How to Run a Discord Giveaway to Grow Your Server

Done right, giveaways attract new members and reward loyal ones. Done wrong, they bring a spike of dead accounts. Here's how to do it right.

Choosing the Right Prize

The prize determines who enters. Match it to your audience:

• Gaming server: Game keys, Nitro, in-game currency, gaming peripherals
• Art server: Art supplies, digital asset packs, commissions
• Coding server: Premium subscriptions, courses, domain names
• General: Amazon gift cards (broad appeal)

Avoid cash giveaways — they attract bots and people who have zero interest in your community.

Setting Up GiveawayBot

1. Invite GiveawayBot to your server
2. Run: /gstart 24h 1w [Prize Name] (24 hours, 1 winner)
3. Optionally require: server level, role, or account age
4. Bot posts a message — members react with 🎉 to enter
5. At end, bot picks and announces winner automatically

Entry Requirements That Drive Real Growth

• Minimum level 5 — filters bots and drive-by accounts
• Member for 3+ days — encourages commitment before entering
• Invite 1 friend — turns entrants into recruiters (use invite tracking bots)
• Post in #introductions — forces basic engagement

Promoting Your Giveaway

• Announce in your main channel with a @everyone ping (use sparingly)
• Update your Discords.ai listing description to mention the active giveaway
• Post on social media with your invite link
• Ask members to share for a bonus entry (if your bot supports it)

After the Giveaway

• Contact the winner immediately via DM
• Deliver the prize within 24 hours
• Post a winner announcement with their permission
• Run a follow-up poll: "What should we give away next?"

Related: Discord Member Milestone Ideas · Discord Engagement Strategies