Discord is expanding access to its recently launched in-app shop for virtual goods, allowing all users to purchase cosmetic enhancements for their profiles and avatars.

Previously limited to Nitro premium subscribers, the shop is unlocked for all users starting today.

Shop offerings

The shop within the Discord app offers avatar decorations like fantasy costumes and props to overlay on profile pictures, as well as attention-grabbing profile effects like fluttering cherry blossoms and shattering glass animations.

Expansion

While Nitro subscribers will get discounts on shop items, the expansion opens Discord's digital goods revenue stream beyond its premium members.

The company is betting users will embrace opportunities to customize profiles within its highly social chat app.

Monetization path

Discord follows a monetization path that avoids brand-damaging advertising, instead using premium subscriptions and virtual goods.

This approach has proven extremely lucrative for gaming hits like Fortnite, demonstrating the value users place on aesthetic customizations for virtual identities.

Enticing free users

For Discord, the shop offers another way to entice free users to its $2.99 and $9.99 monthly Nitro tiers, which offer enhanced uploads, streaming, emojis, and profile perks.

Discord may eventually help its community profit from its platform by enabling them to sell their digital creations.

Community-first ethos

As social apps from Instagram to X double down on in-feed ads, Discord stays true to its community-first ethos while crafting revenue streams its passionate users value.

With its new open-to-all virtual goods shop, the company is banking stylish custom avatars and profiles that will outshine any allure of targeted ads.

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