Use Discord's Discover (the compass icon in your server list) for big public servers, or search server list websites like Disboard, top.gg and Discadia by keyword or tag. On mobile, open a server list in your browser and tap Join.
1. Use Discord's Discover
Discord has a built-in directory of public servers. On desktop, click the compass icon at the bottom of your server list to open Discover, then browse by category or search for a topic like a game. Every server there has met Discord's size, activity and safety requirements.
The catch is that only large servers can be listed in Discover, so plenty of great smaller communities never show up there.
2. Use a server list website
Server lists are websites where communities advertise themselves. You can search by keyword and filter by tags like gaming, chill, make friends or a specific game. The biggest ones are Disboard, top.gg, Discadia and Discords.com. Each listing has a description, a member count and a Join button.
How to find Discord servers by name or tag
Discord's own search only covers Discover, so if you're looking for a specific server by name, search for it on a server list website or on Google, like "pannys discord". To find servers with a specific tag, use the tag filters on Disboard or Discadia, for example the "make-friends" or "soundboard" tags.
How to find Discord servers on mobile
On the Discord app, open your server list and look for the Discover option, or just open a server list website in your phone's browser and tap Join. The invite opens straight in the Discord app.
How to find Discord servers on Roblox
Many Roblox games link their Discord on the game's page, in the Social Links section, if your account settings allow it. YouTubers and streamers usually put their server link in their bio or video description too.
How to find Discord servers you left
Discord doesn't keep a history of servers you've left. Your best options are to search your DMs and old messages for an invite link (search for "discord.gg"), ask a friend who's still in it, or look the server up by name on a server list.
How to tell if a server is actually active
- Check the online count on the invite or listing, not just total members
- Look for recent messages in the main chat from different people
- See if voice channels have people in them
- Check for regular events like game nights
A good place to start
pannys is an active gaming and hangout server with people chatting all day and voice chat every night. It's free, there's no application, and you can join straight from this page.