Discord servers connect people worldwide in the most diverse niches, like gaming, design, or entrepreneurship. However, as these online communities grow, effective moderation becomes a necessity. So, if you are wondering how to make someone a mod on Discord, here you’ll find a comprehensive step-by-step guide for both desktop and mobile.
We’ll cover all about Discord moderation, from what is a Discord moderator, what the role entails, and what permissions they should have; to how Discord moderation bots work. Let’s dive right into it!
What is a Discord Moderator?
A Discord moderator has the responsibility of maintaining harmony within a Discord server, ensuring the community remains safe, positive, and inclusive. Overall, they oversee the interactions within the server and ensure the community guidelines are upheld.
The Discord moderator role is crucial for creating a safe space for members to communicate, share, and collaborate with each other. They also play a crucial role in shaping the community’s culture and maintaining its reputation.
However, moderators have significantly more control over a server than regular members. In fact, they have the authority to enforce the rules and guidelines set by the server owner and maintain order within the community. This is why it’s essential to choose moderators carefully.
Discord Moderator Permissions: What Permissions Should a Mod Have?
Discord has a flexible and customizable role system that allows server owners to dictate different permissions for each role. Additionally, this role system is hierarchical: roles at the top have more control over the server than those at the bottom.
Overall, permissions are what determine what actions members and moderators can perform. For instance, while a regular member might only be able to send messages, a moderator could have the authority to mute, ban, or even kick out members.
Every moderator should be equipped with the necessary core permissions to carry out their duties effectively. With this, of course, comes the responsibility of choosing a moderation team where each individual follows moderation best practices and guidelines.
Some of the permissions of the Discord moderator role include managing messages, banning members, or overseeing voice chats. Nevertheless, some permissions, like server management or role creation, might be reserved for higher-ranking mods or admins, depending on the community’s needs and size.
Typically, Discord moderators have the following permissions:
- Manage messages: This allows moderators to delete, edit, and pin messages.
- Kick members: It’s the ability to kick members permanently from the server.
- Ban members: Allows moderators to ban members temporarily from the server.
- Manage roles: It’s the ability to create, edit, and delete roles.
In addition to these core permissions, server owners can grant optional permissions based on trust and community needs. For example, a moderator can be given permission to mute members, move members between voice channels, or manage emojis, among other tasks.
The Automation Power of Discord Moderation Bots
Depending on the community’s size, sometimes it isn’t feasible to moderate an entire server manually. Luckily, Discord moderation bots exist to aid community builders in this task.
These bots are designed to automate various moderation tasks and can be a game-changer for large servers. For example, Discord moderation bots can auto-moderate chats, filter out spam, detect offensive language, assign roles, and even manage member onboarding.
However, while bots can efficiently handle repetitive tasks, they lack the human touch. For example, when they fail to understand context nuances, it can lead to potential misunderstandings. On the other hand, with their empathy and understanding, human moderators can manage complex situations better but might be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of messages in large communities.
Some of the best Discord moderation bots include MEE6, Arcane, and Dyno. But remember that although they are very helpful, bots can’t substitute human moderators: sometimes you just need human judgment.
How to Make Someone a Moderator on Discord PC
Making someone a moderator on Discord is a straightforward process on a desktop computer. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create a Moderator Role
First, click on the server name and on ‘Server Settings’. Then, go to the ‘Roles’ tab and click on the ‘Create Role’ button to create a role.
Name the role ‘Moderator’, ‘Mod’, or any other name you prefer. The next step is to grant the permissions you decide moderators should have on your server by heading to the ‘Permissions’ tab.
We already mentioned Discord moderators’ core permissions for you to know which permissions to grant. However, you can alter that by thinking about what you wish moderators can do on your server and then assigning the corresponding permissions.
Step 2: Assign the Moderator Role
Now that you have created the moderator role, it’s time to assign it to the members you want to become moderators.
For this, scroll down in the ‘Server Settings’ list of options. Under the ‘User Management’ category, click on the ‘Members‘ tab.
Now, search for the member that will become a moderator and click on the three dots next to their name. Select ‘Roles‘, and choose the moderator role you created earlier.
And that’s it! Now, that member has become a Discord moderator within your server.
How to Make Someone a Mod on Discord Mobile
Making someone a moderator on Discord mobile is very similar to the process on a PC. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create a Moderator Role
First, open the Discord app and navigate to the server where you want to make someone a moderator. Tap on the server name to open the server settings, then select the ‘Roles‘ tab, under ‘User Management’.
Now, tap on the “+” icon to create a new role.
Name this role ‘Moderator’, ‘Mod’, or any other name you prefer. Next, click the ‘Create‘ button.
A new window will appear afterward, where you will be able to grant the core permissions you want members to have on your server.
On mobile, there is a predefined set of permissions for moderators. If you are unsure of which permissions to give moderators, this can be a huge help to set up permissions.
Step 2: Assign the Moderator Role
After you are done assigning permissions for the role, the next window will show you a list of the members in your server.
Simply look for the member you want to make a moderator and tap on the checkbox next to their name. And that’s it! Click ‘Finish’, and now that member is a moderator on your server.
Find Mods With a Discord Moderator Application
Finding the right Discord moderators for your server can certainly be a challenge. If you’re a server owner looking to hire or find moderators online, creating a Discord moderator application can be an effective way to find suitable candidates.
Overall, a Discord moderator application is a form that potential moderators can fill out to apply for the role. This application can outline the responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications needed for someone to moderate your server. If you need some inspiration, here are some of the best staff application questions for Discord moderators.
You can promote the application on your server or other online communities to attract candidates. In this scenario, a directory of online communities like Unita can be a great resource for finding moderators! It’s filled with thousands of communities in diverse niches from all over the world.
FAQs
How Do You Make Someone a Mod in Discord?
To make someone a mod in Discord, you need to create a new role with the necessary permissions and assign it to the member you want to make a moderator.
What Does a Discord Moderator Do?
A Discord moderator oversees server interactions, ensures community guidelines are followed, and maintains a safe, positive environment within a Discord server. They have the necessary authority to enforce the rules and guidelines set by the server owner and maintain order within the community.
How Many Moderators Should a Discord Server Have?
The number of moderators a Discord server should have will depend on the size of the community and the level of moderation required. As a general rule, it’s recommended to have at least one moderator for every 50-100 active members.
What’s the Difference Between a Discord Mod and Admin?
While both have authority, a Discord mod is responsible for enforcing the rules and guidelines set by the server owner. An admin, on the other hand, typically has higher permissions, including full control over the server settings and roles, channels, and permissions management.
Now that you know how to make someone a mod on Discord, why don’t you try to create some Discord reaction roles to improve engagement among your members?
