A Discord server boost is a paid Boost you give a server to raise its level and its perks. As of October 2026, Level 1 takes 2 Boosts, Level 2 takes 7 and Level 3 takes 14, and each level adds more emoji slots, better audio, higher streaming quality and, from Level 2, bigger uploads for every member.
Here's the catch. Discord applies Boosts to levels first, and only the leftovers can pay for the newer add-on perks such as Server Tags. A server with 10 Boosts can have Level 2 (7 Boosts) plus one 3-Boost perk, not Level 2 plus two. And those add-on perks switch off the moment Boosts drop, while level perks get a 72-hour grace period.
Discord server boost levels at a glance
| Level | Boosts | Emoji slots | Stickers | Soundboard | Audio | Upload for members |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 100 | 15 | 24 | 128 Kbps | Same as normal |
| 2 | 7 | 150 | 30 | 36 | 256 Kbps | 50MB in that server |
| 3 | 14 | 250 | 60 | 48 | 384 Kbps | 100MB in that server |
What each level adds
Level 1 gives you Go Live at 720p and 60fps, a custom invite background and an animated server icon, on top of the slots in the table.
Level 2 adds Go Live at 1080p and 60fps, a Stage audience of 150 with video and Go Live, custom role icons and a static banner. The 50MB upload applies to everyone, but only inside that server. If you want to set up role icons once you're there, my guide to making roles on Discord covers the basics.
Level 3 raises the Stage audience to 300, gives every member 100MB uploads in the server, and adds a custom invite link and an animated banner. For the banner steps and sizes, see how to change your Discord server banner.
Additional perks cost Boosts on top
Discord now sells some perks separately, paid for in Boosts rather than levels:
- Server Tags: 3 Boosts
- Enhanced Role Styles: 3 Boosts
- Game Server Hosting: 3 or more Boosts
- A 250MB file limit for 5 Boosts, which is an experiment for some servers only
These need unallocated Boosts, they're set up on desktop only, and they're disabled straight away if your Boost count falls. Because new Boosts go to the next server level automatically, the Boosts you added for a perk may already be holding up a level. To free them, you'd have to disable the level.
How to boost a Discord server
- Open the server and click the server name at the top to open its menu.
- Click Server Boost.
- Click Boost This Server. If you don't have a spare Boost, you'll be asked to buy one.
- Check the server's level afterwards. If it loses Boosts later, it can drop a level.
Full Nitro includes 2 Server Boosts and a discount on extra Boosts. Nitro Classic also gets the discount, but Nitro Basic gets no Boost perks and no discount. You can also pay for Boosts with a Discord gift card balance.
Moving Boosts, streaks and grace periods
This is where the small print matters, because Discord's support can't undo most of it:
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Moving a Boost to another server | Allowed after a 7-day cooldown |
| Server drops below a level | Keeps the level perks for 72 hours, then they stop working until the level is back |
| Custom invite link after losing Level 3 | Lost, and released to other servers after 30 days |
| You're removed, cancel, Nitro ends or the server is deleted | Your Boosting badge streak stops unless you re-apply the Boost to a new server within 72 hours |
| Switching where you pay, desktop or mobile | 72 hours to reactivate |
Discord says support can't restore a lost streak, so if you care about the badge, don't sit on that 72-hour window.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
The Server Booster role
Anyone who boosts gets the Server Booster role automatically. It can't be deleted or handed out by hand, and it comes in a pink gradient style by default, though owners can restyle it. It's a nice, low-effort way to thank the people paying for your perks.
My verdict
Boosting pays off when a server needs something only a level gives, such as more emoji slots, better audio or bigger uploads for everyone. Before you add Boosts for a specific perk, count what's already holding up your level, because that's where most of the confusion comes from. And if emoji space is the reason you're boosting, my guide to adding emojis to Discord shows how to use the slots once you have them.
Frequently asked questions
How many boosts do you need for each Discord server level?
Level 1 needs 2 Boosts, Level 2 needs 7 and Level 3 needs 14.
Does Nitro Basic include Server Boosts?
No. Discord says Nitro Basic subscribers get no Boost perks and no Boost discount. Full Nitro includes 2 Server Boosts and a discount on extra ones.
Can I move my Discord boost to another server?
Yes, after a 7-day cooldown. The server you leave can lose a level if it drops below the Boosts it needs.
What happens when a server loses its boost level?
It keeps the level perks for 72 hours. After that they stop working until the level is regained. Additional perks such as Server Tags switch off immediately.
Why can't I turn on a Boost perk when the server has enough Boosts?
Additional perks need unallocated Boosts, and new Boosts go to the next server level first. Your Boosts may already be holding up a level.
