How to DM someone on Discord?

Most people primarily communicate through public or invite-only servers or use Direct Messages or DMs. One of the generally under-appreciated discord features is the group DM. 

Group DMs allow you to have a private chat with up to ten people without having to set up a server and configure any permissions or channels. With group DMs, you can send text messages as well as emoji’s, pictures, and other embedded and linked content. You can also start a voice or video call with the entire group, although they don’t all have to join. 

Make sure you're on the Direct Messages section of the app; if not, tap the direct messages icon in the top-left corner of the screen. Choose a contact from your list of friends. Tap the text box at the bottom to create a DM. Enter your message and tap Send.