What Features Are Must-Have in Modern Forum Software?

[Serene]

Old forums used to rely on threads and replies. Today people expect reactions, tagging, polls, notifications, rewards, social login, and integrations with Facebook or WhatsApp. What other features define a truly modern discussion platform today? Which ones actually improve engagement and which are just flashy extras?

[Maria]

Modern forum software must include user profiles, organized threads, robust search, mobile-friendly design, notifications, and moderation tools. Engagement features like private messaging, media support, gamification, and customization, along with security, scalability, and plugin support, ensure growth, retention, and a safe community.

[Uptrend]

Modern forums need things like fast loading pages because a lot of people surfing the internet are not that patient, social login (Google or Facebook), dark mode (very important too), and instant notifications. I also like built-in reactions as well.

[Jason]

Mobile friendliness is very important because most people are on phones these days.