Discord’s new currency pays users to interact with ads

Discord is beta testing “Discord Orbs,” a new in-app currency that can be redeemed for digital items, Discord SVP of product Peter Sellis announced in an email to The Verge. Users earn Orbs by completing the app’s promotional Quests, Discord’s initiative that rewards participants who interact with advertiser content like videos or stream specific games to friends.

In addition to spending Orbs on regular items on the Discord Shop, users can exchange the digital tokens for Orb exclusives like special badges or 3-day passes to try out Discord’s subscription service, Discord Nitro. Discord says Orbs are rolling out globally to a “small number” of its users to start before a wider rollout. If you’re part of the beta test for Orbs, you will get a notification like the one below.

Before this, publishers or brands that offered Quests had to provide their own rewards — things like avatar decorations or in-game bonuses. They can still do that if they want, Discord spokesperson Bradley Sheets tells The Verge in an email; awarding Orbs is simply an alternative option.