Discord, the popular gaming-focused voice and chat app, is set to introduce mobile ads to its platform in June 2025. The company has announced a mobile pilot for Video Quests, a feature that allows users to earn rewards such as avatar decorations and in-game items by watching video ads.

The move marks a significant expansion of Discord's advertising platform, which was initially launched on PC and consoles last year. According to Peter Sellis, Discord's product leader, the expansion is a "natural evolution" of the company's strategy to create a "player-centric advertising platform." The new mobile ads will provide brand partners with access to Discord's highly engaged, cross-platform mobile audience, creating new opportunities for businesses to connect with the community in meaningful ways.

The Video Quests ads will appear as a "Quest bar" at the bottom of the screen, which can be dismissed or tapped on to open the dedicated Quest tab. The full-screen videos will only play if a user chooses to accept the Quest, ensuring that the ads are not intrusive. Additionally, users will have the option to hide in-app promotions for specific Quests or opt out of personalized promotions, although it is unclear if these options will be available for mobile users.

Discord's introduction of mobile ads comes amid rumors that the company is preparing to launch an initial public offering (IPO). The company was last valued at roughly $15 billion by private investors in 2021, and had reportedly discussed a $10 billion acquisition deal with Microsoft that same year that ultimately didn't materialize.

It's worth noting that Discord had previously gained a reputation for being an ad-free platform, relying on user subscriptions to generate revenue. The introduction of Video Quests last year marked a significant shift in the company's monetization strategy. The expansion to mobile devices is likely to further increase revenue for the company, which could be a key factor in its potential IPO.

The implications of Discord's mobile ad expansion are significant, particularly in the gaming industry. As the platform continues to grow, it's likely that more brands will look to tap into its engaged user base. The success of Video Quests on mobile devices could also pave the way for other gaming platforms to adopt similar advertising models.

In conclusion, Discord's introduction of mobile ads with Video Quests marks a significant milestone in the company's evolution. As the platform continues to expand its advertising capabilities, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new feature and how it impacts the gaming industry as a whole.