How to write Discord server rules people actually follow

Rules have one job: tell people what’s expected so moderators can act consistently. Short and specific beats long and legal.

Principles

• 6 to 10 rules. After that, nobody reads.
• Most important first. Respect and safety at the top.
• Specific to your server. “No spoilers for episodes less than a week old” is more useful than “no spoilers”.
• Positive where you can. “Keep it respectful” reads better than “Don’t be toxic”.
• Explain consequences. Usually a warning, then a timeout, then a ban.

What most servers include

1. Be respectful: no harassment, hate speech, or discrimination.
2. No spam or excessive pings.
3. Keep content appropriate; no NSFW content (unless it’s an age-restricted server).
4. No self-promotion outside the channels meant for it.
5. Use the right channels.
6. Follow staff instructions; appeal in DMs, not in public chat.
7. Follow Discord’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.

Then add two or three rules specific to your topic. The rules generator writes the whole list in your server’s tone.

Make people see them

Turn on Rules Screening or Onboarding (requires Community) so new members accept the rules before they can talk. Pin the rules and link them from your welcome message.

Let AutoMod handle the repetitive part

Spam, mass mentions, and banned words can be blocked automatically. See setting up AutoMod.