Gas, the app for compliments, has been bought by Discord

Teens have popularized the app, which has hit several milestones in recent months.
By Meera Navlakha  on 
A phone with the Gas app.
Credit: Tada Images / Shutterstock

Gas, the social app that allows people to share compliments to one another, has been acquired by Discord.

Popularized by teens, Gas seems to be the antithesis of what YikYak used to be (and potentially still is since its return). Also veiled in anonymity, Gas is inherently designed for spreading the love, with polls and prompts.

In a blog post on Tuesday, Discord announced that Gas "will continue as its own standalone app," while the Gas team will join Discord's. Details of the acquisition have not been provided.

"Gas is all about uplifting and empowering each other through positive affirmations. Its tremendous success shows the opportunity that exists in creating a playful yet meaningful place for young people," reads the statement.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Founded by former Meta employee Nikita Bier, Gas has hit several milestones in the last few months. The app bagged the top spot on the App Store back in October, surpassing even TikTok; later in December, Bier shared on Twitter that Gas had hit 10 million downloads.

Bier was the co-founder of TBH, an app with a similar function to that of Gas, which was bought, then shut down by Facebook less than three months after it was launched.

On Discord's part, the move is an expansion in its emphasis on communities. The chat platform, which has moved beyond its core gaming community, allows users to hang out in channels with various tools for communication offered. The app currently has 150 million monthly active users.

Gas is still primarily used by teens, but perhaps this acquisition will further its reach. Who doesn't want a compliment?

Topics Social Media

Mashable Image
Meera Navlakha
Culture Reporter

Meera is a Culture Reporter at Mashable, joining the UK team in 2021. She writes about digital culture, mental health, big tech, entertainment, and more. Her work has also been published in The New York Times, Vice, Vogue India, and others.


Recommended For You
April Fools' Day: 8 brands that dropped cringey online pranks
Woman receiving bad news overlayed with tweets from Elon Musk and his company X


The internet can't get enough of 'Challengers' and, honestly, same
Mike Faist as Art, Zendaya as Tashi, and Josh O’Connor as Patrick in "Challengers."

AdultFriendFinder is a borderline-porn hookup site that's stuck in the past
By Mashable Editors
illustration of two people under the covers in bed with clothes strewn around the room


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 25
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 25
a phone displaying Wordle

How to watch the 2024 FA Cup Final online for free
A general view of Wembley

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 25
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 24
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!