# Build a Discord AI Bot with DeepSeek

Source: https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/discord

Step-by-step guide to running a DeepSeek-powered AI bot on Discord with LangBot: model setup, bot credentials, networking, testing and troubleshooting.

This recipe puts a DeepSeek model behind a Discord bot. LangBot receives messages from Discord, runs them through a pipeline, and sends the answer back, so you do not write any platform code.

Use DeepSeek models directly with LangBot's built-in Agent: no separate agent platform needed, with optional knowledge bases, MCP tools and Skills.

## What you need

- A running LangBot instance: [LangBot Cloud](https://space.langbot.app/cloud) (no server needed) or a [self-hosted deployment](https://langbot.app/docs/en/deploy/langbot/docker.md) with Docker or `uvx langbot`.
- A DeepSeek account or server you can call from LangBot.
- A Discord application with a bot: its **Client ID** and **bot token** from the [Developer Portal](https://discord.com/developers/applications), with **Server Members Intent** and **Message Content Intent** enabled.

## Networking

Discord bots connect out to the Discord gateway, so no public webhook URL is required.

## 1. Add the DeepSeek model

1. Create an API key in the DeepSeek console.
2. In LangBot, open **Models**, add an LLM model with the provider set to DeepSeek and request URL `https://api.deepseek.com`, then paste the API key and the model ID.
3. Enable **Tool Use** if the model supports function calling; MCP tools, Skills and the sandbox need it.
4. Typical model IDs are `deepseek-chat` and `deepseek-reasoner`; check DeepSeek's documentation for the current list.

## 2. Create a pipeline

Open **Pipelines** in the LangBot WebUI, create a pipeline (or edit the default one) and set **AI** as follows.

| Field           | Value                                                                  |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Runner          | **Local Agent** (built-in Agent)                                       |
| Model           | The model you just added. You can add fallback models.                 |
| Prompt          | Instructions: who the bot is, tone, what it must not do.               |
| Knowledge Bases | Optional. Attach a knowledge base so answers come from your documents. |

## 3. Create the Discord bot

1. Create a bot with the **Discord** adapter and enter the Client ID and token.
2. Invite the bot from **OAuth2 → URL Generator** with the `bot` scope and **Guild Install**, granting permission to view channels and send messages.

## 4. Bind and test

Open the bot, select the pipeline you created, save and make sure the bot is enabled.

Send a message that matches the trigger rules in a server channel, then try a DM from the bot's profile.

## Troubleshooting

- 401 errors: the API key is wrong or has no balance in the DeepSeek console.
- Gateway login fails: check the current token and that both privileged intents are enabled and saved.
- Discord limits message length, so long streaming replies arrive as several messages.
- Check **Monitoring** in the WebUI: every message, pipeline run and error is recorded there.

## FAQ

### Do I need a server with a public IP for Discord?

No. Discord bots connect out to the Discord gateway, so no public webhook URL is required.

### Does the Discord bot support streaming replies?

Yes. Enable streaming on the bot; the AI back end must also stream. See the [platform feature matrix](https://langbot.app/docs/en/insight/platform-features.md) for details.

### Can the same DeepSeek setup serve other platforms too?

Yes. A pipeline can be bound to many bots, so one configuration can answer on several platforms at once.

## Related guides

- [Full Discord setup guide](https://langbot.app/docs/en/usage/platforms/discord.md)
- [Model configuration](https://langbot.app/docs/en/usage/models/readme.md)
- Other AI back ends on Discord: [Dify](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/dify/discord.md) · [n8n](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/n8n/discord.md) · [Coze](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/coze/discord.md) · [Langflow](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/langflow/discord.md) · [OpenAI (ChatGPT models)](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/openai/discord.md)
- DeepSeek on other platforms: [Telegram](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/telegram.md) · [Slack](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/slack.md) · [Lark (Feishu)](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/lark.md) · [DingTalk](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/dingtalk.md) · [WeCom (internal app)](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/wecom.md) · [WeCom Intelligent Bot](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/wecombot.md)