Discord’s CTO Shares Insights on ‘Enshittification’: A Must-Hear for Tech Leaders

Discord users are feeling anxious. Rumors are swirling that the company may go public this year and rely more on advertising revenue. Many worry that these changes could negatively impact the community. Co-founder and CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy shares these concerns.

In a recent interview with Engadget, Vishnevskiy mentioned that Discord’s team often discusses worries about keeping users satisfied. He understands why people are concerned. “The things people fear can set great companies apart from others,” he said.

Indeed, there are reasons for long-time Discord users to be cautious. One major change is the introduction of ads. Since 2015, Discord has steered clear of advertising, but that changed in March 2024 when ads began appearing on the desktop and console apps. Mobile users now see video ads, and there’s a new feature called Orbs. Users can earn these by clicking on ads and then trade them for in-game rewards. Discord is also considering expanding its advertising deals with more companies.

There’s also speculation about Discord going public. Following CEO Jason Citron’s departure in April, Humam Sakhnini took over. He has experience with public companies like Activision Blizzard. When asked about the IPO plans, Citron said there were “no specific plans,” but hiring Sakhnini seemed to hint at future changes. Vishnevskiy wouldn’t comment on the IPO during his interview.

In light of these developments, Vishnevskiy is paying close attention to the potential for “enshittification,” a term that reflects the decline of user experience in pursuit of profit. He emphasizes the need for careful monetization strategies. “Building a strong business is crucial, but we must be thoughtful about how we achieve that,” he noted.

It’s interesting to see changes unfolding at Discord. Although some view ads as a negative shift, the current ad placement is less intrusive. They appear in sidebars, only expanding when clicked, and users can earn rewards through engagement.

This scenario isn’t unique to Discord. Many platforms face similar challenges to balance monetization with user satisfaction. A 2022 survey found that 68% of users felt that excessive ads degrade their online experience. Platforms must tread carefully, lest they alienate their loyal user base.

As Discord navigates these crossroads, it could shape the landscape of online communities. Social media is always evolving, and user reactions can drive changes. Keeping an eye on how Discord responds to its users will be key to its future success.

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