Do you manage a Discord server? Want to save time, engage members, and access useful data with bots? This guide will walk you through adding awesome bots in just 5 simple steps.
Bots are programs that provide automated assistance and fun new features. With the right bots, you can moderate conversations, play music, run games, track server statistics, and more.
Follow this easy tutorial to get the bots you need! Soon your server will be safer, more fun, and easier to manage thanks to a little automated help.
An Overview: What We‘ll Cover
Here‘s what I‘ll be sharing with you step-by-step:
✔️ What Discord bots are, why they‘re useful and examples of popular bots
✔️ How to get the admin permissions needed to add bots
✔️ Visiting bot websites to find one you want
✔️ Clicking the invite link to trigger access requests
✔️ Granting authorization for the bot to work in your servers
✔️ Selecting the specific server to install your new helper bot
✔️ Configuring customized settings via online bot dashboards
✔️ Removing bots if ever needed in the future
Let‘s get started!
What Are Discord Bots and Why Use Them?
Bots are automated programs made to carry outtasks. They work inside Discord to help server owners and members via special commands.
There are over 300,000 active Discord bots according to one 2021 estimate. The most popular bots have over 50 million users!
Here are some examples of what amazing things bots can help your server with:
- Welcoming new members with friendly, customized messages
- Blocking spam and banning abusive members automatically
- Playing music or videos in voice channels on-demand
- Hosting mini games like trivia, poker, and giveaways
- Quoting memes or random jokes to spark conversations
- Tracking server statistics like most active members and channels
- Backing up server data to prevent losing important information
- Automating workflows like assigning roles or creating channels
Bots offload tasks so you can focus on building community. And they make managing servers way more fun!
Now let‘s go over how to get the necessary Discord permissions.
Prerequisite: Getting Admin Permissions
Since bots integrate deeply into servers, only admins can add them. But granting bot management ability is easy!
As a server owner, follow these steps on desktop:
- Click the dropdown by your server‘s name
- Choose Server Settings > Roles
- Click the + to make a new "Bot Manager" role
- Go to Permissions and enable Manage Server
- Head to Server Settings > Members
- Right click the member and click Roles
- Check "Bot Manager” to assign them the role
Follow similar steps on mobile:
- Tap the ≡ Menu icon
- Select Server Settings > Roles
- Create Role called “Bot Manager”
- Toggle on Manage Server under Permissions
- Go back and choose Members
- Next to a member, tap the … > Roles
- Enable the “Bot Manager” role
Now this member can add bots!
Step 1: Visit the Bot‘s Website
Head to a site like top.gg to browse bots. When you find one you like with features that meet your needs, visit its website.
Developers always include an invite link to bring bots onto your servers here.
Step 2: Click the "Add Bot" Prompt
The bot‘s site will have a prominent button like Invite Bot or Add to Discord. Click this to enable access between the bot and your servers.
This triggers the permissions and authentication flow behind the scenes to prepare your new bot helper.
Step 3: Log Into Your Discord Account
After granting initial permission, the bot‘s site prompts you to log into your Discord account.
Enter your credentials:
This allows the bot to uniquely identify your servers. Think of it like introducing your friend to other friends.
Step 4: Authorize Access
Next, you‘ll see what information the bot can view or access. This varies but may include:
✔️ Messages
✔️ Member info
✔️ Roles
✔️ Channels
Review closely then click Authorize Bot Helper:
This allows the bot to function within your servers by using commands and carrying out its duties.
Step 5: Select Your Server
Lastly, designate which of your servers you want the bot assisting in by selecting it:
Done! Your new bot will appear in the member list of your chosen server.
Recap: Steps to Add a Discord Bot
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Bot Website |
| 2 | Click "Add Bot" Link |
| 3 | Log Into Discord |
| 4 | Authorize Access |
| 5 | Select Your Server |
Repeat for any other bots you need!
Configuring Your New Bot
Most bots have online dashboards where you customize settings after adding them, like:
✔️ Permission levels
✔️ Auto-mod rules
✔️ Welcome messages
✔️ Activated features
✔️ Assigned roles
Visit your new bot‘s site to configure it exactly how you want!
To remove a bot later, simply kick it from your server.
Now that you know how to seamlessly install Discord bots, what will your first one be? 🤔
Why Bots Are Awesome Additions
Here are some stellar benefits bots provide:
- Save 20+ hours monthly managing conversations with auto-moderation
- Delight members with entertainment features like games and music
- Get data insights into member engagement with bot analytics
- Prevent major issues like loss of data, raids, or toxicity
- Show off your awesome community with custom welcome screens!
Over 69% of large Discord servers have bots installed. Don‘t leave your community behind!
Let me know if you have any other questions – happy to help you pick the perfect bots to accomplish your goals! Just reach out. 👋
