How to make an Active Discord Server: Easy Steps
Top Tips for Increasing Server Engagement
So you've just decided to create a Discord Server, but you have a small problem. No one is chatting. Don't worry because this is a problem every server faces when their first starting out! Follow the steps in this guide to guarantee at least SOME server activity increase.
Why Discord servers go inactive:
Server niche is too broad
Try narrowing down the things you talk about. This might sound counter intuitive, but the more specific you are when talking about certain topics, the more likely someone who likes that topic is going to stay in that server.
Lack of Conversation Starters
Most servers talk about boring topics and try to be super strict on how they talk. What's the point of that? Try asking some out of pocket questions that are related to your niche.
No incentives for Engagement
Servers solve this problem by creating level rewards. You can increase your level by chatting or interacting with the server, which is a great way to get people talking. You can add a leveling system using Arcane Bot.
Use Bots to Simulate Activity
Auto-posting news, memes, or relevant content can get people talking. Just make sure you only add bots that fit the server narrative and don't chat too often. Cleverbot uses AI to match the current conversation, and since its a new kind of Discord bot people love chatting with it.
You can also add cool minigame bots, which can be played using only commands. This is a very effective strategy for retaining members and is used by all large Discord servers.
Creative Ways to Encourage Enagement
"Invisible Members" Trick
You or your friends can get on alt accounts and talk in your Discord. This is a great method especially when you have 0 members and just want to attract a few new people.
Daily Server-wide Challenges
Keep the server content refreshing by starting challenges or minigames within your server. Offer prizes for the winners, but keep the prizes relatively cheap. You don't want to burn your pockets on a young Discord server.
Role-based Rewards for Active Members
Make some channels special access to members who have been chatting for a while. This creates a motivation to get to the next level, and the only way to do that is by chatting, which brings in even more members.
The Psychology of Active Servers
How social proof makes more member want to chat:
Social proof is the psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others reflect the correct behavior in a given situation. In Discord, if a server appears active, new members are more likely to engage. When someone joins and sees multiple people chatting, posting memes, or reacting to messages, they feel encouraged to participate. On the other hand, if the chat is completely dead, they may assume the server isn’t worth their time. This is why even a few consistent, engaged users can make a server feel lively and inviting.
Creating an illusion of activity to attract real engagement:
Even if your server isn’t naturally active, you can strategically create an illusion of activity to kickstart engagement. Bots can automatically post news, daily questions, or random facts to keep channels moving. Scheduled messages and pre-written announcements can make it seem like discussions are happening regularly. Additionally, having a few friends or alt accounts simulate natural conversations can prevent new members from feeling like they’re the first ones to talk. Once people see others chatting, they’re more likely to join in themselves.
How FOMO (fear of missing out) can keep people coming back:
FOMO is a powerful psychological trigger that makes people afraid of missing valuable discussions, exclusive content, or limited-time events. You can leverage this by offering time-sensitive perks, such as special roles, giveaways, or access to hidden channels for members who stay active. Hosting weekly events, AMAs (Ask Me Anything), or game nights can make users feel like they need to check in regularly to avoid missing something fun. Even something as simple as "Last chance to get this exclusive role!" can keep members engaged and returning.
Best Long Term Strategies for Keeping a Server Active
From our own experience, here are the top three strategies for long term server activity.
Once you get a few members (500+), reach out to other server and try to get a partnership. Your communities can mix together this way and it brings in tons of members if done correctly. Don't merge with a server your not related to though.
Use SEO-Friendly Discord Invite links to attract new users. What does this mean though?
Example of Non-SEO friendly invite link: https://discord.gg/T5T2ZMgd
Example of SEO friendly invite link: https://discord.gg/doglovers
Now post this invite link on Discadia or Disboard to bring in 10+ extra members per day.
Run weekly events or Q&A sessions. The ultimate key to server sustainability is to keep refreshing your content and engaging your members. Think of it as running a Youtube channel. If your not talking about your niche, or you get too broad, people will begin to leave.
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How to Increase Server Engagement:
Conclusion
Creating a Discord Server isn't just about getting members, it's about understanding the psychology of why someone would want to stay in your server. Anyone can get members to join their Discord, but keeping them there is much harder. It takes careful planning and strategic thinking for your community to thrive. Now go transform your server into a hub of conversation and activity!
Last Updated: April 10, 2025
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