Solana NFT Gated Discord: How to create a server using Ancla

If you want to launch a community on Solana but are concerned about who can access it, the best solution is a Solana NFT gated Discord. This server will allow you to distinguish between casual observers and genuine holders without the need for manual wallet verification.

The idea is simple: people verify their wallet and a Discord bot assigns them access based on whether they hold the NFT. This can be achieved with Ancla, the new smart token gating tool available for Solana.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the process of setting up a token Discord server focused on Solana NFTs. If you'd prefer a video explanation, here's one:

Benefits of using Ancla for an NFT Gated Discord server

A Discord token verifier helps you maintain culture and order for community members. Ancla aims precisely at that: verification + entry/exit control, designed for any community (be it NFT or token). In summary, these are the benefits of using Ancla:

• A Discord token verifier ready for communities: just connect your Solana NFT, set the rules, and you're all set.
• Role-based Access: you can create token gated roles on Discord for holders, OGs, or tiers based on the number of NFTs.
• Less manual moderation: gating spam and noise in private channels.
• Automatic removal for non-compliance: If someone sells and no longer complies, their access can be revoked.
• Discord + Telegram Support: from a unified approach, should you later expand your community to other channels.
• Solana-first: Ancla currently supports only Solana, streamlining operations for projects within this ecosystem.

If you want to learn more about what token gating is on Solana, we have an article discussing the basic concepts. With all that said, I will explain how to create an NFT Discord server below.

Step-by-step guide to creating a gated NFT server on Discord

One very important thing you need to clarify with your community is what constitutes a "holder." This will help reduce the number of support tickets and prevent the gating arbitrary. The goal isn't for only a few people to benefit, but for everyone to be involved and play a role commensurate with their level of engagement.

Now, let's see how to add this token to your Discord server.

1. Set up your Discord server: or a Telegram group. Set up roles, channels, and limits for each role.

   

2. Log in to Ancla: you can link your Discord, Telegram, or Wallet account (via direct connection or by performing a transaction).
3. Build a community: Go to "Community Setup" in the profile menu (the first community is free, so you can try Ancla).

   

4. Select the "NFT" type: In addition to giving the community a name and an image, you must select the type and category of the NFT.

   

5. Add the Ancla bot on Discord: the entire process is guided, making it nearly impossible to get lost.

   

6. Follow the instructions: To create a Solana NFT Gated Discord, the Ancla role must be positioned above the roles you intend to automatically assign to holders. Additionally, you must specify the required token quantity.

   

7. Launch the gated server: now it will appear in «Communities» on Ancla, and you can now share your community's link on social media or forums.

   

From this moment on, anyone who connects will pass through an NFT holder verification system on Solana. Remember that what each individual can view will depend on the role configuration you assign them from the Discord settings.

How much does Ancla cost?

The cost of Ancla depends on the level of control and the number of communities you require. The advantage is that it is typically more cost-effective than maintaining manual verification or developing a bespoke system for Solana.

Ancla pricing Ancla as follows:

If you are evaluating token gating platforms on Solana, prioritize the level of control they offer over their cost. On Solana, effective control is demonstrated through features like tiered roles, configurable rules, and frequent updates.

Ancla, in its Expert plan, allows you to use Smart Gating rules based on holding period, non-sellers, onchain reputation, and more.

This is key if you want token gated roles on Discord that reflect behavior, not just a balance snapshot.

If your community is also based on Telegram, you may find it useful to complement this guide with the tutorial for adding token gating on Telegram.

FAQ

These are recurring questions found in communities and forums. I address them based on practical experience gained from building Web3 tools for Smithii since 2023, focusing on real-world cases of onboarding and community management.

Is it safe to use NFT verification on Discord?

Yes, if you follow best practices. Never ask for a seed phrase, and make it clear that verification is only for checking holdings.

Additionally, review who can manage roles. Discord operates with a role/channel-based permission system, so the risk typically lies more in configuration than in the concept of gating.

What happens if someone buys the NFT, logs in, and then sells it?

It depends on your policy. In a "hard gated" server, if a user sells and no longer meets the requirements, they lose access.

The advantage of tools like Ancla is to automate this, so that your token-gated Discord server does not rely on moderators chasing wallets.

How do I add wallet verification beyond NFTs?

The standard practice involves implementing a verification flow that connects a wallet and applies specific rules (e.g., NFT ownership, balance, holding period). This enables the design of tiered access and mitigates multi-account abuse.

Conclusion

Setting up a well-executed Solana nft gated discord is not merely about 'deploying a bot'. It involves designing roles, permissions, and a verification process that is swift for token holders and stringent for non-compliant users.

With Ancla, the process becomes much more streamlined: you connect your Solana NFT, define rules, and automate access using roles. The result is a more organized community with better segmentation and less manual work on a day-to-day basis.