Create the application + bot user in the Developer Portal
30 min
Filed Message Content + Server Members intent request. 30-day review window.
Both intents approved. Bot can now read message content + server roster.
Set the OAuth2 scopes + bot permissions and generate the invite URL
30 min
Verified Bot status granted. 100+ servers achieved.
Pick discord.js or discord.py and ship a working command
2-4 hr
Bot in 100k+ servers; eligible for premium tier features.
Request the right Privileged Gateway Intents
30 min to enable, 1-3 weeks to get approved post-100
Host the gateway worker on always-on infra
2-4 hr
Build the help / about / privacy commands users expect
2-3 hr
Stress-test rate limits + error handling
3-5 hr
Submit for verification (and prepare 1-3 weeks of waiting)
4-8 hr to prepare, 1-3 weeks Discord queue
Set up monitoring, on-call, and the upgrade-to-shard checklist
2-4 hr
Grow past verification: directories, partnerships, free dev tier
2-4 hr to set up, ongoing