Discord has become one of the most popular communication platforms, especially among gamers. One of its standout features is the ability to share your screen with other users in a voice channel. Screen sharing allows you to showcase gameplay, collaborate on projects, troubleshoot issues, and more. Enabling screen share in Discord is easy, but does require a few steps. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start sharing your screen in Discord.
Prerequisites for Screen Sharing
Before you can share your screen in Discord, there are a couple of requirements your account and Discord server need to meet:
Discord Account Requirements
Your Discord account must be:
- A registered user account, not just an anonymized guest account
- Free from any active Community Guidelines violations that resulted in lost privileges
Discord Server Requirements
The Discord server must have:
- Screen share enabled by a server admin: Screen sharing is an optional feature that server admins can disable
- Appropriate user roles and permissions: Your roles and permissions must allow for screen sharing
As long as those requirements are met, you will be able to utilize screen sharing in that Discord server.
How to Start a Screen Share
When the prerequisites are out of the way, starting a screen share session is straightforward:
1. Join a Voice Channel
You can only screen share while connected to a voice channel, so start by joining any voice channel in the server.
2. Click the Screen Share Icon
In the voice channel UI at the bottom of the Discord window, click the Screen Share icon (it looks like two overlapping rectangles).
3. Select a Screen Source
A pop-up menu will appear allowing you to select a screen source to share:
- Entire Screen: Show everything visible on your monitor
- Application Window: Share only one open application window
- Chrome Tab: Share a Chrome browser tab
- Specific Monitor: If using a multi-monitor setup, pick one screen
4. Confirm Screen Share Settings
After picking a source, a confirmation popup appears allowing you to check sharing settings before going live. When ready, click the Start Sharing button and your selected screen will be shared live into the voice channel!
Screen Share Controls and Settings
While sharing your screen, a floating toolbar will be visible with various controls:
Pausing/Resuming
The two arrow buttons allow you to quickly pause a currently active screen share or resume a paused share. This avoids having to reselect a source and start over.
Switching Sources
If you want to swap shared screens mid-stream, use the Source drop down to select a different source and your ongoing share will dynamically transition screens.
Share Computer Audio
Check this option to share all audio playback coming from your computer, allowing others to hear app alerts, music, YouTube videos, etc.
Note: Copyrighted music played over screen share could potentially result in DMCA notices.
Advanced Settings
For advanced customization of frame rate, resolution, performance, and other options, click the arrow beside Advanced to tweak as needed.
Permissions and Restrictions
Discord allows server admins to configure specific user roles and categories with custom screen share permissions using the following options:
Server-Wide Permissions
Blanket allow or deny screen sharing on the entire server. Applies to all channels.
By Channel Category
Allow screen sharing only in designated channel categories. Applies to all roles.
By User Role
Choose which user roles have permission to utilize screen sharing. Applies globally across all channels. So permission for screen sharing can be granted server-wide, on a category basis, on a role basis, or through a combination depending on configurations.
Screen Share System Requirements
To utilize Discord’s screen sharing feature, your computer system must meet certain hardware, software, and network requirements:
Supported Operating Systems
Screen sharing is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux distributions like Ubuntu that meet the following version requirements:
Hardware Requirements
You’ll need a PC or laptop with:
- A dedicated GPU from Nvidia, AMD, or Intel
- At least 1GB of VRAM
- A dual-core 2.0 GHz CPU
- At least 8GB RAM
Network Requirements
Fast, low-latency internet speeds are also vital for good screen sharing performance:
- Wired connections preferred
- 10 Mbps upload speed minimum
- Low ping times
Upgrading outdated hardware or internet connections can improve screen quality and responsiveness.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you follow the steps but still can’t get screen sharing working properly in Discord, here are some common issues and fixes:
Can’t Find Screen Share Button
The screen share button may be hidden if the server or your account lacks required permissions. Ask a server admin to check your access levels.
Black Screen
A totally black screen usually means incompatible hardware/drivers. Update your GPU drivers and Discord client and check if your system meets specifications above.
Bad Performance
Low frame rates during screen shares typically stem from network constraints or insufficient PC resources. Try closing other apps to free up bandwidth, RAM, and GPU power for Discord. Still having problems? Reach out to Discord’s Support team by submitting a ticket.
Screen Share Etiquette
When screen sharing with others, keep in mind some basic etiquette around content and consent:
Seek Consent
Before sharing potentially sensitive screens, always ask attendees if it’s OK and avoid screen sharing spam.
Moderate Content
Don’t screen share graphic, disturbing, or explicit content unexpectedly that could violate Discord guidelines.
Value Privacy
Respect the privacy and consent of anyone visible on your screens before sharing into public channels. Following basic etiquette keeps screen sharing fun for all parties!
Conclusion
I hope this guide covered all the steps required to activate screen sharing within your Discord servers. It may seem complicated initially, but once the prerequisites are met, actually engaging screen share is seamless. Don’t hesitate to tweak the advanced settings to dial in performance quality. With the ability to broadcast your gameplay recordings, collaborate on projects, and explore the web together, screen sharing unlocks a whole new communication dynamic. So put these tips into play for your next gaming session, virtual hang out, or remote work meetup!
FAQs
Can I screen share on mobile?
Currently screen sharing is only available on the desktop Discord application. Mobile support has not yet been added.
Does screen sharing work on a VPN?
Using a VPN adds extra latency that can negatively impact share performance. For best results, avoid using a VPN while screen sharing.
Can multiple people share screens at once?
No, only one person can actively share their screen at a time in a single voice channel.
Does Discord screen share audio?
Audio sharing is optional – you can share system-wide audio or only share visually without any computer sounds.
Can I share videos during a screen share?
Yes, any video content visible on your screen will be included in your ongoing share. Just be mindful of copyright.
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