LGBT+ streamers Rainbow Arcade explain what Discord is and why you should use it
What Is Discord?
Discord is a free, all-in-one communication platform designed for building communities. Originally created for gamers, it has evolved into a space where creators, hobbyists, and groups of all kinds—including LGBT+ streamers—can connect, chat, and collaborate. Think of it as a digital clubhouse where you can set up separate rooms (called channels) for different topics, all under one roof (a server).
For the Rainbow Arcade community, Discord offers a safe and customizable environment to host discussions, share content, and plan events. Whether you're a streamer looking to grow your audience or a fan wanting to engage with like-minded people, Discord makes it easy.
Why Should You Use Discord?
Discord stands out because it's free, easy to set up, and works on every platform—desktop, web, and mobile. It offers text, voice, and video chat, plus handy features like screen sharing and live streaming. Unlike social media platforms, Discord puts the community first, giving you control over who joins and what they can do.
For LGBT+ creators, this means you can create a space where your community feels safe and respected. You can set rules, use moderation tools, and even member verification to ensure a positive atmosphere. Plus, Discord's end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls adds an extra layer of privacy.
Key Features for Community Building
Channels and Categories
Servers are organized into channels—text and voice rooms dedicated to specific topics. For example, a streaming community might have channels like #introductions, #stream-schedule, #fan-art, and #general-chat. You can also group channels into categories (e.g., "Welcome" or "Events") to keep things tidy. This structure helps members find conversations that interest them without getting overwhelmed.
Roles and Permissions
Roles let you assign different levels of access and identity to members. You might give trusted moderators special permissions, create a "VIP" role for supporters, or color-code roles to match your server's theme. Roles can also gate certain channels, so only specific people see them. This is perfect for streamers who want to offer subscriber-only content.
Community Servers and Onboarding
Enabling Community Server mode unlocks powerful features like Server Discovery, rules channels, and onboarding. Onboarding lets new members choose which channels they want to join, making their first experience smooth. You can also set up a welcome screen and automated guidelines to set expectations from the start.
Moderation and Safety Tools
Keeping a community safe is crucial, especially for marginalized groups. Discord provides AutoMod, a built-in tool that automatically flags or blocks harmful words or phrases. You can also set verification levels, slow mode, and timeouts to manage disruptive behavior. For Rainbow Arcade, these tools help maintain a respectful environment where everyone feels welcome.
Customization and Monetization
Discord lets you personalize your server with custom emoji, stickers, banners, and invite splashes. If your server is boosted (via Nitro), you unlock even more customization options, like a vanity URL. For streamers looking to monetize, Discord offers Server Subscriptions (paid access to exclusive channels) and Server Shops (one-time purchases for roles, emoji, or digital files). This can be a great way to support your community while earning revenue.
Analytics and Growth
Once your server is a Community Server, you get access to Server Insights—a dashboard that shows member growth, activity trends, and engagement metrics. This data helps you understand what's working and where to improve. You can also apply for Server Discovery, which makes your server searchable to new members, boosting your reach organically.
For LGBT+ streamers like those at Rainbow Arcade, Discord is more than a chat app—it's a foundational tool for building a thriving, inclusive community. Its flexibility, safety features, and direct-to-audience connection make it an essential platform for anyone serious about community building.