Discord has recently announced that it will be removing the four-digit tag that follows its usernames. The reason behind this change is to make connecting with other users on the platform easier. As explained in a blog post by Discord, this change means that most users will need to change their usernames, as the four-number tag that previously distinguished one person with the same username from another will no longer exist.
Instead of having a four-number discriminator appended to usernames, users will now have a unique alphanumeric username that is preceded by the “@” symbol. Additionally, users will now be able to choose a non-unique display name that can include special characters, spaces, emojis, and non-Latin characters. This makes Discord more similar to mainstream social networks such as Twitter and Instagram and less like the gaming platform it started out as.
Unfortunately, this means that every user on Discord will need to select a new username. Discord has stated that users will be able to update their usernames gradually over the coming weeks, and the platform will notify users when they are able to do so. Discord has also stated that it will prioritize longtime users, meaning that the longer a user has been on the platform, the sooner they will be able to choose a new name.
Discord has also noted that previous usernames and discriminators will still work as aliases after the removal of the numerical tag. This means that friends can still find each other under their old usernames. This change comes after usernames on the platform became too complicated or obscure to memorize and share with friends.
While this change may be difficult for some users, Discord assures everyone that they will manage the transition as smoothly as possible. In a blog post, Discord co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy writes, “We recognize that this is a big change. There may be hiccups with this process, and it may be tough to part ways with that ‘#0001’ that’s meant a lot to you over the years. We’ll be doing everything we can to manage things as smoothly as possible.”
