The Discord Partner Program is paused: Discord's help centre says it isn't accepting applications for the Partner or Verified Server programs. Existing Partner servers keep their badges, but there's no way to apply for a new one at the moment.
For years the Partner badge was the mark of a top Discord community. If you're looking for the application page, you won't find a working one. Here's the status, what the program offered and what to do while it's closed.
The status
Discord's help article comparing Partnered and Verified servers opens with the key line: both programs are paused, and Discord isn't accepting applications for either. The Verified Server side has been closed since July 14, 2023, according to Discord's own requirements page.
Partner vs Verified, side by side
| Discord Partner | Verified Server | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it was for | Quality, engaged community servers | Official servers for businesses, brands and well-known people |
| What the badge said | One of the best communities on Discord | The official home of that brand or person |
| Perks | Vanity URL, invite splash, Server Banner, animated Server Icon, Partner badge for server and owner, Nitro for the owner | Vanity URL, invite splash background, Verified Server badge |
| Applications now | Paused | Also paused (newer FAQ: games only, via game claiming) |
What partners got
Discord describes the program as a way to reward quality, engaged servers with recognition and extra tools. Accepted servers got a Vanity URL and an invite splash, a Server Banner, an animated Server Icon, and a Discord Partner badge for both the server and its owner. The owner also got Discord Nitro included.
Discord says anyone could apply, but you had to hit some requirements before you were allowed to. With the program paused, those requirements aren't being applied to new servers at all.
Why the perks mattered
Most of the Partner perks were about looking official and polished: a short Vanity URL that's easy to share, a branded invite splash, a banner and an animated icon. The badge for the server and the badge for the owner are the parts that signal status, and they only came through the program. That's what nobody can replicate while it's paused, however good the server is.
Can a server be both?
Yes, in principle. Discord's comparison notes that Partners are the best of the best and Verified Servers are official servers for brands and well-known people, and it addresses servers that are both official and among the best communities. Either way, both doors are closed to new applicants for now.
Watch out for 'partner' offers
When a program is closed, offers to get you into it appear. Discord's help centre is the only place the status is set, and it says applications aren't being accepted. Anyone promising a Partner badge for your server is promising something Discord isn't granting. The same goes for 'boost to Partner' services; boosting a server is a separate feature and doesn't make it a Partner.
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What to do while it's paused
- Build the things the program rewarded: an active, engaged community with clear rules.
- Use strong moderation: Discord's verified server standards asked for at least a Medium moderation level, the explicit content filter and two factor authentication.
- Grow through your own channels. Link your server from your site and socials so new members find the official one.
- Keep an eye on Discord's help centre for any reopening.
My verdict
Treat the Partner badge as history for now, and don't build your community plan around it reopening on any particular date. The communities that earned it were active, well moderated and easy to find, and all three are in your control without a badge. If you also manage groups on other chat apps, here's how to report someone on Telegram and how to block someone on Telegram for keeping them clean.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Discord Partner Program still open?
No. Discord's help centre says the Partner and Verified Server programs are paused and not accepting applications.
What do Discord Partners get?
A Vanity URL, invite splash, Server Banner, animated Server Icon, a Partner badge for the server and the owner, and Nitro for the owner.
What is the difference between a Discord Partner and a Verified Server?
Partners are top community servers; Verified Servers are the official servers of businesses, brands and well-known people.
Do existing Discord Partners lose their badge?
The pause is on new applications. Discord's help centre describes Partner servers and their perks without saying existing badges were removed.
When did Discord pause server verification?
Discord's requirements page says Verified Server applications were paused from July 14, 2023.
