Most of Discord’s text and voice conversations happen within the various created servers. Two different channels are accessible on these servers: text channels for direct messages and announcements; and voice channels using a microphone. Each channel is a separate room for members of the server to engage in for either a meme fest or trash talk.
You can swap easily between channels on a whim if you have the required permissions. Voice channels are slightly different because you can only connect to one at a time. Each time you hop to a new voice channel, your mic is reconnected to that channel. There are no multi-channel voice options at this time.
“So how do I find Discord servers to join? Is there a special site I can use?”
There are a few different sites that allow server owners to post their server links and provide a brief description of what their server is all about. The server links are then hosted on these sites for anyone interested or needing a few good servers to join. But before we dive into this, I want to fill you in on the basics of how to be invited to a server.
Discord Server Basics
To join a server, you’ll need to have an invite URL to that server. You can receive one of these URLs:
- You want to join from one of your friends, colleagues, or guild/clan members who can access the server. They also have the option to invite you directly.
- If you find a link to a Discord server from a forum post, website, tweet, or another social media outlet.
The first is usually the method you’ll use to begin your romp on Discord. Discord was originally created for use with online gaming, so it’s not a surprise to find that chances are you’ve received an invite to a server while playing a video game. It’s not the only way to receive an invite but it is the most popular.
Read: How To Create an Invite Link in Discord
The second option is almost as popular as the first, especially now that streamers and small businesses use it regularly. It’s a great alternative to the more pricey options when you all want to jump into a game with voice comms that your whole crew can use easily.
Server Guidelines To Live By
- No matter which server you join, you should read any channel rules or regulations they may have. It’s best to knock this out initially and avoid getting muted, kicked, or banned from the server. The same can be said for chatting. Use common sense and avoid pissing people off, especially if you enjoy playing with those guys.
- For the love of God, don’t spam. It’s incredibly annoying to most people who use Discord. Some even find it to be a bannable offense. Though you’re behind a keyboard, remember that real people are on the other side of the screen. Show the proper respect.
- Just because there are voice channels doesn’t mean you need to use them. If you find yourself more comfortable with text chatting or just a creeper who prefers to read everyone else’s chats, feel free to do so. So long as you’re not bothering anyone and adhere to the server rules.
- If you want to use voice chat, be courteous to everyone else using it. Use push-to-talk instead of leaving your mic open. No one wants to listen to you chew your food, clickety-clack on your new mechanical keyboard, or hear the arguments in the background.
- If you are harassed, block those users and report them to the server staff. Block users who are bothering you or harassing you. You don’t need other people’s negativity in your life. If the staff are those harassing you, you’re better off finding a new server.
How To Join a Discord Server
Now we’re at the good part. How to find a server and join it. The steps are relatively simple:
- As discussed previously, the only way to join a Discord server is to navigate to a specific website address called an invitation URL. A friend can provide an invitation link, or you can browse for one in a server list from sites like https://discordlist.net or https://www.discord.me.
- Once you find the invitation URL, you’ll want to click on it, or, in the case you’ve copied one to your clipboard, you can paste it into your browser’s address bar and be whisked away to the server itself.
- The first time you enter the server, you must type in your name or handle. This will be how you’re identified for as long as you want it to be on this server. This name can be different from your DiscordTag, so don’t be afraid to mix it up if you want. However, it’s probably best to stick to whatever name you used when invited so those on the server may recognize you easily.
- Once a name has been chosen, click Continue, and you’ll be logged in to the server. You can begin interacting with the various channels available by double-clicking on one.
- Discord will ask you to use your microphone when you attempt to join a voice-chat channel. Click Accept to allow Discord to use your mic if you plan on conversing with everyone else. You won’t need to use a microphone if you just plan to listen in though you’re more likely to build rapport if you’re being heard.
