discord.js Guide

Introduction

"Voice" refers to Discord bots being able to send audio in voice channels. This is supported in discord.js via @discordjs/voiceopen in new window, a standalone library made by the developers of discord.js. While you can use it with any Node.js Discord API library, this guide will focus on using it with discord.js.

Installation

Barebones

To add voice functionality to your discord.js bot, you will need the @discordjs/voice package, as well as one of the encryption packages listed below. For example:

npm install @discordjs/voice libsodium-wrappers

yarn add @discordjs/voice libsodium-wrappers

pnpm add @discordjs/voice libsodium-wrappers

After this, you'll be able to play Ogg and WebM Opus files without any other dependencies. If you want to play audio from other sources, or want to improve performance, consider installing some of the extra dependencies listed below.

WARNING

This guide assumes you have installed at least one additional dependency – FFmpeg. More information on this can be found in the section below.

Extra Dependencies

TIP

Outside a development environment, it is recommended for you to use @discordjs/opus and sodium to improve performance and improve the stability of audio playback!

If you're struggling to install these dependencies, make sure you have build tools installed first. On Windows, this is as easy as running the following command!

npm install --global --production --add-python-to-path windows-build-tools

yarn global add --production --add-python-to-path windows-build-tools

pnpm add --global --production --add-python-to-path windows-build-tools

Debugging Dependencies

The library includes a helper function that helps you to find out which dependencies you've successfully installed. This information is also very helpful if you ever need to submit an issue on the @discordjs/voice issue tracker.

const { generateDependencyReport } = require('@discordjs/voice');

console.log(generateDependencyReport());

/*
--------------------------------------------------
Core Dependencies
- @discordjs/voice: 0.3.1
- prism-media: 1.2.9

Opus Libraries
- @discordjs/opus: 0.5.3
- opusscript: not found

Encryption Libraries
- sodium: 3.0.2
- libsodium-wrappers: not found
- tweetnacl: not found

FFmpeg
- version: 4.2.4-1ubuntu0.1
- libopus: yes
--------------------------------------------------
*/
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  • Core Dependencies
    • These are dependencies that should definitely be available.
  • Opus Libraries
    • If you want to play audio from many different file types, or alter volume in real-time, you will need to have one of these.
  • Encryption Libraries
    • You should have at least one encryption library installed to use @discordjs/voice.
  • FFmpeg
    • If you want to play audio from many different file types, you will need to have FFmpeg installed.
    • If libopus is enabled, you will be able to benefit from increased performance if real-time volume alteration is disabled.