Discord is testing a new way to monetize servers. (again :P)
In a blog post today, it announced that various creators will be invited to a new, premium beta. While Discord has recently released a few new features like conversations to build the platform up as a community space, this premium membership will provide monetization options to the group messaging app.
Similar to the subscription system on Twitch, Discord will give server owners the option to build several tiers at different price points with their own incentives. These different tiers can include extra server channels, chats, and voice calls. Discord Nitro will remain a personal subscription with little overlap with the planned new premium service.
“Premium Memberships provide a modern and simple way to deliver world-class experiences, content and interactions within your community,” Discord said in its blog post. “And with a fast and seamless process, members can subscribe and get instant access to payments and benefits, and it all happens directly on Discord.”
While the premium membership for Discord is expected to reach live servers eventually, the company has made it clear that it's still in the "slow rollout" phase. This will remain a closed experiment until further notice, as Discord has received feedback on the product's potential. Discord didn't reveal the creators they're considering testing this new server feature, or how many creators we can expect to see implementing the premium experience.
Discord has no release date for the product so far; However, the company is looking to fine-tune the premium membership as feedback comes in.
