Table of Contents
Introduction
Discord is a free voice, video, and text chat platform that allows users to create their own servers for communicating and collaborating. With over 150 million active users, Discord provides an easy way to set up an online community around specific topics and interests.
Whether for gaming, business, friends, family, or any niche interest, making your own Discord server is simple and completely free. This guide will walk you through everything you need to make, set up, and host your own Discord server.
Making Your Discord Server
Step 1: Create a Discord Account
First, you’ll need a Discord account. You can download the Discord app for your desktop or mobile device and sign up for free. Make sure to verify your email address.
Step 2: Create a New Server
In the Discord app, click the “+” icon next to the server names on the left sidebar. Select “Create My Own” to make your new server.
Give your server a name and upload an icon image (optional). Then click “Create Server”.
Step 3: Invite Members
Under server name, click “Invite People” to create a shareable invite link. Send this link to friends to invite them to join your new server.
You can also invite people directly by their Discord username and tag.
Setting Up Your Discord Server
Add Text and Voice Channels
Channels organize topics and conversations on a Discord server. Click “+” next to “Text Channels” and “Voice Channels” to add chat rooms around specific subjects.
For example, you can have text channels named #general, #media, #resources etc.
Create Roles
Roles help you manage permissions for members. Click “Server Settings” > “Roles” > “Create Role” to make new roles.
For example, “Admin” and “Moderator” roles. Assign these roles to trustworthy members.
Set Up Permissions
In “Server Settings” > “Roles”, configure permissions for each role. For example, give “Admins” advanced privileges to change settings, roles, etc.
Add Bots
Bots add extra features like moderation, music, games and more. Click “Server Settings” > “Integrations” to browse bot options or search “Discord Bots” online.
Popular bots include MEE6, Dank Memer, Rythm, Xenon, and more.
Make Categories and Channels
Better organize channels into categories like “Gaming”, “Media”, “General”, etc. Right-click channel list > “Create Category”. Then create channels under each category.
Hosting Your Discord Server
Discord hosts all servers on their platform, so you don’t need to configure any hosting. However, here are some tips for administering your server:
Enforce Community Rules
Create #rules and #info channels detailing behavior expectations, topics, and purpose for your community.
Appoint Moderators
Assign “Moderator” roles to responsible members. They can then delete messages, mute users who break rules, etc.
Be an Active Admin
Check in daily. Make posts, welcome new members, answer questions, and jump in conversations. Appoint other admins to share responsibilities.
Add Server Boosts
For more features like better audio quality, custom server banners, and emojis, users can subscribe to “Server Boosts” for $4.99/month.
Back Up Data
While Discord handles server hosting, back up any valuable chat logs, images, or data in case anything happens to the server.
Conclusion
Creating and hosting your own Discord server is free, easy to set up, and provides a built-in community platform around any topic imaginable.
Follow this guide to get started making your server, organize channels and roles, enhance with bots and integrations, appoint moderators, establish community rules, and administer your new Discord community.
Within minutes, you can have an active Discord server to host vibrant discussions and interactions between friends, family, teammates, colleagues, gamers, creators, and any niche community.
