Discord messages on Google will soon be a reality. From mid-December, public messages from Discoverable servers will appear in Google and other search engines. Anyone can find them, even without a Discord account.
What Is Changing on Discord?
Discord is opening up message content from Discoverable public servers to the open web. Until now, you mostly had to be inside Discord to read these chats. Soon, a simple web search can lead to a public Discord message.
On or Off by Default?
The setting is ON by default in most regions. It is OFF by default in the EU, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and South Korea.
How to Opt Out
You can keep your messages out of search results in three steps:
- Open User Settings in Discord.
- Go to Data & Privacy.
- Turn off “Show my message content from Discoverable channels on web pages.”
Discord explains how its message search works on its help page.
Quick Tips to Protect Your Online Privacy
- Check your Discord privacy settings today.
- Avoid sharing personal details in public channels.
- Remember that public messages can be copied or screenshotted.
- Tell friends and server members about the new setting.
What Stays Private?
Private servers, direct messages, and group DMs are not included. Usernames and avatars will not show next to indexed messages. Still, the words you post in a public channel can be read by anyone.
Why It Matters
This is good news for community owners, because helpful posts may bring in new visitors from search. It is a privacy risk for regular users who post without thinking. To learn how rankings work, see Google’s guide on how search works. Check your settings before mid-December.
