Weekly Prompt: Discord mobile is getting ads and other news

Discord to introduce ads on mobile

Discord is set to launch ads on its mobile platform in June 2025, expanding its advertising business beyond desktop and console. The move will introduce “Video Quests,” which allow users to earn rewards such as avatar decorations and in-game items by watching video ads.

The ads will appear in a “Quest bar” at the bottom of the screen, which users can choose to dismiss or interact with. If a user opts in, the ad will open in a dedicated Quest tab and play in full-screen mode. Discord has confirmed that mobile users will have the same option as desktop users to hide specific in-app promotions or opt out of personalised advertising.

The company introduced Quests on PC and consoles in 2024, featuring both Video Quests and Play Quests—the latter rewarding users for completing in-game challenges. Advertisers have used the format to promote major gaming franchises, including Diablo, Street Fighter, World of Warcraft, and Genshin Impact. Other brands, such as streaming service Max, have also used it to showcase film and television trailers.

Discord, which has over 200 million active users, has historically relied on subscriptions for revenue but is now expanding its ad model. The company generated $31 million in mobile revenue last year, 66% of which came from the United States. The introduction of mobile ads comes amid speculation that Discord is preparing for a public listing, with the company last valued at approximately $15 billion.

Sources: Engadget, MediaPost, The Verge

Additional prompts

WhatsApp tests Spotify music sharing in status updates. WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to share Spotify music in their Status updates. The update will generate a preview displaying the song or album’s cover art, along with the track and artist name. Users will also have four background colour options based on the dominant tones in the cover art.

Viewers of the Status update will see a “Play on Spotify” button, enabling direct access to the song. The feature, similar to Instagram’s music sharing, is currently in testing and has not yet been officially announced by WhatsApp. Read more on Social Media Today

Meta AI rolls out in Europe with limited features. Meta is launching its AI chatbot in Europe nearly a year after pausing its rollout due to regulatory concerns. Starting this week, Meta AI will be available on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger across 41 European countries and 21 overseas territories.

The European version will be limited to text-based chat, allowing users to brainstorm ideas, plan trips, or ask questions using web-sourced information. Unlike in the US, users in Europe cannot generate or edit images, and the model is not trained on EU user data. Meta says it will continue working with regulators to expand features over time. Read more on The Verge

Snapchat expands AR Spectacles Features. Snapchat has announced new features for its AR Spectacles, introducing GPS-powered overlays, multiplayer AR experiences, and enhanced developer tools. The updates include location-based effects such as real-time directional overlays and interactive AR games like Peridot Beyond, which allows users to see and interact with virtual pets in a shared session. Additional functionality includes a holographic basketball coach that tracks shooting accuracy, an AR keyboard, improved hand tracking, and new Lens unlocking processes.

Snapchat is also launching Spectacles Community Challenges, offering over $20,000 in monthly prizes for developers who create or update AR Lenses. While the latest Spectacles remain exclusive to approved developers through the Spectacles Developer Program—which costs $99 per month—Snapchat is continuing to expand its AR ecosystem. However, there is no indication of when or if the glasses will be made available to the general public. Read more on Social Media Today