The Verdict: The era of redirecting users to Patreon is ending. Discord Premium Apps allow you to monetize your code natively within the client. With a 15% revenue share for most developers and the ability to sell both subscriptions and consumable items, this is the most streamlined path to turning your hobby bot into a profitable SaaS business.
Discord has evolved from a chat room into an economy. For developers, “Premium Apps” is the infrastructure that allows you to gate features, sell digital goods, and secure recurring revenue without users ever leaving the app. This guide decodes the fee structures, SKU types, and strategies to maximize your payout.
The New Economy: Native Monetization
Previously, monetizing a bot meant awkward third-party links. Premium Apps change the game by integrating payment flows directly into the UI. When a user clicks “Upgrade,” they pay via their saved Discord payment method.
The SKU Architecture
You can sell two distinct types of products. Successful developers mix both.
1. Subscriptions (Recurring Revenue)
- User Subscriptions: The “Netflix” model. A user pays once, and they carry their premium perks (e.g., higher quality AI generation, custom profile skins) to any server where your app is installed.
- Guild Subscriptions: The B2B model. A server owner pays to unlock features for their entire community (e.g., 24/7 music playback, advanced moderation logs for the whole server).
2. One-Time Purchases (OTPs)
- Durable OTPs: Permanent unlocks. Think “Pro License” or “Lifetime Access” to a specific tool.
- Consumable OTPs: The “Mobile Game” model. Sell potions, currency, or temporary boosts that are consumed upon use.
The Financial Reality: Fees & Payouts
Before you code, you must understand the “Tax.” Discord’s cut is competitive, but mobile fees can eat your margins.
The Revenue Split
| Tier | Criteria | Discord’s Cut | Your Cut |
| Growth Tier | < $1M Cumulative Revenue | 15% | 85% |
| Standard Tier | > $1M Cumulative Revenue | 30% | 70% |
The “Hidden” Costs: Processing Fees
On top of the revenue split, payment processors take a bite.
- Desktop/Web: ~6% (Low friction, higher margin).
- Mobile (iOS/Android): 15% – 30%. Because of Apple and Google store policies, mobile transactions are significantly more expensive.
Payout Schedule
- Threshold: You need $100 to trigger the first payout. Subsequent payouts trigger at $25.
- Timing: Net-45. (e.g., January earnings are paid mid-March).
The Storefront: Your Digital Real Estate
Your App Directory page is your landing page. You cannot sell if your storefront looks amateur.
- Visual Assets: Invest in a high-resolution Banner and Icon. This is the first thing Admins see.
- The Pitch: Clearly separate “Free” vs. “Premium” features. Use bullet points.
- Perks: specific, tangible benefits (e.g., “Unlocks 1080p streaming” vs. just “Better streaming”).
FAQ Vortex: Monetization Logistics
Q: Can I sell subscriptions and one-time items simultaneously?
A: Yes. A common strategy is to offer a monthly subscription for power users, while selling “Consumable” items (like XP boosts) to casual users.
Q: Why are mobile fees so high?
A: This is not up to Discord. Apple and Google charge a 30% “tax” on in-app digital purchases. Discord passes this cost to the developer/user.
Q: Do I need a company to start?
A: Not necessarily, but you must complete a tax interview and stripe onboarding. For tax purposes, many developers eventually form an LLC.
Zenith CTA
The tools are ready. The market is waiting. Stop giving away your hard work for free. Configure your SKUs in the Developer Portal and launch your Premium App today.