Discord servers are assigned a random string of numbers and letters as their default invite URL. This URL is hard to remember and does not reflect your community’s brand or name. A custom vanity URL replaces that random string with a word or phrase you choose, such as discord.gg/yourcommunity. This article explains the Boost Level requirement for vanity URLs and provides the exact steps to set one up for your server.
Vanity URLs are a perk of reaching Discord Server Boost Level 1. That level requires 2 server boosts. After you meet that requirement, you can claim a custom URL from the server settings. The URL must be between 2 and 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens.
This guide covers the Boost Level prerequisite, the step-by-step setup process, and what to do if the vanity URL option does not appear. You will also learn how to change or remove a vanity URL later.
Key Takeaways: Setting a Custom Vanity URL on Discord
- Server Settings > Overview > Custom Invite Link: Where you set the vanity URL after reaching Boost Level 1.
- Server Boost Level 1 (2 boosts): The minimum requirement to unlock the vanity URL feature.
- URL character limit of 2 to 32: The vanity URL must be between 2 and 32 characters using letters, numbers, and hyphens.
What Is a Discord Vanity URL and Why Do You Need Boosts?
A Discord vanity URL is a custom invite link that replaces the default random code. The default URL looks like discord.gg/abc123def. A vanity URL looks like discord.gg/mygamingcommunity. This makes the link easier to share, remember, and brand across social media or your website.
Discord restricts vanity URLs to servers that have reached Boost Level 1. Server Boosts are a paid feature where users can boost a server to unlock perks. Every boost contributes to the server’s Boost Level. Level 1 requires 2 boosts. Level 2 requires 15 boosts. Level 3 requires 30 boosts. Only Level 1 or higher unlocks the vanity URL option.
If your server has fewer than 2 boosts, the vanity URL setting will not appear. You must either boost the server yourself or encourage members to boost it. Boosts can be purchased from the Discord Nitro subscription or as standalone boosts. Each boost costs a set amount and lasts for one month. Once the boost count drops below 2, the vanity URL will stop working until the requirement is met again.
Steps to Set a Custom Vanity URL for a Discord Server
Follow these steps to set a vanity URL after your server has reached Boost Level 1. The steps are the same on the Discord desktop app and the web version.
- Open your server settings
Click the server name at the top-left of the Discord window. A dropdown menu appears. Click Server Settings. - Go to the Overview tab
In the left sidebar, click Overview. This is the first option under the Server Settings section. - Locate the Custom Invite Link section
Scroll down the Overview page. You will see a section labeled Custom Invite Link. If your server has Boost Level 1 or higher, a text box appears here. If you do not see this section, your server does not meet the Boost Level requirement. - Type your desired vanity URL
In the text box, enter the word or phrase you want to use. The URL must be between 2 and 32 characters. You can use lowercase letters a-z, numbers 0-9, and hyphens. Spaces and special characters are not allowed. The URL is not case-sensitive — it will display in lowercase. - Click Save Changes
After typing the URL, click the blue Save Changes button. Discord checks whether the URL is already taken by another server. If it is available, the URL is assigned to your server immediately. If it is taken, you will see an error message and must choose a different URL. - Test the new URL
Open a new browser tab and enter discord.gg/yourvanityurl. Replace yourvanityurl with the one you set. The page should redirect to your server’s invite screen. If it does not, double-check the spelling or the Boost Level status.
What to Do If the Vanity URL Option Does Not Appear
If you do not see the Custom Invite Link section in Server Settings > Overview, the most common cause is that your server has not reached Boost Level 1. Check the current Boost Level by looking at the Boost icon next to the server name. Hover over the icon to see the exact boost count.
If your server has 2 or more boosts but the option still does not appear, try these steps:
- Restart the Discord app or refresh the web page.
- Log out of Discord and log back in.
- Ensure you have the Manage Server permission. Only server owners and users with this permission can see and change the vanity URL.
- Check that you are using the correct server. The vanity URL setting is server-specific and will not appear in your User Settings.
If the Vanity URL You Want Is Already Taken
Discord does not allow two servers to use the same vanity URL. If you receive a “URL already in use” error, you must choose a different URL. Try adding numbers, a hyphen, or a prefix to make the URL unique. For example, if “gaming” is taken, try “gaming-zone” or “thegaminghub”.
Discord does not provide a way to request a taken URL or contact the owner of the other server. The only option is to pick a different URL.
How to Change or Remove a Vanity URL
You can change your vanity URL at any time as long as the server still has Boost Level 1 or higher. Go back to Server Settings > Overview > Custom Invite Link, type a new URL, and click Save Changes. The old URL becomes immediately available for other servers to claim.
To remove the vanity URL entirely, clear the text box and click Save Changes. The server will revert to using its default random invite URL. The vanity URL feature remains unlocked as long as the Boost Level is maintained, so you can set a new URL later without needing additional boosts.
Discord Server Boost Levels: Tier 1 vs Tier 2 vs Tier 3
| Item | Level 1 (2 Boosts) | Level 2 (15 Boosts) | Level 3 (30 Boosts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanity URL | Available | Available | Available |
| Audio quality | 128 kbps | 256 kbps | 384 kbps |
| Upload limit | 100 MB | 250 MB | 500 MB |
| Emoji slots | 100 static, 100 animated | 150 static, 150 animated | 250 static, 250 animated |
| Sticker slots | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Server banner | Not available | Available | Available |
| Animated server icon | Not available | Available | Available |
Now you know how to set a custom vanity URL for your Discord server using server boosts. The key requirement is reaching Boost Level 1, which takes 2 boosts. After you save the URL, test it by visiting discord.gg/yourvanityurl to confirm it works. If you later change the URL, the old one becomes available for other servers, so claim a name you plan to keep. For maximum branding consistency, match your vanity URL to your server name or website domain.