Create a welcome message that greets members when they join
Discord servers don't have a built-in "welcome screen" feature that appears automatically for every new member, but you can create one using the server's welcome channel and Discord's native tools. The most straightforward approach is to set up a dedicated welcome channel, pin an introductory message there, and configure your server settings so new members see it first when they join.
If you want something more structured, Discord also offers a feature called Server Setup (available in the server settings under "Onboarding") that lets you create a guided experience for new members. This shows them a series of prompts before they fully enter the server, though it requires Discord Nitro for some customization options.
The method you choose depends on how much control you want over the experience and whether you're willing to use bots or stick with Discord's built-in features.
Key Takeaways
- A welcome channel combined with a pinned message is the simplest way to greet new members without needing any bots or special permissions.
- Discord's Server Setup feature (found in server settings under "Onboarding") creates a guided welcome experience, though some options require Nitro.
- You can use bots like UnbelievaBoat or Dyno to send automated welcome messages to new members in a private message or a specific channel.
- The welcome channel should be the first channel new members can see, positioned at the top of your channel list and set to read-only so members cannot clutter it.
Setting up a welcome channel with a pinned message
Start by creating a new channel called #welcome or #introductions. Right-click on the channel name, select "Edit Channel," and scroll down to "Permissions." Make sure the channel is visible to new members but set it to read-only by removing the "Send Messages" permission for the @everyone role. This keeps the channel clean and prevents members from posting off-topic content.
Write your welcome message directly in the channel. Include what the server is about, basic rules, links to important channels, and any steps new members should take (like reading rules or picking a role). You can format the message using Discord's markdown — bold text with **asterisks**, italics with *single asterisks*, and code blocks with backticks for emphasis.
Once you've posted the message, right-click it and select "Pin Message." Pinned messages appear at the top of the channel and stay visible even as new messages come in. You can pin up to 50 messages per channel, though one or two welcome messages is typical.
Using Discord's Server Setup and Onboarding feature
Discord's built-in onboarding feature creates a more interactive welcome experience. To access it, go to your server settings, then click "Onboarding" in the left sidebar. This feature is available on servers with at least 10 members and works best on larger communities.
In the Onboarding section, you can add prompts that new members see before they fully join the server. Each prompt can ask members to agree to rules, select roles (like "I'm a developer" or "I'm a designer"), or read important information. You set the order of these prompts, and members must complete them before they gain full access to the server.
Some customization options, like custom branding and advanced role assignment, require Discord Nitro. If you don't have Nitro, the basic onboarding still works — it just uses Discord's default styling.
Adding automated welcome messages with bots
If you want a welcome message sent directly to each new member, a bot can do this automatically. Popular choices include UnbelievaBoat, Dyno, and MEE6. These bots can send a personalized message to a new member's private messages or post in a designated welcome channel.
To add a bot, visit its website (for example, unbelievaboat.com), click "Invite," select your server from the dropdown, and authorize the permissions it requests. Then configure the welcome message in the bot's dashboard or using commands in your server. For UnbelievaBoat, you'd use a command like /welcome set message: Your custom message here to set what the bot sends.
Bots give you more flexibility — you can include the member's username, server name, or member count in the message. However, they require you to manage another tool and grant the bot permissions in your server.
Positioning the welcome channel so new members see it first
Channel order matters. New members see channels from top to bottom, so drag your welcome channel to the very top of your channel list. Right-click on the channel name and select "Move Up" repeatedly until it's at the top, or drag it directly if your Discord client supports it.
You can also organize channels into categories. Create a category called "Start Here" and place your welcome channel inside it, then move that category to the top. This groups related channels and makes navigation clearer for new members.
If you want to be even more explicit, you can set the default channel that opens when someone joins. In server settings under "Overview," look for "Default Channel" and select your welcome channel from the dropdown. This ensures every new member lands there first.
Customizing your welcome message with formatting and embeds
Discord supports basic text formatting: use **bold**, *italics*, ***bold italics***, ~~strikethrough~~, and `code` formatting. You can also create line breaks and organize information with bullet points or numbered lists.
For a more polished look, use Discord's embed feature. Embeds are formatted boxes with titles, descriptions, fields, and colors. To create an embed without a bot, you can use a third-party embed builder (search "Discord embed builder") to design it visually, then copy the code and paste it into your server. Alternatively, many bots like Dyno have built-in commands to create embeds directly in Discord.
Keep your welcome message concise. New members are more likely to read a message that's 5 to 10 lines than one that's a full page. Link to a rules channel or FAQ instead of putting everything in one message.
What to include in your welcome message
A good welcome message answers the questions new members have: What is this server about? What are the basic rules? Where do I go next? Include your server's purpose in one or two sentences, then list 3 to 5 key rules or guidelines. Link to channels like #rules, #introductions, or #faq so members know where to find more information.
If your server uses roles (like "Verified Member" or "Content Creator"), explain how members get them. You can mention a reaction-based role system, a command they should run, or a channel where they can request roles. If members need to introduce themselves, link to the introductions channel.
End with a friendly note that encourages members to ask questions if they're confused. This sets a welcoming tone and makes new members feel like they can reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the welcome screen appear every time someone joins, even if they've been in the server before?
No. Discord's onboarding feature shows only once per member. If you want a persistent welcome message, use a pinned message in a welcome channel instead — all members can see it anytime they visit that channel.
What's the difference between a welcome channel and the onboarding feature?
A welcome channel is a regular channel with a pinned message that members can visit anytime. Onboarding is a guided experience that appears once when someone joins, before they enter the server. Use both if you want an interactive first impression plus a reference channel members can return to.
Do I need a bot to send welcome messages to new members?
No. A pinned message in a welcome channel works without any bot. Bots are useful if you want personalized messages sent to each member's private messages or if you want more complex automation, but they're not required for a basic welcome setup.
Can I use images or videos in my welcome message?
Yes. You can upload images directly to Discord by clicking the attachment icon in the message box. Videos can be linked (for example, to YouTube), but Discord doesn't embed video files the way it does images. Embeds can include a single image or thumbnail, which works well for logos or graphics.
What happens if I change my welcome message after members have already joined?
The new message replaces the old one. Members who already read it won't be notified of the change, so if you make significant updates, consider posting an announcement in a general channel to let people know the welcome message has been updated.