> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.utdallasdiscord.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.utdallasdiscord.com/why-discord-over-other-platforms.md).

# Why Discord Over Other Platforms

Now that you know What Discord Is, here's a guide laying out why using Discord is more beneficial than some of the other popular platforms & applications students tend to use.

**Discord is absolutely free with ZERO limitations.**\
Yep, that's right. Here's a look at a few comparisons:

* With **Slack**, you will have a 2,000 message history limit on the FREE plan, with Discord there is no such thing as a message history limit. In fact, we have over 300,000+ messages sent in the UT Dallas Discord. 

  * Lack of voice channels for calls & meetings.

* With **Microsoft Teams**, you will have to formally request an actual "team" chat for your organization through the university - and have to request each year to keep it active. ***Privacy Notice:** Data and messages stored on Microsoft Teams are open record and tied to your student record. You should expect zero privacy when using university applications. Read:* [*Information Security & Acceptable Use - UTDBP3096*](https://policy.utdallas.edu/utdbp3096)*.* With Discord, your personal account is all yours and forever - same with your servers. You're able to create/delete your servers at any given time.

  * Lack of ability to create on your own/self.
  * Lack of moderation control and permissions.
  * Restricted to ONLY UTD-affiliated users (student & staff).
  * Data Privacy & Policies according to UTD.

* With **Zoom**, you will have users join only temporary calls. This is very inefficient attempting to maintain constant communication with your members/officers or when trying to grow a community.

  * Lack of moderation control and permissions.
  * Lack of persistent voice + text channels.

* With **GroupMe**, you will be limited to the very old and outdated features the app offers. For example, if you're wanting to create another topic discussion, you'll have to create a completely separate group chat with everyone else in it. 
  * Lack of moderation control and permissions.
  * Lack of modern features.
  * Lack of voice calling.

## [Video: Don't Be A Broom... Use Discord](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSPIMgtcQnU)