Modal · Feature discovery
Discord's new feature modal is target audience-aware
Discord's What's New modal pairs a dated illustration and a list of new features with links to follow Discord on social media for more updates.
Screenshot added to the library in November 2022; its exact capture date wasn’t recorded, and the product may look different today. Write-up reviewed 22 Oct 2026.
At the time of the screenshot, Discord opened with a new feature modal headed "What's New" and dated October 4, 2021. Under an illustration of Discord's cartoon characters, a "New Features" list leads with a bold summary ("Upload a different avatar for every server.") followed by a playful explanation. The footer holds Twitter, Facebook and Instagram icons with the line "Follow us for more updates!"
Why it works
✅ Aware of its audience: Discord's users tend to spend time on other social platforms too, so pointing them to Discord's own channels gives the update a life outside the app.
✅ On-brand visual: the illustration uses Discord's own art style and colour palette, which makes the announcement feel familiar rather than like an interruption.
✅ Good copy and formatting: each item starts with a bold one-line summary, so users can skim the list and read on only where it interests them.
More on this pattern: new feature onboarding and UI modals.
