Telegram vs Discord: How the Web3 Communities Act Differently

  • Rosie Hathaway
  • May 7, 2023

Telegram? Discord? What are they?

Telegram and Discord are both popular messaging and communication platforms that have been adopted by many communities, including those in the Web3 and cryptocurrency space. While both platforms have their own unique features and strengths, there are also some notable differences in how these communities use and interact on each platform.

What’s the difference?

One of the main differences between Telegram and Discord is the level of anonymity and privacy that each platform provides. Telegram is known for its end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, which make it a popular choice for users who value privacy and security. Discord, on the other hand, is less focused on privacy and instead emphasizes community building and group collaboration.

Another difference between Telegram and Discord is the way that communities are organized and moderated. Telegram groups are typically organized around specific topics or interests, and are usually moderated by a small group of administrators.

Discord servers, on the other hand, are more like online communities or forums, with multiple channels dedicated to different topics and a larger number of moderators.

Using social media for Web3 marketing

Social media marketing is becoming increasingly important for Web3 projects. It allows these projects to reach a wide audience and build a community around their project.

One of the main benefits of social media marketing for Web3 is the ability to increase brand awareness and visibility. Social media platforms like Twitter, Telegram, and Discord are great places to share updates, news, and insights about your project.

By actively engaging with your audience, you can build a loyal following and establish your project as a reputable and trustworthy brand.

Social media marketing can also help crypto projects with community building. By providing a platform for people to discuss, share and learn about your project and its ecosystem, you can create a strong sense of community around your project. This can be particularly beneficial for projects that are decentralized, as it allows them to build a community of users who can contribute to the development, growth, and adoption of the project.

Among many social media, we have chosen Telegram and Discord as the most notable examples since they have clearly separated use cases yet essential for most Web3 communities. Let us analyze these two further.

How the Web3 communities act differently

In terms of the crypto communities, Telegram is more frequently used as a way to share news, analysis and updates on different projects, while Discord is more used as a social platform where people can discuss and share their thoughts on different topics. Telegram groups often have thousands of members, while Discord servers are usually smaller, with a more intimate and engaged community.

As for Telegram, many cryptocurrency projects have official Telegram groups where they share updates and news about their project, such as new partnerships, updates to the roadmap, and upcoming events. These groups are often moderated by the project team and can have thousands of members. For example, the official Telegram group for the cryptocurrency project, Solana, has over 65,000 members. Some cryptocurrency traders also use Telegram groups to share their trading insights, charts, and strategies. These groups are often moderated by experienced traders and analysts. Benjamin Cowen’s Telegram group, Into the Cryptoverse, is one such case.

Discord servers, on the other hand, are often used by cryptocurrency communities as a social platform for discussion and engagement. These servers can have multiple channels dedicated to different topics, such as price speculation, technical analysis, and general discussion. They also often have a smaller number of members compared to Telegram groups. For example, a popular Discord server for Ethereum has around 37,000 members. That is why Discord servers are used as a way to connect with a smaller, more intimate community. Some projects have a Discord server where they have a close-knit community of developers, investors, and early adopters, who discuss and share thoughts on the project’s progress and future direction.

So which to choose?

Both Telegram and Discord have their own unique features and strengths, and different communities may prefer one platform over the other depending on their specific needs and goals. For those who value privacy and security, Telegram may be the better choice, while those who prioritize community building and collaboration may prefer Discord. Or better yet, create both!