Discord has become an essential platform for communication and community building, especially for gamers, content creators, and developers. Sharing audio on Discord can enhance your interactions, whether you're discussing a game, sharing music, or providing feedback. In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to share audio on Discord, covering various methods and troubleshooting tips.
Understanding Discord's Audio Sharing Features
Discord offers several ways to share audio, including:
- Sharing your computer's audio output
- Sharing audio from a specific application
- Using third-party software for advanced audio sharing
Before we dive into the steps, it's essential to understand that Discord's audio sharing capabilities may vary depending on your operating system and the device you're using.
Sharing Computer Audio on Discord (Windows)
For Windows users, sharing computer audio on Discord involves a few extra steps due to the operating system's audio architecture. Here's how to do it:
- Open Discord and go to User Settings.
- Navigate to the "Voice & Video" section.
- Under "Audio Subsystem," select "Legacy."
- Enable "Stereo Mix" or "What U Hear" as your input device.
- Go to your Windows Sound settings and enable "Stereo Mix."
- In Discord, select "Stereo Mix" as your input device.
Once you've completed these steps, you should be able to share your computer's audio output on Discord.
Sharing Computer Audio on Discord (Mac)
Mac users can share their computer audio on Discord with a slightly different approach:
- Open Discord and go to User Settings.
- Navigate to the "Voice & Video" section.
- Under "Input Mode," select "Advanced."
- Enable "Use Legacy Audio Subsystem."
- Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
- Select "Create Multi-Output Device" or use a third-party app like Soundflower.
These steps will allow you to share your Mac's audio output on Discord.
Sharing Audio from a Specific Application
Sometimes, you may want to share audio from a specific application rather than your entire computer. Discord allows you to do this through its "Application Audio" feature:
- Open Discord and go to User Settings.
- Navigate to the "Voice & Video" section.
- Under "Audio Subsystem," select "Advanced."
- Enable "Application Audio" or "Application Sounds."
- Select the specific application you want to share audio from.
This method provides more control over what audio is shared, which can be useful for content creators or those who want to focus on a particular application's audio.
Using Third-Party Software for Advanced Audio Sharing
While Discord's built-in features are robust, some users may require more advanced audio sharing capabilities. Third-party software like:
- Virtual Audio Cables (VAC)
- Audio Router
- Soundflower
can provide additional functionality, such as virtual audio devices, audio routing, and more. These tools can be particularly useful for:
- Professionals who need precise control over audio inputs and outputs
- Content creators who want to share high-quality audio
- Developers who require advanced audio testing capabilities
Key Points
- Discord offers various methods for sharing audio, including computer audio output and application-specific audio.
- Windows and Mac users have different approaches to sharing computer audio on Discord.
- Third-party software can provide advanced audio sharing capabilities.
- Understanding your operating system and device is crucial for successful audio sharing on Discord.
- Troubleshooting common issues, such as audio not being shared, can often be resolved by checking settings and device configurations.
Troubleshooting Common Audio Sharing Issues
While sharing audio on Discord can be straightforward, issues may arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No audio being shared | Check your audio settings, ensure Stereo Mix or the correct input device is selected, and verify that Discord has permission to access your audio. |
| Poor audio quality | Adjust your audio settings, check your internet connection, and ensure that your device's audio output is not being used by another application. |
| Audio not being received by others | Check your Discord settings, ensure that you're not muted, and verify that your audio output is being shared correctly. |
How do I share my computer’s audio output on Discord?
+To share your computer’s audio output on Discord, you’ll need to enable Stereo Mix or a similar feature on your device. The exact steps may vary depending on your operating system and device.
Can I share audio from a specific application on Discord?
+Yes, Discord allows you to share audio from a specific application. You can do this by enabling the “Application Audio” or “Application Sounds” feature in your Discord settings.
What third-party software can I use for advanced audio sharing on Discord?
+Some popular third-party software options for advanced audio sharing on Discord include Virtual Audio Cables (VAC), Audio Router, and Soundflower. These tools can provide additional functionality, such as virtual audio devices and audio routing.