Thinking about adding a custom Discord bot to your server? Whether it’s to manage tasks, play music, or entertain your gaming community, hosting a bot is the key to keeping it online and responsive 24/7. 

While it might sound complex, with the right tools and guidance, you’ll have your bot up and running in no time.

Here, we’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right server to setting up your environment – we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get your bot ready to serve your community!

What is a Discord bot?

Powered by AI, Discord bots help to automate tasks on your Discord server.

There are lots of different features bots can employ to help fulfil tasks without your manual help.

Popular Discord bots can do things such as: play music on demand, monitor voice control and analyse server data. 

Discord bots are also able to communicate with gaming servers, such as Minecraft servers, and build a connection – creating a seamless connection between the game and the Discord community, which could enhance server management, boost community engagement, and create a more immersive gaming experience.

How do developers make Discord bots?

To make a Discord bot, developers use the Discord API (application programming interface), which allows them to interact with Discord's servers and create custom functionality for their bots.

The API provides various endpoints to manage server actions, send messages, or respond to events. 

Developers typically write their bot's code using programming languages like JavaScript, Python, or Java. Along with the API, they need to handle tasks like authentication, event handling, and message processing to create a fully functional bot tailored to their specific needs.

How to set up a pre-programmed Discord bot

For those not well-versed in programming, a pre-programmed Discord bot can be used instead. Setting this up is marginally easier than creating your own from scratch. Let’s walk you through it:

Step one: Use a Bot list website

Bots can be found on websites such as top.gg, and you simply select which one you want, are taken to the bot’s page, and then you can download it.

Step 2: Invite your Discord bot to your server

Once downloaded, you will need to invite your bot to your Discord server by clicking on ‘Invite’. Then go ahead and log into your Discord server.

Step 3: Grant permissions

A pop-up will appear, and you will be able to choose the server you want your Discord bot adding to. Then you’ll need to grant any necessary permissions.

Step 4: Use your bot

Now your bot will be available to use on your server!

Can you host a Discord bot on a VPS?

Yes, it’s possible to host a Discord bot on your virtual private server by keeping it online 24/7 with no downtime. 

Unlike running a bot from your computer, a VPS ensures it stays active without interruptions from power outages or internet issues. It’s a reliable, flexible solution that offers complete control, allowing you to scale resources and customise your setup to meet your bot’s needs.

How to host a Discord bot using a VPS 

Hosting your Discord bot on a VPS (Virtual Private Server) ensures your bot runs 24/7 without relying on your local computer. This guide breaks down the steps in the simplest way possible.

1. Set up a VPS

  • Choose a VPS provider and create a server instance.
  • Access the VPS remotely via SSH from your local machine.

2. Install necessary software

  • Install Node.js (or another runtime if needed) to run the bot.
  • Install any other required software or libraries, such as Git if you plan to clone the bot's code from a repository.

3. Upload your bot’s code

  • Transfer your bot’s code to the VPS, either by using Git or manually uploading the files.

4. Install dependencies

  • Install any necessary dependencies (like libraries or packages) that your bot needs to run.

5. Run the bot

  • Start your bot on the VPS and ensure it's working correctly.

6. Set up for 24/7 operation

  • Use a process manager (like PM2) to keep the bot running continuously in the background.
  • Ensure the bot will restart automatically if the VPS reboots or the bot crashes.

7. Verify operation

  • Check that the bot is running smoothly and troubleshoot if necessary.

If you’re interested in owning your own gaming server or VPS, we have both on offer.

If you already own a VPS and need help adding a Discord bot, our support team is more than happy to assist you.