When you create a new Discord server, all new members who join are automatically able to stream their screen or application to any voice channel where they have permission to speak. This default behavior can be a problem if you want to restrict streaming to trusted roles only, such as moderators or verified members. The cause is that Discord grants the “Stream” permission to the @everyone role by default when a server is created. This article explains how to change the default stream permission for new server members so only specific roles can share their screen or broadcast a game.
Key Takeaways: Restricting Stream Permissions for New Members
- Server Settings > Roles > @everyone > Permissions > Stream: Disable this permission to prevent all new members from streaming by default.
- Server Settings > Roles > Create Role > Permissions > Stream: Create a dedicated role (e.g., “Streamer”) and grant Stream permission only to that role.
- Channel-specific override: Use Voice Channel > Edit Channel > Permissions to override the @everyone role and deny Stream for a specific channel.
Why Discord Gives Stream Permission to All Members by Default
Discord is designed to be easy to use for communities that want to share content quickly. When you create a new server, the @everyone role includes the “Stream” permission enabled. This means any member who joins can start a stream in any voice channel where they have the “Connect” and “Speak” permissions. The idea is that new servers often have a small group of friends who all trust each other, so streaming is allowed without extra setup.
However, as your server grows, you may want to restrict streaming to prevent unwanted broadcasts, reduce bandwidth usage, or maintain a professional environment. The Stream permission controls whether a member can start a screen share or broadcast a game in a voice channel. If a member does not have this permission, they will see the “Share Your Screen” button grayed out in a voice channel, and Discord will display a message that they do not have permission to stream.
The Stream permission is separate from the “Video” permission. Video permission allows a member to turn on their webcam. You can set these permissions independently.
Steps to Change the Default Stream Permission for New Members
Follow these steps to remove the default Stream permission from the @everyone role and assign it to a specific role instead.
- Open Server Settings
On the Discord desktop app or web browser, click the server name at the top left of the channel list. From the dropdown menu, select Server Settings. - Go to Roles
In the left sidebar under User Management, click Roles. You will see a list of all roles in the server, including @everyone at the top. - Edit the @everyone Role
Click on the @everyone role. This role applies to every member in the server. You cannot delete it, but you can change its permissions. - Find the Stream Permission
Scroll down to the Voice Permissions section. Look for the Stream permission. By default, the toggle is green (enabled). - Disable Stream for @everyone
Click the toggle to turn it gray (disabled). This removes the ability to stream from all members, including new ones who join later. - Create a New Role for Streamers
Click the Create Role button at the top of the Roles page. Name the role something like “Streamer” or “Content Creator.” Optionally, assign a color and icon. - Grant Stream Permission to the New Role
After creating the role, click on it. Under Voice Permissions, enable the Stream permission toggle. Also enable Connect and Speak if those are not already enabled. - Assign the Role to Members
Go back to the server and right-click on a member you want to allow streaming. From the menu, select Roles and check the box next to the new role (e.g., “Streamer”). The member will now have permission to stream.
Alternative: Channel-Specific Stream Restriction
If you want to allow streaming in some voice channels but not others, you can override the @everyone role for each channel individually. This method is useful if you have a dedicated streaming channel for events.
- Right-Click the Voice Channel
In the channel list, right-click the voice channel you want to restrict. Select Edit Channel. - Go to Permissions
In the left sidebar, click Permissions. You will see the @everyone role listed. - Deny Stream Permission
Click the @everyone role. Find the Stream permission and click the red X to deny it. This overrides the server-level permission for this channel only. - Allow Stream for a Specific Role
If you want a role (e.g., “Streamer”) to still be able to stream in this channel, add that role to the permissions list and enable the Stream permission with a green checkmark. Role-based overrides take priority over @everyone denies.
Common Mistakes When Setting Stream Permissions
New Members Still Can Stream After Disabling Permission
If you disabled Stream for @everyone but new members can still stream, check for a role that grants Stream permission to all members. For example, if you have a “Member” role that is assigned to everyone upon joining, that role may have Stream enabled. Edit that role and disable the Stream permission as well. Also, check channel-specific overrides. A channel may have Stream allowed for @everyone even if the server-level permission is disabled.
Stream Permission Grayed Out in Server Settings
If the Stream permission toggle is grayed out and you cannot click it, it means your own role does not have the “Administrator” permission or the “Manage Roles” permission. Only members with the “Manage Roles” permission or the “Administrator” permission can change role permissions. Ask the server owner or an admin to grant you the necessary permissions.
Members Cannot See the Share Screen Button
If a member has the Stream permission but still cannot see the “Share Your Screen” button, they may not have the Connect or Speak permission for that voice channel. The Stream permission only works if the member can first join and speak in the channel. Ensure the member’s role has both Connect and Speak enabled for the voice channel.
| Item | @everyone Default | Custom Role (e.g., Streamer) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | All members | Only members with the role |
| Stream Permission | Enabled by default | Manually enabled |
| Control | Cannot be removed from specific members without role override | Easy to grant or revoke per member |
| Best for | Small, trusted groups | Large servers or public communities |
After disabling the Stream permission for @everyone and creating a dedicated role, you have full control over who can broadcast in your server. This setup prevents new members from accidentally or intentionally streaming unwanted content. You can also use the same method to control other voice permissions such as Video, Mute Members, or Deafen Members. For advanced control, combine role-based permissions with channel-specific overrides to create a secure and organized streaming environment for your community.