Discord is a VoIP and instant messaging social platform. Users have the ability to communicate with voice calls, video calls, text messaging, media and files in private chats or as part of communities called "servers". On Zwift, Discord is used to allow others to communicate during a ride without too much effort or using hands when needed for riding.
Not every group or event ride uses Discord but if they do, it should be posted in the event description or in the case of clubs and meetups, sent to the ride group prior to the scheduled ride. The Discord invite link will look something like this: https://discord.gg/qJq5c or https://discordd.gg/zwiftinsider.
Installing and Using Discord[]
All you need to get Discord working is the device to run it (your mobile phone or computer), a microphone, and speakers. A standalone phone will do the job, but isn’t ideal due to poor speakers and mic positioning. The most common setup is to run Discord on your mobile phone, using hardwired or Bluetooth earbuds with a built-in mic.
First, you need to install the app. Discord runs on mobile devices as well as Windows and Mac. Installation is simple: just search for “Discord” on your mobile device, or visit https://discordapp.com/ on your computer and click the link to download the app.
Second, you need to create an account (which is free). Just click on 'Register', enter your email and password.
Once you've successfully logged in, you'll want to enter the Discord invite link to join that server. Then click the 'Join Server' button and you'll be logged into that server. By default, Discord automatically places you in the text chat channel, which isn’t where you want to be. Click the hamburger menu (3 lines at top-left) to view all the channels on the server. Scroll down and pick a chat room under Cycling Chat Rooms, then click “Join Voice” to join the audio chat. Different Discord servers might have different options here but basically, you're trying to connect to the voice chat vs text chat. Once you see yourself on the list of other users in your chosen voice channel, you’re all done. As long as you have your microphone and earbuds/speakers hooked up correctly, you’re good to go.
Lastly, it's highly recommended that you change one of the voice settings input mode on Discord. Discord uses two voice input channel options: 'Push to Talk' and 'Voice Activation'. Push to Talk means that your voice is only transmitted when you push a button. Voice Activation means that as soon as your microphone picks up a sound, it will transmit. So unless you want everyone to hear your heavy breathing and noisy bike sounds, your voice input setting should be 'Push to Talk'. Voice Activation is the default setting.
