even led to some of the world’s most popular apps building homes on the platform, like Midjourney’s Gen AI app for creating artwork and imagery and Memrise’s language- learning app, which has more than 65 million users around the world. Through an open - and free to use - API, developers are
provided with not only the right tools to get started with new ideas, but also the space for creativity that will turn these ideas into a reality for other users to enjoy. As a platform grows, so too can its ability to empower
developers to build entirely new things. Thanks to our new Embedded App SDK, developers can build not only approachable and familiar chat bots, but also entire immersive new games and experiences directly within an iframe. We’re unlocking the potential for even richer, more interactive games and social experiences that Discord users want and love. Elements like our open API and Embedded App SDK
are all part of our mission to grow the Discord into the best place for developers to do it all, whatever stage of their journey they are at. In 2023, we also kicked off our annual Discord
App Pitches competition, offering funding to Discord Developers to make their app dreams a reality. The competition allows developers to pitch their prototypes to a panel of judges for the chance to win. This year, category winners were announced in June, with the Grand Prize Winner crowned just last month and who received up to $30,000 (US). With all this said, we’re aware putting the right tools
in the hands of developers is only the first step in helping them to grow.
BRINGING THE ECONOMY TO THE DEVELOPER Sustainability is key. Development is not free; building, hosting, maintaining, and updating excellent experiences costs both time and money. Many developers rely on external subscription services from loyal fans to finance this, but often find themselves with new challenges and jobs to be done that aren’t creating and innovating, like becoming payments experts. Developers should be able to make money from their
hard work and creativity, allowing them to continue funding their passions. The platforms on which they build can drive that success by offering solutions tailor- made to their developers’ needs. Long-term growth and sustainability is easier to achieve with in-house solutions supported by the online platforms themselves. Last year, we introduced Premium App Subscriptions to
developers in the US, UK, and European Union. Eligible developers can sell subscriptions to their app natively on the platform, as well as get access to more than just
“We’re unlocking the potential for even richer, more interactive games and social experiences that Discord users want and love”
payment tools. Coming soon, we’ll also be adding support for developers to offer multiple subscription tiers. Plus, to provide users and developers with greater flexibility, we have now introduced one-time purchases, offering developers more control over exactly what they offer and for how much. With our native payment solutions, developers unlock
a Premium tab on their App Directory page, a storefront to showcase all of their offerings, as well as contextual purchase points throughout Discord; supporting a user’s favourite app is seamless. To help developers grow successful businesses, we’re
now taking our commitment to developers to new heights. In June, we introduced a new “Growth” Tier to our platform with the goal of better supporting up-and-coming developers on Discord. What does this mean exactly? With this new tier, we’ve reduced Discord’s platform fee, from 30% to 15%, for any developer team’s first $1M (USD) in cumulative gross sales. This provides an opportunity for developers to get started with their business, foster creativity, and boost their profitability when it matters most. Whether it’s enhanced moderation abilities or increased
usage for generative AI features, developers can offer whatever makes sense for their app, at their own price. With Discord handling the customer service side of payments, developers can focus on what they do best – creating fun and engaging new experiences for everyone.
CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY Many online platforms wouldn’t be where they are today without working with, and scaling for, third-party developers. Developers are proactively building experiences that help create many of the unique apps that shape how millions of people spend time online with their friends. This is why it’s important to ensure developers are
being given the right support and opportunities to scale. Online platforms should allow them to grow their own audiences, and nurture the transformation of their passions into careers. With the host platforms embracing and providing this necessary level of support, developers can be left to build their skills, push boundaries, and create new experiences that delight the world.
August/September 2024 MCV/DEVELOP | 39
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