Digital communities are a vital part of modern society, connecting people from all over the world who share similar interests, passions, and goals. These communities are a source of inspiration, support, and collaboration, whether online or offline.
During the pandemic, I've connected with like-minded individuals passionate about pop culture, anime and cozy gaming through applications such as Discord and Twitch.
Through digital communities, I've been able to provide a space for folks to share ideas, knowledge and experiences and offer a sense of belonging.
Ever since I've been able to grow my own community and be passionate about creating opportunities to connect.
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Building Connections Beyond the Screen: How I Grew A Digital Community through Discord
I began Twitch streaming in 2020 and wanted to build a community beyond the platform. I knew that Discord was a popular tool for fostering online communities, so I created a server for my viewers and friends.
At first, the server was small, with only a handful of members. However, I was determined for my Discord to grow and make it a vibrant and active community.
Strategies I Used To Grow My Discord 👾
Engaging with my audience: I focused on engaging with my viewers on Twitch and the Discord Server. I ensured I was active on the server and created channels with topics I generally enjoyed, such as anime.
Creating Valuable Content: I made content that would keep members engaged. This included hosting community events such as movie nights, playing co-op games and sharing my podcast.
Collaboration: I quickly made friends with other Twitch streamers with similar interests and audiences. We worked together to cross-promote our channels. For example, we played co-op games together while we were streaming.
Patience and Persistence: I continued engaging with members and creating valuable content, even when the server was small and it felt like slow growth. But I knew the community would eventually grow if I kept at it.
And it did. Over time, the server grew to over 150 members, becoming a thriving community of like-minded individuals. I was excited to see the connections that were made and the support that was offered. I’ve become so passionate about growing digital communities I’ve also written two blog posts on Flux, an online magazine in which I’ve held the role of student editor-in-chief in my last year of university.
Check them out here 👇
