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Discord explores virtual rewards for its ad product as it prepares for apotential IPO
Discord is experimenting with a virtual reward system called 'Orbs' to boost user engagement with interactive ads ahead of a potential IPO. Users earn Orbs by completing advertiser-sponsored 'Quests,' which allows them to redeem exclusive items in Discord's Shop, potentially attracting non-subscribers to try Nitro subscriptions.
Key points
- Discord is launching 'Orbs' to reward user engagement with interactive ads.
- Users earn Orbs by completing 'Quests,' which involve watching product videos or playing games.
- Orbs can be redeemed for digital items like Nitro credits and avatars from Discord's Shop.
- The initiative aims to demonstrate a viable ad business as Discord prepares for a potential IPO.
- Over the past year, 70 Quests achieved a 10% acceptance rate with millions of rewards distributed.
- Currently, Orbs is being tested with a small group of users, with plans for a global rollout.
Why it matters
- Discord's initiative reflects a broader trend of virtual rewards and gamification in digital advertising.
- The move aligns with increasing competition in the social media and gaming space to retain user engagement.
- As companies prepare for IPOs, showcasing innovative advertising models is crucial for attracting investors.
Discord's introduction of Orbs is a strategic step to enhance engagement and revenue potential as it gears up for an IPO, showcasing how gamification and virtual rewards are becoming vital in digital advertising.