Skip to main content

How to Configure Your Discord Server for LaunchPass

TL;DR: After connecting Discord to LaunchPass, create paid channels and lock them using roles. Keep your welcome channel unlocked. Give your paid role access to premium channels. Block @everyone from seeing paid content.

Seth avatar
Written by Seth
Updated today

Before You Start

This guide is for people who already:

  • Created a LaunchPass account

  • Connected their Discord server

  • Published their signup page

Haven't done this yet? See our complete Discord setup guide first.


Understanding Your Discord Setup

What LaunchPass Created for You

When you connected Discord to LaunchPass, several things happened automatically.

A welcome channel was created:

  • Named what you chose during setup

  • Public (anyone can see it)

  • Where new members land first

  • Contains join instructions

A paid role was created:

  • Named what you chose during setup

  • Example: "premium", "member", "paid"

  • Given to paying members automatically

  • Used to control channel access

The LaunchPass bot was added:

  • Manages member access automatically

  • Adds role when someone pays

  • Removes role when payment fails

  • Must stay as highest role

What You Need to Do Now

Your next steps:

  1. Create channels for paid content

  2. Lock those channels

  3. Give paid role access

  4. Block @everyone from viewing

  5. Test that it works


Step 1: Create Your Paid Channels

Creating a New Channel

In Discord:

  1. Click the "+" next to your channel category

  2. Choose "Text Channel"

  3. Name your channel

  4. Example: "premium-chat" or "paid-content"

Important naming tips:

  • Use clear, descriptive names

  • Keep it simple

  • Examples: "premium-chat", "member-only", "paid-resources"

  • Avoid special characters

The Easy Way: Use Private Channel Toggle

When creating the channel:

  1. Look for "Private Channel" option

  2. Toggle it ON

  3. This locks the channel automatically

  4. Select which roles can access it

  5. Choose your paid role from the list

Why this is better:

  • Locks channel immediately

  • Sets permissions correctly

  • Saves time

  • Less chance of mistakes

If you used Private Channel toggle, skip to Step 4.


Step 2: Lock Your Channel (Manual Method)

Only do this if you didn't use the Private Channel toggle.

Access Channel Settings

Right-click your channel:

  1. Find the channel you just created

  2. Right-click on the channel name

  3. Select "Edit Channel"

  4. Click "Permissions" on the left side

Block @everyone from Viewing

The @everyone role is every person in your server.

To hide your paid channel:

  1. Look at the permissions list

  2. Find "@everyone" role

  3. Click on it

  4. Scroll to "View Channel" permission

  5. Click the ❌ to disable it

  6. It should turn RED

Why this matters:

  • @everyone means literally everyone

  • This includes non-paying members

  • Must block them from seeing paid content

  • Red X = blocked properly


Step 3: Give Your Paid Role Access

Now give paying members access to the channel.

Add Your Paid Role

In the same permissions area:

  1. Look for "Roles/Members" section

  2. Click the "+" button

  3. A dropdown menu appears

  4. Find your paid role name

  5. Click it to add it

Your paid role name matches:

  • What you named during setup

  • Examples: "premium", "member", "paid"

  • Exact name you chose

  • Check your LaunchPass dashboard if unsure

Enable View Channel

With your paid role selected:

  1. Scroll to "View Channel" permission

  2. Click the ✅ to enable it

  3. It should turn GREEN

  4. This gives access to paying members

Check Your Work

If done correctly:

  • @everyone has RED ❌ on "View Channel"

  • Your paid role has GREEN ✅ on "View Channel"

  • The channel shows a lock icon 🔒

If this isn't showing:

  • Go back and check each step

  • Make sure you saved changes

  • Refresh Discord if needed


Step 4: Save Your Changes

Don't forget this step!

At the bottom of permissions:

  1. Look for "Save Changes" button

  2. Click it

  3. Discord confirms the save

  4. Close the settings window

Your channel should now:

  • Have a lock icon 🔒 next to the name

  • Only be visible to paid members

  • Hidden from everyone else


Step 5: Verify Your Welcome Channel

Your welcome channel must stay unlocked.

Why the Welcome Channel Stays Public

This channel is where:

  • New members land first

  • They see join instructions

  • They learn how to activate access

  • Everyone needs to see it

Do NOT lock this channel.

Check Your Welcome Channel

Look at your welcome channel:

  1. Find the channel LaunchPass created

  2. Named what you chose during setup

  3. Check if it has a lock icon

  4. It should NOT have a lock 🔓

If it has a lock:

  • Right-click the channel

  • Edit Channel → Permissions

  • Make sure @everyone can view it

  • Remove the lock


Understanding How Access Works

When Someone Joins

Here's what happens:

Step 1: Person visits your signup page

  1. They see your offer

  2. They click to subscribe

  3. They enter payment info

  4. Payment processes through Stripe

Step 2: LaunchPass adds them to Discord

  1. They get a Discord invite link

  2. They click the link

  3. They join your server

  4. They land in welcome channel

Step 3: LaunchPass gives them the paid role

  1. Happens automatically

  2. Takes a few seconds

  3. They now have your paid role

  4. They can see all paid channels

Step 4: They access premium content

  1. Paid channels appear for them

  2. They can read and write

  3. Non-paying members can't see these channels

  4. Everything is automatic

When Someone Cancels or Payment Fails

LaunchPass removes access automatically:

Option 1: Immediately (if enabled)

  • Payment fails

  • LaunchPass removes the role right away

  • They lose access to paid channels

  • They stay in server but can't see premium content

Option 2: After grace period (if set)

  • Payment fails

  • Grace period begins (you choose length)

  • After period ends, role removed

  • Access lost

Check your settings:

  • Log into LaunchPass dashboard

  • Check auto-kick settings

  • Choose what works for your community

  • Recommended: Immediate removal for clean access control


Creating Multiple Paid Channels

Most communities have several premium channels.

Plan Your Channel Structure

Common channel types:

General channels:

  • Premium-chat (main discussion)

  • Premium-announcements (your updates)

  • Premium-introductions (member intros)

Content channels:

  • Premium-resources (files, links)

  • Premium-tutorials (how-to guides)

  • Premium-qa (questions and answers)

Special channels:

  • Premium-voice (voice chat)

  • Premium-events (event planning)

  • Premium-feedback (suggestions)

Create Each Channel

For every premium channel:

  1. Create the channel

  2. Use Private Channel toggle (recommended)

  3. Or manually set permissions

  4. Block @everyone

  5. Give your paid role access

  6. Save changes

  7. Verify lock icon appears

Tip: Name all paid channels with same prefix (like "premium-") so members know what they're getting.


Using Categories to Organize

Categories keep your server organized.

Create a Premium Category

Right-click in your channel list:

  1. Choose "Create Category"

  2. Name it "Premium Content" or "Members Only"

  3. Click Create

Set Category Permissions

Edit the category:

  1. Right-click the category

  2. Choose "Edit Category"

  3. Go to Permissions

  4. Block @everyone from viewing

  5. Give your paid role access

  6. Save changes

Add Channels to Category

Drag channels into the category:

  1. Click and hold a channel

  2. Drag it under the category

  3. Release to drop it in

  4. Channel inherits category permissions

  5. Easier than setting each channel individually

All channels in this category:

  • Automatically locked

  • Only visible to paid role

  • Organized together

  • Easy to manage


Role Hierarchy Best Practices

Discord uses role hierarchy. Higher roles have more power.

Correct Role Order

From top to bottom:

1. LaunchPass Bot (MUST BE #1)

  • This is critical

  • Bot can't work if not highest

  • Never put any role above it

  • Check this first if issues occur

2. Your admin role

  • You as server owner

  • Full permissions

  • Can manage everything

3. Moderator roles

  • Your staff

  • Manage messages

  • Help members

  • Kick/ban if needed

4. Your paid role(s)

  • Premium, member, paid

  • Multiple tiers if you have them

  • Access to paid channels

5. @everyone

  • Default role

  • Lowest permissions

  • All users have this

  • Very limited access

How to Check Role Order

In Discord:

  1. Click your server name dropdown

  2. Choose "Server Settings"

  3. Click "Roles" on the left

  4. See the role list

  5. Drag to reorder if needed

Make sure:

  • LaunchPass Bot is at the top

  • Your paid roles are above @everyone

  • Everything is in correct order

Why This Matters

If LaunchPass Bot isn't highest:

  • Can't add or remove members

  • Can't assign roles

  • Access control breaks

  • Members get stuck

Always keep it #1.


Common Channel Permission Mistakes

Mistake 1: Welcome Channel is Locked

Problem:

  • New members can't see where to go

  • They get confused

  • They ask for help

  • Bad first impression

Fix:

  • Make sure @everyone can view welcome channel

  • Remove lock from that channel

  • Test by viewing as @everyone

Mistake 2: @everyone Can See Paid Channels

Problem:

  • Everyone sees premium content

  • Non-paying members have access

  • You're giving away paid content for free

Fix:

  • Edit each paid channel

  • Make sure @everyone has RED X on "View Channel"

  • Test by creating a test account

Mistake 3: Paid Role Can't Access Channels

Problem:

  • Paying members can't see content

  • They paid but have no access

  • Support tickets increase

  • Refund requests

Fix:

  • Edit each paid channel

  • Make sure paid role has GREEN ✅ on "View Channel"

  • Test with a paid account

Mistake 4: LaunchPass Bot Not Highest Role

Problem:

  • Bot can't manage members

  • Roles aren't assigned

  • Access breaks completely

  • Nothing works

Fix:

  • Go to Server Settings → Roles

  • Drag LaunchPass Bot to #1 position

  • Save changes

  • Test by having someone join


Testing Your Setup

Always test before sharing your link.

Test as @everyone

Use Discord's view feature:

  1. Go to your server

  2. Look at top right corner

  3. Click the dropdown menu

  4. Choose "Privacy Settings"

  5. Click "View as @everyone"

What you should see:

  • Welcome channel visible ✅

  • All paid channels hidden ❌

  • Public channels visible ✅

  • Locked channels have 🔒

If paid channels are visible:

  • They're not locked correctly

  • Go back and fix permissions

  • Make sure @everyone is blocked

Test as Paid Member

Option 1: Create test subscription

  1. Use your own signup link

  2. Subscribe with test payment

  3. Join the server

  4. Check what you can see

Option 2: Manually add role

  1. Create a test account

  2. Add it to your server

  3. Manually give it the paid role

  4. Check access

What you should see:

  • Welcome channel visible ✅

  • All paid channels visible ✅

  • Can read and write in paid channels ✅

  • Everything works smoothly


Voice Channels and Other Channel Types

Voice Channels

Create paid voice channels:

  1. Create new channel

  2. Choose "Voice Channel" type

  3. Set permissions same way

  4. Block @everyone

  5. Allow paid role

  6. Save changes

Perfect for:

  • Group coaching calls

  • Q&A sessions

  • Member hangouts

  • Live events

Stage Channels

For large presentations:

  1. Create Stage Channel

  2. Set same permissions

  3. Block @everyone

  4. Allow paid role

  5. Perfect for 50+ people

Forum Channels

For Q&A and discussions:

  1. Create Forum Channel

  2. Lock with same permissions

  3. Members create posts

  4. Great for organized discussions

Thread Channels

Threads work automatically:

  • Created within existing channels

  • Inherit parent channel permissions

  • No extra setup needed

  • Keep discussions organized


Multi-Tier Subscriptions

Have different membership levels? No problem.

How Tiers Work

You can offer:

  • Bronze tier: Basic access

  • Silver tier: More access

  • Gold tier: Full access

Each tier gets:

  • Its own role

  • Its own channels

  • Different pricing

  • Different benefits

Setting Up Tiers

Create roles for each tier:

  1. Bronze role

  2. Silver role

  3. Gold role

  4. Each is separate

Create channels for each tier:

  • Bronze-only channels

  • Silver-only channels (+ Bronze access)

  • Gold-only channels (+ Silver + Bronze access)

Set permissions:

  • Bronze channels: Only Bronze role

  • Silver channels: Silver AND Bronze roles

  • Gold channels: All three roles

This creates:

  • Clear upgrade path

  • More revenue options

  • Different value levels

  • Member choice

See our multi-tier guide for complete details.


Channel Best Practices

Naming Conventions

Use clear prefixes:

  • ✅ premium-chat

  • ✅ member-resources

  • ✅ paid-events

  • ❌ secret-room

  • ❌ ch4nn31-1

Why clear names matter:

  • Members know what to expect

  • Easy to find content

  • Professional appearance

  • Less confusion

Channel Descriptions

Add descriptions to each channel:

  1. Right-click channel

  2. Edit Channel

  3. Add description

  4. Tells members what the channel is for

Example descriptions:

  • "Main chat for premium members"

  • "Weekly resources and downloads"

  • "Ask questions and get answers"

  • "Share your wins and progress"

Channel Rules

Set clear rules:

  • What content is allowed

  • How to behave

  • What's not allowed

  • Where to get help

Put rules in:

  • Welcome channel

  • Each channel description

  • Pinned messages

  • Easy to find


Managing Permissions Over Time

Adding New Channels

When you add a new paid channel:

  1. Create it the same way

  2. Set same permissions

  3. Test it works

  4. Announce to members

Or use categories:

  • Add channel to premium category

  • Permissions set automatically

  • Much faster

  • Less errors

Changing Access

Be careful changing permissions:

  • Check twice before saving

  • Test after changing

  • Watch for member complaints

  • Have a backup plan

Don't:

  • Remove access without notice

  • Lock channels suddenly

  • Change without testing

  • Break existing access

Seasonal or Limited Channels

For temporary channels:

  1. Create with normal paid permissions

  2. Use for event or promotion

  3. Delete or lock after

  4. Or keep for archives


Troubleshooting Common Issues

Members Can't See Paid Channels

Check these things:

1. Do they have the paid role?

  • Look at their roles

  • May take a few seconds to assign

  • Check LaunchPass dashboard

  • Verify payment went through

2. Are channels locked correctly?

  • Check @everyone is blocked

  • Check paid role has access

  • Look for lock icon

  • Test as that member

3. Is LaunchPass Bot working?

  • Check if bot is online

  • Check bot has highest role

  • Check bot permissions

  • May need to reconnect

Bot Can't Assign Roles

Most common cause: Role hierarchy

Fix it:

  1. Server Settings → Roles

  2. Move LaunchPass Bot to #1

  3. Save changes

  4. Have member leave and rejoin

  5. Or manually assign role once

Channels Showing Wrong People

Check inheritance:

  • Channels may inherit category permissions

  • Category may be set wrong

  • Check both channel and category

  • One overrides the other

Fix:

  • Edit channel directly

  • Or fix category

  • Make sure they match

  • Test thoroughly

Payment Worked But No Access

This usually means:

  • Bot role hierarchy wrong

  • Bot permissions limited

  • Discord connection broken

  • Temporary Discord issue

Try these:

  1. Check role hierarchy

  2. Manually add role

  3. Have them leave and rejoin


Advanced Configuration

Custom Permissions Per Channel

You can customize each channel:

Text permissions:

  • Send messages

  • Embed links

  • Attach files

  • Use reactions

  • Mention everyone

Voice permissions:

  • Connect

  • Speak

  • Video

  • Share screen

  • Priority speaker

Set these per channel:

  • Different rules for different spaces

  • More control over behavior

  • Professional setup

  • Clear boundaries

Slow Mode

Control chat speed:

  1. Edit channel

  2. Enable slow mode

  3. Set time between messages

  4. Prevents spam

Good for:

  • Busy channels

  • During events

  • Q&A sessions

  • Reducing chaos

Channel Notifications

Set default notifications:

  1. Edit channel

  2. Notification settings

  3. All messages vs mentions only

  4. Reduce notification overload

Recommend:

  • Announcements: All messages

  • Chat channels: Mentions only

  • Prevents notification fatigue


Getting Help

LaunchPass Support

We can help with:

  • Discord configuration questions

  • Role and permission setup

  • Bot connection issues

  • Access control problems

  • Best practice recommendations

Include:

  • Your server name

  • What you're trying to do

  • What's not working

  • Screenshots if possible

Response time: Usually within 24 hours on business days.

Discord Support

For Discord platform issues:

  • Discord not loading

  • Server creation problems

  • Platform bugs

  • Technical Discord questions

Premium Support

LaunchPass premium members get:

  • 1-on-1 setup consultations

  • Live configuration help

  • Best practice guidance

  • Priority support

Learn more: See our premium features guide


Quick Reference

Permission Checklist

For each paid channel:

  • ✅ @everyone blocked from viewing

  • ✅ Paid role has viewing access

  • ✅ Lock icon visible

  • ✅ Changes saved

  • ✅ Tested and working

Role Hierarchy Checklist

  • ✅ LaunchPass Bot is #1 (highest)

  • ✅ Admin roles are #2

  • ✅ Mod roles are #3

  • ✅ Paid roles are #4

  • ✅ @everyone is last (lowest)

Testing Checklist

  • ✅ Tested as @everyone (can't see paid channels)

  • ✅ Tested as paid member (can see paid channels)

  • ✅ Welcome channel is public

  • ✅ Paid channels are locked

  • ✅ Bot can assign roles


Did this answer your question?