Discord server rules template — 8 rules that work
Good Discord rules are short, specific, and tied to consequences. Long rule lists get ignored; vague rules get argued. Here are eight rules that cover every server, written plainly enough that members actually read them.
- 1
State your purpose — every rule flows from it
Before listing specific rules, write one or two sentences describing what your server is for and who it is for. "This is a community for indie game developers to share work and get feedback. We keep it constructive and on-topic." This single paragraph resolves most rule conflicts before they happen: if someone has to ask whether something is allowed, the purpose statement usually answers it. Every rule you write after this is just a specific application of it.
- 2
Require respect — no harassment, hate, or targeted attacks
This is the rule most servers write first, and for good reason. State it plainly: no harassment, hate speech, slurs, or targeted attacks on any member. Discord's Community Guidelines already prohibit these — your rule signals that you enforce them. Keep it short; do not try to enumerate every possible form of harassment. "Treat every member with basic respect. No harassment, no hate speech, no targeting individuals." That is enough.
- 3
Keep conversations in the right channel
Channels exist for a reason. When members post in the wrong channel — memes in #announcements, job offers in #general — it trains others that channels do not matter, and the server becomes harder to navigate. A simple rule: "Use the channel that matches the topic. Check the channel description before posting." Pin a short channel map in #rules or #start-here so new members know where everything goes before they speak.
- 4
No spam, unsolicited advertising, or self-promotion
Define spam broadly: repeated messages, mass @mentions, Discord invite links to other servers, and promotional content posted without permission. If your server allows self-promotion, designate a channel for it and state that clearly. "Self-promotion (your project, content, server) goes in #self-promo only. Unsolicited advertising anywhere else will be removed, and repeat offenses will result in a ban." Most members who spam do not realize they are breaking a rule until they read one that says so.
- 5
NSFW content belongs in age-restricted channels only
If your server allows any adult content, confine it to a channel you have marked as age-restricted in Discord's channel settings (18+ toggle). State this explicitly: "NSFW content — explicit images, adult discussion — is only permitted in age-restricted channels. Outside those channels, keep everything suitable for all audiences." If your server does not allow any NSFW content at all, say that too. Ambiguity causes the most moderation overhead.
- 6
Never share personal information about others
Doxxing — posting someone's real name, address, phone number, workplace, or any other identifying information without their consent — is a permanent ban offense on most well-run servers. State it as a hard line: "Sharing personal information about any person without their explicit consent — inside or outside this server — results in an immediate permanent ban." No warnings, no context. This rule protects every member and signals that your server takes safety seriously.
- 7
Follow moderator instructions — dispute through the right channel
Moderators make judgment calls in real time. Members do not always agree. The rule: "If a moderator asks you to stop something, stop first. If you believe the call was wrong, raise it in #mod-requests or through a DM — not in public." Public arguments with moderators undermine trust in the whole moderation system. This rule is not about blind obedience; it is about keeping disputes constructive and private, where they can be resolved without a public scene.
- 8
Make consequences predictable
Publish your enforcement ladder and stick to it. A common structure: first offense → warning (sometimes a timeout); second → temporary mute or kick; third → ban. Hard violations — doxxing, CSAM, credible threats — skip straight to a permanent ban. Write it out: "Violations are handled in order: warning → timeout or kick → permanent ban. Doxxing, threats, and illegal content result in an immediate permanent ban." Predictable consequences reduce appeals and stop members from testing the line to see what actually gets enforced.
Rules set — now get the right members through the door.
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List your Discord serverFrequently asked questions
What rules does a Discord server need?+
At minimum: a statement of purpose, a rule requiring respect (no harassment or hate speech), channel usage rules, an anti-spam rule, a NSFW policy, a no-doxxing rule, a moderation rule, and a published enforcement ladder. Eight rules fit in a single channel message and cover 95% of moderation situations.
How long should Discord server rules be?+
Short enough to read in under two minutes. Long rule lists get ignored. Eight to twelve rules in plain language work better than thirty rules in legal language. If a rule requires a paragraph of exceptions, it is probably two rules.
Can I copy someone else's Discord server rules?+
You can use any rules template as a starting point, but adapt it to your server's purpose. Generic rules do not enforce themselves — a rule that says "be nice" without defining what that means for your community will create more arguments than it prevents. Start with the template, then rewrite each rule in your own words for your specific server.
Where do I put the rules on my Discord server?+
Create a #rules channel at the top of your channel list. Pin the rules message. If you have Community mode enabled, you can use Discord's built-in Rules channel feature, which new members must accept before gaining full access. A #start-here channel that links to #rules, roles, and key channels also helps new members orient quickly.
How do I list my server on discordplace.com?+
Log in with Discord, click "Add a server", and select a server where you have Manage Server permission. Listing is free. Your server then shows live voice and text activity to visitors, who can sort the whole directory by it — a genuinely active server stands out from day one.