How to create a bot on Poe?
To create a bot on Poe, click 'Create bot,' choose a base model, and write a system prompt that sets its personality and rules — this is a prompt bot and takes minutes with no coding. For advanced control, build a server bot that runs your own code and connects to Poe over an API.
Why — the first-principles explanation
A Poe bot is really just a wrapper around an existing AI model plus a set of instructions. Poe already handles the hard part — connecting to powerful models like GPT, Claude, and Gemini. Creating a bot means telling one of those models how to behave, so you don't need to train anything from scratch.
The simplest kind is a prompt bot. You pick a base model and write a 'system prompt' — hidden instructions the model reads before every conversation, like 'You are a patient French tutor who replies in short sentences and corrects mistakes gently.' From then on, anyone who chats with your bot gets that behavior automatically. This works because modern models are steerable: a few clear instructions reshape their tone and focus.
When a prompt isn't enough — say you need the bot to call a database, run calculations, or follow strict multi-step logic — you build a server bot. Here Poe acts as the front door: it sends each user message to a web address you control, your code decides what to do, and it streams a reply back through Poe. This gives full programmatic control while still using Poe's interface, accounts, and payment system.
Poe also supports script bots and canvas apps for interactive tools, and lets you plug in outside models through a Chat Completions or Responses API. The underlying pattern is always the same: Poe provides the audience and the plumbing; you provide the instructions or the code.
An example that makes it click
Making a prompt bot is like writing a job description for a very capable temp worker who already knows everything. You don't teach them facts — you just hand them a note that says, 'Only answer questions about houseplants, keep it under three sentences, and always suggest one care tip.' They follow that note with every customer.
A server bot is like hiring that same temp but routing their questions through your back office first. When a customer asks something, the temp checks with your office, your staff looks up the answer in your files, and then the temp reads it back. Same friendly front desk (Poe), but now your own systems decide what gets said.
How to do it
- Log in to Poe and select 'Create bot' (on the web at poe.com or in the app).
- For a prompt bot: choose a base model, give the bot a name, and write a system prompt describing its behavior and rules.
- Add a greeting message and optional example prompts so users know what it does.
- Set visibility (private, unlisted, or public) and save to start chatting immediately.
- For advanced needs, follow creator.poe.com/docs to build a server bot: host an endpoint, connect it via the Poe protocol, and manage responses in your own code.
Key facts
- Prompt bots require no coding — you configure a base model with a custom system prompt.
- Server bots give full programmatic control by connecting Poe to an endpoint you host.
- Poe also supports script bots, canvas apps, and API bots that wrap external models.
- Bots can be set private, unlisted, or public, and are available across web, iOS, and Android.
- Official developer documentation lives at creator.poe.com/docs.
One app to chat with many models (GPT, Claude, Gemini and more) on shared credits.
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Want to build your own AI bot on Poe? It's easier than you think, because Poe already connects to the powerful models — you just tell one how to behave. The simplest way is a prompt bot. Click 'Create bot,' pick a base model like GPT or Claude, give it a name, and write a system prompt — hidden instructions like 'You're a friendly recipe helper who only suggests vegetarian meals.' Save it, and it works instantly, no coding required. Need more power? Build a server bot. Poe sends each message to a web address you control, your own code decides what to do, and it sends the answer back through Poe. That lets your bot look things up, run calculations, or follow strict rules. You can keep bots private or share them publicly, and they work on web, iPhone, and Android. Check creator dot poe dot com slash docs for the full guide.
What authoritative sources say
People also ask
Do I need to know how to code to make a Poe bot?
No. Prompt bots only require a base model and a written system prompt. Coding is needed only for server bots.
What's the difference between a prompt bot and a server bot?
A prompt bot is instructions layered on an existing model; a server bot runs your own code on a server you host.
Can I make my Poe bot public?
Yes. You can set a bot to private, unlisted, or public so anyone on Poe can find and use it.
Where are the developer docs?
Official documentation for building bots is at creator.poe.com/docs.