Discord users will have the chance to get free Nitro by interacting with advertisements, which will net them a new currency called ‘Orbs.’
Popular games-focused communication app Discord is free for anyone, but users can pay to get an upgraded account with ‘Nitro.’
Discord Nitro grants users special upgrades like custom emojis, icons and video backgrounds, as well as increasing the file size limit for sharing images and enhancing broadcasts with HD streaming quality.
Generally, people have to pay real money to get these upgrades with Nitro — but the site is now allowing users to bypass their wallet and pay with their time, instead.
Discord users can get Nitro for free with a new digital currency called ‘Orbs.’
Discord introduces ‘Orbs’ to help users get Nitro features without spending real money
On May 28, 2025, Discord announced that it is beta-testing a new digital currency called ‘Discord Orbs.’
Orbs can be earned by completing ‘Quests.’ These ‘Quests’ will entail watching certain shows, videos or even playing specific, advertiser-backed games. Occasionally, Quests will appear in a pop-up at the corner of your screen.
Previously, these Quests would only reward users with specific content themed around the game or show they were watching (i.e., Marvel Rivals giving out animated, character-specific profile pictures from the game).
Now, users can spend their Orbs on whatever they please, although advertisers can still give out special treats specific to their own properties if they so choose.
DiscordDiscord users can complete Quests to get Orbs, which they can spend on Shop exclusives like Nitro passes, badges and more.
These Orbs can be spent in Discord’s Shop to claim exclusive content like Nitro Credits, a profile badge, special Avatar Decorations, and special Profile Effects without providing a credit card or other real-world payment info.
However, users cannot buy Partner-branded shop items, gifts, or recurring Nitro or Boosting subscriptions with Orbs.
Discord says that Orbs are now rolling out to a “small number of users globally,” with many more to come very soon. Those who are chosen will receive a special notification upon opening the app, which gives a brief explanation of the Orb system.
Discord / The VergeThis latest change comes after Discord brought on former Activision Blizzard vice chairman Humam Sakhnini as CEO after the brand’s co-founder, Jason Citron, stepped down from the role earlier this year.
The platform is also introducing another “experimental” new feature, which scans users’ faces to verify their ages. This is currently only in use in Australia and the UK.
