The Benefits of Creating Paid Subscription Access for Discord Communities

Discord was originally designed as a platform for gamers, but it’s evolved exponentially. Now, it’s popular for very diverse communities of every kind. Its real-time voice, video, and text chat features offer interactive and user-friendly ways for people to connect, collaborate, and share interests.

For people who run servers on Discord, creating paid subscription communities can be hugely beneficial. Owners of communities can monetize the value they add, offering unmatched community perks like exclusive content, resources, and experiences in exchange for a subscription fee. Paid subscriptions not only provide additional value to subscribers but also help support the ongoing maintenance and growth of the server.

We’ve helped tens of thousands of Discord communities launch pay-to-access services. Here’s what we’ve learned about industries and types of groups that are perfect for this model and the value they’ve provided to drive growth, from gaming communities to niche hobby enthusiasts and beyond.

Before we dive in, in you’re considering a pay-to-access community on Discord but aren’t sure how to start, book a free call with our team for advice on best practices.

Gaming Communities:

Paid subscription access to Discord servers can enhance the experience for gamers. Your subscribers can enjoy a number of benefits:

• Exclusive access to strategy discussions, walkthroughs, and tips to improve skills.
• Beta testing opportunities, giveaways, and game-related discounts: Gamers get a chance to try out new games before the general public and enjoy special deals and rewards that save them money on gaming purchases.
• Building a strong community of like-minded gamers: Subscribers can connect with others who share their enthusiasm, exchange ideas, and create lasting connections within a dedicated and supportive environment.

Professional Networking Groups:

For professionals, private pay-to-access Discord communities can hold significant advantages to subscribers:

• Networking opportunities with the right industry professionals: From connecting with experts and thought leaders, to meeting potential mentors in their chosen fields, to uncovering valuable insights and collaboration opportunities.
• Exclusive job postings and career development resources: Access to a curated selection of job openings and career resources, available exclusively to subscribers, can help members discover new opportunities.
• Strengthening connections and expanding professional networks: By engaging with fellow subscribers in a focused environment, members can forge meaningful connections, strengthen existing relationships, and expand their professional networks, which can lead to future opportunities and collaborations.

Fitness and Wellness Communities:

Fitness and Wellness communities have exploded over many platforms, and Discord is no exception. Discord servers focused on fitness and wellness are rife with opportunities for creating subscription-based access, and can offer numerous benefits to those looking to improve their health and well-being:

• Personalized workout plans and nutrition guidance: From personalized and customized workout routines, to nutrition advice tailored to their individual goals, fitness levels, and dietary preferences, you can help subscribers achieve their health objectives more effectively.
• Access to certified trainers and health experts for advice: Offering members direct access to fitness professionals and health experts who can answer questions, provide guidance, and offer support as they pursue fitness and wellness goals.
• Building a supportive community focused on health and wellness: A paid subscription fosters a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals, working together to achieve set and achieve goals, celebrate accomplishments, and provide encouragement along the way.

Language Learning Groups:

Discord is a great platform to facilitate learning a language. Communities dedicated to this can offer a super effective way to better people’s learning experience — one that people are willing to pay for. Subscribers can gain access to a variety of valuable resources, including:

• Practice sessions with native speakers, which allows for real-life language practice, improving fluency and understanding of cultural nuances.
• Access to exclusive language learning resources and materials: Carefully curated learning resources, such as textbooks, videos, and audio recordings, can help accelerate language learning.
• An immersive and interactive learning environment: The interactive nature of Discord provides an immersive and engaging experience, fostering faster language acquisition through engaging conversations and activities with fellow language learners.

Software Development Communities:

Software development communities that offer subscription-based access can provide numerous benefits for developers. More interactive than other platforms, developers and engineers can connect in a private, moderated space, with benefits like:

• Premium coding tutorials, resources, mentorships, and more: Subscribers gain access to high-quality learning materials and tutorials, as well as the opportunity to receive mentorship from more experienced developers, helping to fast-track skill development and career growth (and solve problems faster)
• Collaboration opportunities: Members can collaborate on projects, establish teams via community connections, and kickstart exciting new ventures.
• Networking with other engineers and industry experts: With access to other developers as well as experts in the field, subscribers can expand their networks, be in the know on the latest technologies and trends, and discover new opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.

Creative Communities (writers, artists, musicians, etc.):

Subscribing to a paid Discord server for creative communities can offer numerous benefits, helping members grow and thrive in their respective fields, as well as allowing creators to sell their content:

• Workshops, critiques, and collaboration opportunities: Members can join exclusive workshops, get feedback constructive on their work, and collaborate with other individuals, fostering growth and skill development.
• Monetize exclusive content: Creators can build their own exclusive communities for their audiences, providing subscription access to content not available to non-members.
• Exclusive access to industry professionals and resources: Members can gain access to experienced professionals who can provide advice and guidance, and navigate the challenges of their creative fields.
• Building community among creators and fans: A paid subscription can foster community between creators and fans, sharing their experiences, ideas, and inspiration.

Travel Enthusiasts:

Travel enthusiasts have long been providing value to fellow travelers on platforms like blogs, YoutTube, and more. Providing subscription access to travel communities on Discord is the perfect way to easily monetize audiences and provide value for those passionate about exploring the world.

• Insider travel tips and destination recommendations: Exclusive travel advice from those who have been there and done that, recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations, and tips and tricks for making the most of your travels.
• Exclusive access to discounts: Provide fellow travel enthusiasts with discounts they can’t get anywhere else, whether through partnerships, giveaways, or other perks.
• Advice and support network: Members can connect with other experienced travelers, share their own experiences, find travel companions, and more.
• Discovering hidden gems and making new travel friends: A paid subscription helps create a tight-knit community of travel enthusiasts who can share their favorite hidden gems and travel stories.

Parenting and Family Support Groups:

Offer a secure, organized, and customizable space for members to connect and share information on parenting and family life.

• Access to parenting resources, expert advice, and workshops: Be the trusted source for a wealth of resources and workshops designed to help members navigate the challenges of raising children.
• Exclusive community events and activities for families: Members can participate in family-friendly events and activities that provide opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories.
• Building a supportive network of like-minded parents: A paid subscription fosters a community of parents who can share their experiences, offer encouragement, and provide support in the parenting journey.

Investment Clubs and Financial Communities:

Joining a paid Discord server for investment clubs and financial communities can provide numerous benefits for those looking to grow their wealth and investment knowledge:

• Stock picks, financial advice, and market insights from experts: Subscribers gain access to expert stock recommendations, financial advice, and insights into market trends, helping them make informed investment decisions.
• Collaboration and support from a network of experienced investors: Members can collaborate with other investors, sharing knowledge, strategies, and experiences to improve their investment acumen.
• Staying ahead of market trends and optimizing investment strategies: A paid subscription keeps members informed about the latest market developments and offers strategies for optimizing their investments.

Education and Learning Communities:

Whether you sell courses, offer professional workshops, or beyond, a paid Discord server enables you to provide an exclusive experience to subscribers with:

• Access to exclusive learning content, from high-quality educational resources to workshops and personalized learning experiences.
• Study groups and mentorship opportunities: Members can join study groups, seek and achieve mentorship, and get personal support.
• Enhancing learning experiences with an interactive and engaged community of people.

Personal Development Groups:

Joining a paid Discord server for personal development groups can provide numerous benefits for those looking to improve themselves:

• Goal-setting workshops, accountability partners, and resources: Subscribers can participate in workshops to set and track personal goals, find accountability partners, and access resources to help them achieve their objectives.
• Expert-led webinars and discussions on personal growth topics: Members gain access to expert-led sessions covering various personal development topics, providing valuable insights and guidance.
• Exclusive access to life coaching, 1-on-1 sessions, personalized plans, and more.

Niche Hobby and Interest Groups:

All types of hobby-specific servers exist on Discord. The more successful ones have found ways to attract big audiences of paying subscribers by offering:

• Advice, resources, and tutorials from the experts, in anything from knitting to crafting, woodworking to engineering, and beyond.
• Exclusive events, workshops, and opportunities to connect with others who share the same interests: Members can participate in exclusive events and workshops tailored to their interests, allowing them to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Building a passionate community of hobbyists and enthusiasts: A paid subscription fosters a dedicated community of individuals who share a passion for their chosen hobby, offering support, inspiration, and friendship.

Conclusion

There are limitless opportunities for creating pay-to-access subscription communities on Discord, from gaming communities and professional networking groups to niche hobby and interest groups.

Paid communities can provide significant value to their members, who can unlock a wealth of exclusive resources, valuable connections, and personalized support tailored to their interests or industries. And, those who run these communities are able to monetize their passion and build viable businesses around them.

If you’re interested in learning more about launching your own paid community on Discord, check out LaunchPass today.