Here's how to use Discord.
Getting started on Discord is easy.
If you're using a desktop, navigate to Discord.com.
On the landing page, you'll be prompted to either
download the desktop app
or log in to the web platform.
The desktop version has more features,
and clicking on "Download" will prompt you
to save the installation file to your computer.
If you just want to launch via your browser,
click "Open in browser" and follow the prompts
to sign up or log in.
If you're on your smartphone,
search for Discord in the app store
and install the official app from Discord Inc.
Back on the desktop, launch the downloaded installer
and follow the simple prompts to get the program installed.
Once the install runs, your app is ready.
Just sign in with your account.
If you're new to Discord, click "Register"
and follow the prompts.
As this is your first time signing in,
you should see a prompt to get a guided tutorial
through the features.
Starting on the left, you'll see a large plus button.
This is the key to starting and joining conversations.
This will open the server's prompt,
where you can create a new server
or join an existing one.
Each server is a broad chat room
that can host subgroups and private messages.
Let's start with creating a server.
Here, you can give it a name and icon.
Hit "Create," and your server is live.
Now that the server is live,
you can explore the structure.
On the right, you'll see the server members.
On the left, you'll see channels.
These are the subgroups that are used
for various conversations.
The small plus button above it
allows you to create new channels
and choose whether it's a text or a voice chat.
Hovering over the #general channel
allows you to create an invite to share with others.
If you're already friends with someone on Discord,
you can directly invite them by clicking their profile.
So, at this point you've created a server,
but you can also join others.
Searching for a topic will show a variety of public servers.
In this case, we'll request to join
the Official Fortnite one.
You'll need to request an invitation from a server
before you can join it.
Once approved, you can explore this Fortnite page
and see how a populated server looks.
On the left, there is a large collection
of dedicated channels for specific topics and conversations,
and on the right, a list of the server moderators,
game staff, and a general list of all members.
You can also see what some activities people are up to.
On the left, you will find the icons
of the servers that you join.
Clicking on those will switch you over
to that server and its channels.
Let's return to the home page and customize
some of Discord's settings.
On the bottom left next to your username and icon
are a mic, headphone, and cog button.
The cog button will launch our settings.
There are a number of options users can customize,
including privacy and security,
voice and video-chat preferences, and more.
One of the most used features
on Discord is its voice chat.
Here, you can make sure your microphone is being picked up
and choose whether you want your mic always on
or only when you press a button.
The Discord web app
has nearly identical layout and features,
and the mobile app retains the core features
of the platform, including server channels,
voice talk, and friend interactions.