Discord CEO Jason Citron makes the case for a smaller, more private internet

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Apr 22, 2024

Jason Citron, Co-founder and CEO of Discord, dives into the platform's evolution from a gaming tool to a vibrant social hub. He discusses the importance of intimate online spaces, contrasting them with traditional public platforms. Jason emphasizes Discord's unique approach to user engagement, balancing privacy with safety, especially for younger users. The conversation also touches on the challenges of moderation, copyright issues, and innovative revenue strategies, showcasing how Discord aims to reshape online interactions.

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INSIGHT

Discord's Unique Position

Discord is a unique social platform, not a broadcast medium like Twitter or a forum like Reddit.
It focuses on small, private communities with shared interests.

ANECDOTE

Discord vs. Slack

Jason Citron discussed Discord with Slack's founder, Stuart Butterfield, who didn't see them as competitors.
Butterfield highlighted Slack's enterprise focus, contrasting it with Discord's consumer orientation.

INSIGHT

Server Control and Customization

The term "server" in Discord implies user control, allowing customization and ownership of online spaces.
This control extends to the platform's API and bot system, fostering a thriving ecosystem.

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Today, I’m talking to Jason Citron, the co-founder and CEO of Discord, the gaming-focused voice and chat app. You might think Discord is just something Slack for gamers, but over time, it has become much more important than that. For a growing mix of mostly young, very online users steeped in gaming culture, fandom, and other niche communities, Discord is fast becoming the hub to their entire online lives. A lot of what we think of as internet culture is happening on Discord.

In many ways Discord represents a significant shift away from what we now consider traditional social platforms. As you’ll hear Jason describe it, Discord is a place where you talk and hangout with your friends over shared common interests, whether that’s video games, the AI bot Midjourney, or maybe your favorite anime series. It is a very different kind of interface for the internet, but that comes with serious challenges, especially around child safety and moderation.

Links:

Discord opens up to games and apps embedded in its chat app — The Verge
Discord is nuking Nintendo Switch emulator devs and their entire servers — The Verge
Inside Discord’s reform movement for banned users — The Verge
Discord ends deal talks with Microsoft — WSJ
Discord cuts 17% of workers in latest tech layoffs — NYT
Discord to start showing ads for gamers to boost revenue — WSJ
Discord says it intentionally does not encrypt user messages — CNN
How Discord became a social hub for young people — NYT
‘Problematic pockets’: How Discord became a home for extremists — WashPo
Discord CEO Jason Citron on AI, Midjourney — Bloomberg

Transcript: https://www.theverge.com/e/23898955

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Today’s episode was produced by Nick Statt and was edited by Callie Wright. Our supervising producer is Liam James.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

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