Discord, a popular communication platform used by millions of people, is expanding its advertising options to include more types of businesses. Previously, only major brands could advertise on the platform through direct negotiations. Now, smaller companies, including independent video game studios, will be able to promote their products and services. This change comes with the introduction of a new tool called Discord Ads Manager, which allows businesses to create, manage, and track their advertising campaigns in one place. The self-service feature is set to launch fully in early 2027, though some advertisers have already begun using it. This development is expected to be especially beneficial for small game developers who previously could not afford to engage in direct advertising deals with Discord. In addition to traditional ads, Discord is introducing a new type of advertisement called Video Quests. These are short, 15-second videos that users can choose to watch in exchange for in-game rewards. The videos are designed for mobile devices and appear to be optional, meaning users are not required to watch them. Brands can purchase ad placements for these videos through the Discord Ads Manager. For larger campaigns targeting more users, Discord also offers a version called Video Quests Reserve, which is sold directly to major brands. While the expansion of advertising could bring more revenue to Discord, some users are concerned about the potential impact on the platform’s experience. They worry that an increase in ads, combined with new technologies like AI-based age verification, might eventually make the platform less enjoyable or more cluttered. Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Discord’s co-founder and head of technology, has acknowledged these concerns, noting that the company is aware of the risk of a gradual decline in user experience. For now, advertisements on Discord remain limited and are not overly intrusive. They appear as small windows or side cards that only show up when a user takes an action, such as clicking on a link or opening a message. The company seems to be balancing its financial goals with the need to maintain a positive user experience, at least in the short term.