How to Create a Moderation Bot for Discord

Answer: A good Discord moderation bot combines basic commands (warn/mute/kick/ban), automated filtering (spam, links, slurs), and transparent logging. The fastest way to build one is to define your rules in plain English, preview required permissions, deploy, then test in a private mod channel before rolling it out.

TL;DR

• Start with a minimal rule set: spam + links + repeat messages.
• Always log actions to a mod-log channel with who/why/when.
• Use timeboxed punishments (timeouts) before permanent bans.
• Make moderation reversible: /unmute, /untimeout, /warn remove.
• Test permissions + intents first to avoid “it deployed but doesn’t work”.

What a moderation bot should do (minimum set)

Moderation bots usually fail in two ways: they’re too weak (no automation, no logs), or too aggressive (false positives, bad UX). This minimum set covers most servers:

• Commands: /warn, /warnings, /timeout, /kick, /ban, /unban.
• Auto-mod rules: invite links, repeated messages, mention spam, suspicious new accounts.
• Logging: one channel that records every action (including automated ones).
• Appeals: a single path to appeal (ticket, form, or DM command).

Step 1: Create your moderation channels

• #mod-log — read-only for mods; the bot posts structured logs.
• #mod-commands — where mods run bot commands (keeps noise out of general chat).

If you’re missing basics, start with Discord security settings first, then add a bot.

Step 2: Define your rules (keep them explicit)

Write rules like a checklist so the bot can implement them predictably:

• Spam: 6+ messages in 10 seconds → delete + warn
• Invite links: delete + warn (except whitelisted channels)
• Mention spam: 5+ mentions in one message → timeout 10 minutes
• New account: account age < 7 days → require verification

Prompt template (copy/paste)

Build a Discord moderation bot with:
- Commands: /warn, /warnings, /timeout, /kick, /ban, /unban
- Auto-mod rules:
  - Delete invite links outside #links (warn once, then timeout 10m on repeat)
  - Delete spam bursts (6+ messages in 10s) and warn
  - Timeout mention spam (5+ mentions) for 10m
- Logging:
  - Post all actions to #mod-log with user, moderator (or "auto"), reason, duration
- Safety:
  - Ignore admins/mods
  - Whitelist #memes for links
  - Rate limit bot responses to avoid spam

Troubleshooting

• If moderation commands fail, it’s usually role hierarchy or missing permissions — see permissions errors.
• If the bot is flaky after deploy, use the testing checklist to confirm it’s really working.

FAQ

Should I ban instantly or timeout first?

Timeout first for most cases. It reduces false positives and lets humans review. Reserve bans for repeated abuse, raids, and clearly malicious accounts.

Where do I put mod logs?

Use a dedicated read-only channel. Make it searchable and consistent so you can audit decisions later.

Build your moderation bot

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