How to Boost a Discord Server: Step-by-Step Guide

Boosting a Discord server unlocks perks like better audio quality, more emoji slots, a custom invite link, and a vanity URL. This guide explains what boosts do, how to boost any server you have the Boost permission on, and how to get the most from your boosts. You’ll need a Discord account, a Nitro subscription (or a server with enough members to earn free boosts), and permission to boost the server.

What You’ll Need

A Discord account (free or Nitro).
Permission to boost the server (the “Server Boost” permission, usually granted to members or admins).
Nitro subscription (for the first boost) OR a server that has reached level 2 or 3 (which grants free boosts to members).
Discord app (desktop, web, or mobile) – all features work on all platforms.

Step-by-Step

Open Discord and navigate to the server you want to boost. Click the server icon on the left sidebar. If you don’t see the server, you need to join it first (you need an invite link).
Check your current boost status. At the top of the server channel list, you’ll see a small icon with a rocket or a number like “0 Boost” (or “Level 1” etc.). Click that icon to open the Server Boost menu.
Understand what each boost gives. The menu shows the current server level and the perks you’ll unlock at each level. Level 1 (2 boosts) gives 50 emoji slots, 128kbps audio, and a custom invite link. Level 2 (7 boosts) adds 1080p 60fps streaming, 256kbps audio, and 150 emoji slots. Level 3 (14 boosts) gives 384kbps audio, 250 emoji slots, and a vanity URL (like discord.gg/yourname).
Click the “Boost This Server” button. It’s usually a purple button at the bottom of the Boost menu. If you don’t see it, you might not have permission – ask an admin to grant you the “Server Boost” permission.
Choose how many boosts to use. If you have Nitro, you have 2 boosts (one for your own server, one for another). If you have Nitro Classic, you have 1 boost. If the server has reached level 3, members get 1 free boost to give to any server. Select the number you want to apply and click “Boost”.
Confirm the boost. A pop-up will ask you to confirm. Click “Yes” or “Boost” to confirm. The boost is applied immediately – you’ll see the server level increase and the perks unlock instantly.
Wait for the cooldown. After boosting, you cannot boost the same server again for 30 days. You can, however, move your boost to another server after 7 days (if you have multiple boosts).
Enjoy the perks. Once boosted, the server gets the perks immediately. For example, you can now upload more emojis, use the custom invite link, or set a vanity URL (if level 3).
Manage your boosts. To see your active boosts, go to User Settings > Server Boost. Here you can see which servers you’re boosting and when you can move them.

Common Mistakes

Boosting without permission: You can’t boost a server if the admin hasn’t enabled the “Server Boost” permission for your role. Check with the admin first.
Wasting boosts on a server you’ll leave: Boosts are tied to your account, not the server. If you leave the server, your boost goes with you, and the server loses that boost. Only boost servers you plan to stay in.
Not checking the server level goal: Some servers have a specific goal (e.g., reaching level 2). Make sure your boost actually helps achieve that goal – if the server already has 6 boosts, one more gets it to level 2, but if it has 0, one boost does nothing.
Boosting a server you don’t use: Boosting is a commitment – you can’t get a refund or move the boost for 7 days. Don’t boost just to be nice; boost only if you genuinely want to support the community.

Tips

Coordinate with other members: If a server needs 7 boosts for level 2, ask in the server chat who else is planning to boost. That way you don’t waste boosts on a server that won’t reach the next level.
Use your free boost wisely: If you have Nitro, you get 2 boosts – one is meant for your own server, the other for any server. Use the free one on a server you’re active in.
Check for boost perks in the server: Some servers reward boosters with special roles, exclusive channels, or giveaways. Look for a #booster-perks channel to see what you get.
Set a reminder to move boosts: After 7 days, you can move a boost to another server. If you want to support a different server, set a reminder to do so.
Don’t boost a server just for the perks: The perks are nice, but boosting is primarily about supporting a community. Only boost if you care about the server.

Troubleshooting

“Boost This Server” button is greyed out: You don’t have permission. Ask the server admin to enable the “Server Boost” permission for your role, or check if the server has reached the maximum boost limit (unlikely).
You don’t see the boost icon at all: The server might have disabled boosts entirely (admin setting). You can’t boost that server.
You have Nitro but can’t boost: Nitro gives you 2 boosts, but you might have already used them on other servers. Check User Settings > Server Boost to see your available boosts. If you’ve used both, you can move one after 7 days.
Boost applied but server level didn’t increase: The server might have already been at that level, or you boosted a server that was already at the next level. Check the Boost menu to see the exact count.
You accidentally boosted the wrong server: You can’t undo a boost instantly. You can move it to another server after 7 days. Until then, the boost stays.
Server lost a boost because someone left: That’s normal – boosts are tied to the booster’s account. The server admin can encourage members to boost to maintain the level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Nitro to boost a server?

Yes, you need at least Nitro Classic (1 boost) or Nitro (2 boosts) to boost a server. However, if a server reaches Level 3, it grants 1 free boost to each member, which can be used on any server.

Can I boost multiple servers?

Yes, with Nitro you get 2 boosts, so you can boost two different servers (or two boosts on the same server). If you have multiple Nitro subscriptions (not possible on one account), you’d have more, but typically you get 2 max.

How long does a boost last?

A boost lasts as long as your Nitro subscription is active. If you cancel Nitro, your boosts are removed after a grace period, and the server loses them.

Can I move a boost to another server?

Yes, you can move a boost to a different server after 7 days from when you applied it. Go to User Settings > Server Boost, click on the server you’re boosting, and select “Move Boost”.

What happens if I leave a boosted server?

Your boost leaves with you. The server loses that boost immediately, which may cause it to drop a level if it falls below the required boost count.

Can I boost my own server?

Yes, you can boost a server you own, but only if you have Nitro. You’ll get the same perks as any other booster.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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