Discord has made streaming overlays more user-friendly

Discord announced Tuesday that it had rebuilt its overlay functionality from scratch.

The new overlay makes streaming games on Discord more user-friendly with Stream’s End.

In the legacy format, streamers can switch over the overlay display to use inconsistencies while playing the game, but this allows the entire discord client in the center of the screen to block the stream and create an ugly user experience.

Newer versions of the overlay allow users to add specific Discord widgets that are displayed around the screen for easy access, allowing users to view messages without lifting up the entire Discord client and adjust sound and video settings. These widgets can be customized for on-screen opacity, sizing and placement.

If another friend is streaming at the same time, the Picture-in-Picture widget allows you to watch the feed from your own overlay. Users can also view other users’ webcam videos if they are in live chat.

Discord says the overlay feature is compatible with more games and runs with smoother performance.

Discord is announcing an update to its desktop app. Dark mode enthusiasts are happy to learn that the platform is getting a more free dark theme, so they can switch between slightly different shades of black and grey (specific to ash, dark, onyx). The new UI density option also allows users to customize word spacing.

These updates are aimed at power users, especially creators who may use live streams within the server as a way to make money. However, even casual users playing games with some friends should welcome these quality of life upgrades.