Hey there, music lovers and Discord aficionados! Ever wanted to liven up your Discord calls with some sweet tunes? Whether you’re gaming with friends, hosting a virtual party, or just chilling in a voice channel, music can really set the mood. In this guide, we'll walk you through several ways to play music in Discord calls, from using Discord music bots to streaming directly from your computer. So, grab your headphones, pick your favorite playlist, and let’s get started!

Why Add Music to Your Discord Calls?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly talk about why adding music to your Discord calls can be a game-changer. First off, music can create a more engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. Imagine you're playing a cooperative game, and the right soundtrack is pumping in the background. It elevates the entire experience, making victories feel sweeter and even defeats more bearable. Plus, music can help break the ice and get conversations flowing, especially in larger groups where not everyone knows each other well.

Think about it: a carefully curated playlist can set the theme for a virtual event or party. Want a chill vibe? Load up some lo-fi beats. Ready to get the energy going? Throw on some upbeat pop or electronic music. The possibilities are endless, and the impact can be significant. Not to mention, it’s just plain fun to share your favorite songs with your friends. Discovering new music together can be a bonding experience, and who knows, you might just introduce your friends to their new favorite artist.

Also, consider the practical side. Music can fill awkward silences and keep the conversation going, especially in longer calls. Instead of just sitting in silence while everyone focuses on their own thing, music can provide a backdrop that keeps everyone connected. And let's not forget the creative uses. Many Discord communities use music bots for interactive events like karaoke nights or music trivia games. These activities can boost engagement and make your server a more vibrant and active place. So, whether you're looking to enhance your gaming sessions, host a memorable event, or just share your love of music, adding music to your Discord calls is a fantastic idea.

Method 1: Using Discord Music Bots

The most popular and straightforward way to play music in Discord is by using music bots. These bots are designed specifically to stream music directly into your voice channels, and there are tons of them to choose from. Some of the most popular include Rythm, Groovy (though it's no longer available, its alternatives thrive), Hydra, and FredBoat. Each bot has its own unique features and commands, but the basic functionality is pretty much the same: you invite the bot to your server, join a voice channel, and then use commands to play, pause, skip, and queue music.

To get started, you’ll need to invite a music bot to your server. Head over to the bot’s official website or Discord bot directory (like top.gg) and look for the invite link. Make sure you have the “Manage Server” permission in your Discord server, as this is required to add bots. Once you click the invite link, you’ll be prompted to authorize the bot and select the server you want to add it to. Follow the instructions, and the bot will join your server.

Once the bot is in your server, you can start using its commands to play music. Most bots use a prefix (like ! or -) followed by a command. For example, to play a song using Rythm, you might type !play [song name or URL]. The bot will then search for the song on YouTube or other supported platforms and start playing it in the voice channel you’re currently in. You can use commands to pause, skip, adjust the volume, and create a playlist. Each bot has a slightly different set of commands, so it’s a good idea to check the bot’s documentation or use a help command (like !help) to see a list of available commands.

One of the great things about music bots is that they can handle music requests from multiple users, creating a collaborative listening experience. Many bots also support features like DJ roles, which allow you to designate certain users as DJs who have control over the music queue. This can be useful for managing the music in larger groups or events. Keep in mind that some bots offer premium features that require a subscription, but the basic functionality is usually free and more than enough for most users. So, if you’re looking for an easy and reliable way to add music to your Discord calls, music bots are the way to go.

Method 2: Streaming Music Directly from Your Computer

If you prefer a more hands-on approach or want to play music from sources that aren’t supported by music bots, you can stream music directly from your computer. This method involves using Discord’s screen sharing feature to share your audio output with the voice channel. It’s a bit more technical than using a music bot, but it gives you more control over what you’re playing and how it sounds.

To stream music from your computer, you’ll first need to configure your audio settings. Discord needs to be able to capture the audio that’s playing on your computer and broadcast it to the voice channel. The easiest way to do this is by using a virtual audio cable. A virtual audio cable is a software tool that allows you to route audio from one application to another. In this case, you’ll route the audio from your music player (like Spotify or iTunes) to Discord.

There are several virtual audio cable programs available, such as VB-Audio Virtual Cable and Voicemeeter Banana. Download and install one of these programs. Once it’s installed, you’ll need to configure your audio settings in both your music player and Discord. In your music player, set the output device to the virtual audio cable. This will send the audio from your music player to the virtual audio cable instead of your speakers or headphones. Then, in Discord, go to User Settings > Voice & Video and set the input device to the virtual audio cable. This will tell Discord to capture audio from the virtual audio cable.

Now, join a voice channel in Discord and start playing music in your music player. To share the audio, click the “Share Screen” button in the voice channel and select the application that’s playing the music (like Spotify or iTunes). Make sure to enable the “Share system audio” option when you start the screen share. This will ensure that Discord captures the audio from the application and broadcasts it to the voice channel. Keep in mind that streaming music directly from your computer can use more system resources than using a music bot, so make sure your computer can handle it without any performance issues. Also, be aware of potential copyright issues when streaming copyrighted music. While this method gives you more control, it also requires more setup and technical knowledge. However, if you want to play music from unusual sources or fine-tune your audio settings, it’s a great option.

Method 3: Using Watch2Gether for Synchronized Listening

Another cool way to share music in Discord is by using Watch2Gether. Watch2Gether is a website that allows you to create virtual rooms where you can watch videos and listen to music together with friends. It’s a great option if you want to ensure that everyone is listening to the same thing at the same time, without having to worry about syncing issues or different audio levels.

To use Watch2Gether, start by heading over to the Watch2Gether website and creating a room. You can invite your friends to the room by sharing the room link with them. Once everyone is in the room, you can start adding videos and music to the playlist. Watch2Gether supports a variety of platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, and Dailymotion. You can search for videos and music directly on the website and add them to the playlist.

Once the playlist is set up, everyone in the room can listen to the music together. Watch2Gether automatically syncs the playback, so everyone is hearing the same thing at the same time. You can also use the chat feature to discuss the music and share your thoughts. To integrate Watch2Gether with Discord, you can simply share your screen in a Discord voice channel and stream the Watch2Gether room. This way, everyone in the voice channel can hear the music and see the video (if there is one).

Watch2Gether is particularly useful for hosting listening parties or virtual concerts. You can create a playlist of your favorite songs or videos and share it with your friends. Everyone can listen and watch together, and you can chat about the music in real-time. It’s a fun and interactive way to experience music together, even when you’re physically apart. Keep in mind that Watch2Gether relies on third-party platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, so the availability of content may vary depending on your region and the platform’s terms of service. However, if you’re looking for a simple and synchronized way to listen to music with friends, Watch2Gether is definitely worth checking out.

Tips for the Best Music Experience in Discord

To ensure the best possible music experience in your Discord calls, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First, choose high-quality music sources. Whether you’re using a music bot or streaming from your computer, make sure you’re using high-quality audio files. Low-quality audio can sound distorted or muffled, which can detract from the listening experience. If you’re using a music bot, opt for bots that support high-quality audio streaming. If you’re streaming from your computer, use lossless audio formats like FLAC or WAV whenever possible.

Second, adjust the volume levels appropriately. Nothing is more annoying than music that’s too loud or too quiet. Make sure the music is at a comfortable level that doesn’t drown out the voices of the other people in the call. Most music bots have volume control commands that allow you to adjust the volume of the music. If you’re streaming from your computer, you can adjust the volume in your music player or in Discord’s audio settings. Encourage other users to adjust their individual volume levels as needed to ensure everyone is comfortable.

Third, be mindful of copyright issues. Streaming copyrighted music without permission can be illegal and can result in your Discord server being shut down. If you’re streaming music from your computer, make sure you have the necessary licenses or permissions to do so. Alternatively, you can use royalty-free music or music that’s licensed under Creative Commons. Many music bots also have built-in copyright protection measures that prevent you from playing copyrighted music without permission. Respect the rights of artists and content creators, and avoid streaming music illegally.

Fourth, use a good microphone. If you’re planning on talking while the music is playing, make sure you have a good microphone that can capture your voice clearly. A poor-quality microphone can sound muffled or distorted, which can make it difficult for others to hear you. Consider investing in a USB microphone or a headset with a built-in microphone. Test your microphone before you start streaming music to make sure it’s working properly.

Finally, be considerate of others. Not everyone may want to listen to the same music as you, so be respectful of their preferences. Ask for feedback and be willing to change the music if someone doesn’t like it. You can also create a collaborative playlist where everyone can add their favorite songs. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone in the call, so be considerate of their needs and preferences.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Several ways to put music in your Discord calls and take your virtual gatherings to the next level. Whether you choose to use a music bot, stream directly from your computer, or use Watch2Gether, the key is to find a method that works best for you and your friends. Remember to consider audio quality, volume levels, copyright issues, and the preferences of others to ensure the best possible experience. With a little bit of setup and planning, you can create a fun and engaging atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. Now go ahead, queue up your favorite playlist, and let the good times roll!