Discord wants to clean up and support its massive bot community
Streamlining Bot Verification for a Safer Ecosystem
Discord has revamped its bot verification process to better support developers while ensuring platform safety. With over 100 servers as a growth ceiling, the new system replaces manual reviews with an automated checklist, making verification faster and more transparent. But there's more: identity checks via Stripe, team ownership requirements, and a clear path for young developers under 16 to get sponsored by a parent or mentor.
Gone are the days of lengthy essay submissions and manual reviews. Discord's updated verification flow now focuses on a straightforward checklist that developers can complete in minutes. This shift not only reduces friction but also encourages more creators to bring their bots to scale.
Key Requirements for Verification
The new checklist includes several mandatory steps. First, your bot must belong to a developer team, not an individual account. This team-based approach adds accountability and makes it easier to manage permissions. Second, your app must not contain harmful language in its description or commands. Third, you need to provide links to a terms of service and privacy policy—even if they're simple placeholders initially. Additionally, your app must not have any unapproved privileged intents enabled. Finally, all team members must have verified emails and two-factor authentication enabled.
Once all checklist items are green, you can hit the "Verify App" button. The team owner must also complete identity verification through Stripe, which involves submitting a valid government-issued ID. For developers under 16, Discord allows a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to act as the team owner and undergo identity verification on their behalf.
Sponsoring Young Developers Under 16
Discord wants to nurture young programming talent while staying compliant with legal requirements. If you're under 16, you can't verify your own bot—but you can work with a sponsor. This could be a parent, teacher, or older friend who is at least 16. The sponsor creates a developer team, the bot is transferred to that team, and then the sponsor becomes the team owner and completes the ID verification. This process ensures that someone legally responsible is attached to the bot's operation.
The steps are simple: create a developer team, invite the sponsor, transfer the bot to the team, and then transfer ownership to the sponsor. Once that's done, the sponsor can apply for verification using their own identity. Discord encourages young developers to continue working with their sponsor to maintain the bot and respond to any questions from Discord's support team.
What Happens After Verification?
Once your bot is verified, you gain a verified checkmark on its profile and can scale beyond 100 servers. However, there are some restrictions: you can't change the bot's name or transfer ownership without contacting Discord support. This prevents abuse and ensures accountability. Verified bots also have access to additional development tools and privileged intents—but you still need to apply for intents separately through a form that explains why you need them.
Discord also retains your identification information for one year after the bot is deleted. If you have questions about data processing or retention, you can reach out to Discord's developer support or ask in the official Discord Developers server.
The Shift from Manual Review to Automation
The most significant change is the move from manual review to an automated checklist. Previously, bot developers had to write detailed descriptions of their bot's functionality, which were then manually reviewed by Discord staff. Now, as long as you meet all the checklist criteria, your bot can be verified instantly. This reduces wait times from weeks to minutes, allowing developers to iterate faster and get their creations in front of users sooner.
While the checklist simplifies the process, it still enforces important standards like having a privacy policy and not using unapproved intents. This balance between automation and safety is key to Discord's vision of a clean, supportive bot ecosystem.
Embracing Innovation While Maintaining Trust
Discord's updated verification system reflects its commitment to both developer freedom and community safety. By democratizing access to verification, more developers can bring their bots to scale. The sponsor system for younger creators ensures that age isn't a barrier to innovation. And the automated checklist removes gatekeeping while upholding essential standards.
As the platform grows, these improvements will help Discord's bot community thrive—clean, safe, and full of creative potential. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a teenager building your first bot, the new verification process is designed to support you every step of the way.