How to Add Bots to a Discord Server

Top.gg is one Discord bot website that makes it easy to bring new features to your server

By
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer
    Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.
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    Updated on May 22, 2024

    The number of Discord bots available for download continues to grow due to an active developer community. If you know how to add bots to Discord, there's a wide array of functionality you can take advantage of, from bots that play music to ones that facilitate donations.

    How to Add Bots to Discord

    Before you can add bots, you must create a Discord server. If you plan to add a bot to a server that's not yours, confirm that you've been granted permission to manage the server. These permissions are automatically in place for any server that you create.

    1. Visit Discord Bots at top.gg in your web browser.

    2. Search for bots by keyword or browse the options available. Select View to learn more about a bot and add it to a server.

      A list of Discord bots at top.gg

    3. Select Invite. Discord launches automatically.

      A description for the Green-bot Discord bot

    4. Select a server from the drop-down menu, then choose Continue.

      A Discord server chosen for a Discord bot

      If you're not logged in to Discord, you'll be prompted to do so now.

    5. Ensure that all the permissions are selected, then select Authorize.

      The Authorize button for a Discord bot

      You can deny a certain set of permissions by removing its check mark, but that will likely cause the bot to malfunction in certain instances.

    6. Select the I am human check box.

      The human confirmation check on Discord

    7. A message appears confirming the bot is authorized and added to your server. Select Go to [server name] or close the tab or window to complete the process.

      The Green-bot Discord bot

    Other Discord Bot Websites

    Top.gg isn't the only place to find bots for your server. Other bot websites include:

    • Bots on Discord: Useful tags and a Most Used Bots section make it easy to peruse some of the best options.
    • Carbonitex: This site's interface is a bit different from its competitors. Still, it provides access to a large number of feature-rich server additions.
    • Discord Bots: This easy-to-navigate repository of over 2,000 bots is worth browsing if you're in the market for some new additions to your server. A filter makes it a cinch to locate only open-source bots.

    As with any unregulated software, use caution when selecting a bot provider. High-trafficked sites with a significant number of reviews are typically more reputable than some of their lesser-known counterparts.

    Adding Your Own Discord Bots to a Server

    It's also possible to create your own Discord bots and add them to a server instead of those developed by a third party. This gives you the freedom to customize them using JavaScript code and server-designated permissions. For example, you can set up an automated moderator bot that automatically bans problematic users.

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