Discord AutoMod Setup Guide
Discord AutoMod is a built-in moderation system that automatically catches and acts on rule-breaking content — no bot required. It's free, fast (server-side, not bot-dependent), and customisable.
What AutoMod Can Do
- Block messages containing specific keywords or slurs
- Block spam (message bursts, character repetition, duplicate messages)
- Block harmful links
- Block Discord invite links
- Automatically timeout, delete, or alert mods when triggered
How to Access AutoMod
- Open your server and go to Server Settings
- In the left sidebar, click AutoMod
- You'll see a list of AutoMod rules you can enable
AutoMod Rule Types
1. Harmful Links
Blocks known phishing URLs, malware sites, and other dangerous links. Recommended: Action: Delete message + Alert moderators2. Discord Invite Links
Blocks messages containing discord.gg invite links — essential for preventing advertising spam. Recommended: Action: Block message | Exempt: #partnerships channel3. Mention Spam
Blocks messages that @mention an excessive number of users. Recommended: Trigger: 5+ unique mentions | Action: Timeout 1 hour + Alert mods4. Spam
Blocks message floods from the same user. Recommended: Action: Block message5. Keyword Filters (Custom Rules)
This is where AutoMod becomes powerful. You set the exact words, phrases, or patterns to block.How to add a keyword rule:
- Click Create Rule → Block Custom Words
- Enter keywords, one per line
- Wildcards: use word to catch the word anywhere in a message
Common keyword categories to block:
- Slurs and hate speech
- NSFW terms (if you're not an NSFW server)
- Scam phrases (free nitro, claim your prize, click this link)
Setting Up Actions
For each rule you can choose:
- Block message — silently prevents it from posting
- Send alert — notifies a specific channel
- Timeout member — automatically times out for a set duration
Exempt Roles and Channels
Always exempt:
- Admin and Moderator roles
- Bot channels
- Staff channels
Recommended Setup for New Servers
- Enable Harmful Links → Delete + Alert
- Enable Invite Links → Block (exempt #partnerships)
- Enable Mention Spam (6+ mentions) → Timeout 1 hour + Alert
- Enable Spam → Block
- Add a custom keyword rule for your most important forbidden terms
Related: Discord Anti-Raid Guide · Best Moderation Bots · Server Security Checklist