discord-bots

Updated Requirements to How Apps Access Data in Servers (opens in new tab)

Discord is tightening how apps access message content, server member lists, and user presence data. Apps reaching 10,000 or more users must undergo review and renew approval annually, replacing the former threshold based on membership in 100 servers. Most users will notice no change, though apps that lose access may need to replace features such as text-command bots with slash commands. ## Updated Access Requirements - The changes affect access to: - Message content - Server member lists - User presence information, such as online or offline status - Apps serving fewer than 10,000 users are generally unaffected. - Apps reaching 10,000 or more users must complete Discord’s review process. - Approved apps must reapply every year to demonstrate that their data access remains necessary. ## Why Discord Is Changing the Rules - The previous review threshold was based on being installed in 100 or more servers. - Server count did not accurately reflect how many people an app could reach, especially when installed in one large community. - Annual reviews account for apps changing purpose over time. - Discord aims to ensure apps only retain access to data that is necessary, actively used, and consistent with their stated purpose. ## Impact on Developers and Users - Developers will receive notice and generally have 90 days to maintain access while applying or adapting their apps. - Developers may resubmit applications at any time. - Apps that lose access may continue working for features that do not depend on restricted data. - Text-based commands that require reading message content may need to be redesigned as slash commands. - Apps will not receive access to any new categories of data; the change concerns approval requirements and limitations. Discord recommends that developers review the updated requirements and that users inspect app profiles before deciding which apps to allow in their servers.

How to Play Games, Listen to Music, and Improve Your Discord Server with Apps & Activities (opens in new tab)

Discord’s Apps and Activities expand chats beyond messaging, offering games, music, collaboration tools, moderation features, and utilities on desktop and mobile. Users can discover them through the App Launcher or App Directory, add apps to servers or their personal accounts, and access saved apps through slash commands. Availability depends on server permissions and moderation settings. ## Discovering Apps and Activities - The **App Launcher** is available in text-chat bars and at the bottom of voice calls. - It provides: - Featured apps - Search for specific apps - Activities for games and shared experiences - Apps for servers and direct messages - The **App Directory** offers a larger catalog, including apps designed specifically for server communities. - Users can open it by selecting a server’s name and choosing **“App Directory.”** ## Adding Apps to a Server - Select **“Add App”** from the App Directory or an app’s profile. - Server apps can provide: - Additional moderation support - Reaction roles, allowing members to assign themselves roles by reacting to messages - Text-based games such as farming or fishing - Utilities such as on-demand cat-image commands - Discord also recommends considering built-in **Community server features** for moderation and reaction roles. ## Using Apps in Any Chat - Apps are no longer limited to server-based bots. - Users can select **“Add to My Apps”** and approve the required account permissions. - Personal apps then appear in the App Launcher and can be used across chats. - Pressing `/` opens the slash-command interface, where users can browse saved apps or enter their commands. ## Server Permissions and Restrictions - Some servers prevent members from launching apps that have not been approved or added by the server’s moderation team. - If an app or Activity cannot be used, users should check whether they have the **External Apps** and **Activities** permissions enabled. - Server-specific roles and moderation policies may still restrict access. Discord’s App Launcher and App Directory make it easy to find tools and shared activities, while personal app support allows users to use selected apps across conversations. Before adding an app, users should review its permissions and confirm that the server permits external apps or Activities.