Mobile users will have the same options as PC and console users to hide or opt out of personalized promotions. Before the broader rollout, mobile Quest ads were tested in a limited beta, ensuring a smooth transition.

The introduction of mobile ads reflects Discord’s broader strategy to diversify its revenue streams, especially as it eyes a potential IPO. The platform remains committed to maintaining a player-centric advertising experience, ensuring that ads are meaningful and non-intrusive. As Discord continues to evolve, its focus on balancing monetization with user satisfaction will be crucial in maintaining its loyal community.

In summary, Discord’s move to introduce mobile ads through Video Quests is a significant step in its growth strategy. By offering users control and rewards, the platform aims to create a seamless and engaging advertising experience. With notable figures like Peter Sellis leading the charge, Discord is poised to connect brands with its highly engaged audience while staying true to its player-centric mission.