When your Discord server reaches Boost Tier 1, you unlock the ability to set a splash image. This image appears on the server invite page, giving new members a visual preview of your community before they join. Without the splash image, the invite page shows a plain background with your server icon. This article explains exactly what the splash image is, what requirements you must meet, and how to upload your image in just a few clicks.
Key Takeaways: Adding a Discord Splash Image at Boost Tier 1
- Server Settings > Overview > Splash Image: The exact location where you upload the splash image after your server reaches Tier 1.
- Image dimensions of 1920×1080 pixels: The required resolution for a properly scaled splash image with no distortion.
- Maximum file size of 8 MB: The file size limit for the splash image upload in Discord.
What Is a Discord Server Splash Image?
A splash image is a banner that displays on the invite page of your Discord server. When someone clicks your server invite link, they see the splash image as the background behind the server name and description. This image helps convey the theme, purpose, or branding of your server before a user decides to join.
The splash image is a perk of Boost Tier 1. To reach Tier 1, your server must have at least 2 active boosts from members with Discord Nitro or server boosts. Once you reach this level, Discord automatically unlocks the splash image option in your server settings. There is no additional cost beyond the boosts themselves.
The image must meet specific technical requirements. Discord recommends a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, which matches a 16:9 aspect ratio. The maximum file size is 8 MB. Accepted file formats include JPG, PNG, and GIF. Using an image that does not meet these specifications may result in a failed upload or a distorted appearance.
Prerequisites for Adding a Splash Image
Before you can upload a splash image, your server must meet these requirements:
- Your server must have at least 2 active boosts, which qualifies it for Boost Tier 1.
- You must have the Manage Server permission. Only server owners and administrators with this permission can change the splash image.
- You must have a prepared image file that is 1920×1080 pixels or close to that ratio, and under 8 MB in size.
If your server has not yet reached Tier 1, you can ask members with Discord Nitro to boost your server. Each boost from a Nitro subscriber counts toward the server’s boost level. You can check your current boost level by going to Server Settings > Server Boost.
Steps to Add a Splash Image to a Discord Server at Boost Tier 1
Follow these steps exactly to upload your splash image. These instructions apply to the Discord desktop app, the web browser version, and the mobile app.
- Open Server Settings
Click your server name in the top-left corner of the Discord window. From the dropdown menu, select Server Settings. This opens the server configuration panel. - Go to the Overview section
In the left sidebar of Server Settings, click Overview. This is the first option in the list, directly under the server name. - Locate the Splash Image upload area
Scroll down until you see the Splash Image section. It appears below the server description field and above the Server Banner option. If your server is at Tier 1, the upload area will be active and clickable. If it is grayed out, your server has not yet reached Tier 1. - Upload your image file
Click the Upload Image button. A file browser window opens. Navigate to your prepared image file and select it. Discord will begin uploading the file. If the image meets the size and resolution requirements, it will appear as a preview in the splash image area. - Save the changes
After the preview appears, click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the Server Settings page. Discord applies the splash image to your server invite page immediately. You do not need to restart Discord or refresh the page.
To verify the splash image is working, open your server invite link in a web browser or share it with a friend. The invite page should display your image as the background.
Common Mistakes and Limitations When Adding a Splash Image
The Upload Button Is Grayed Out
If the Upload Image button is not clickable, your server has not reached Boost Tier 1. Go to Server Settings > Server Boost to see your current boost count. You need at least 2 boosts. If you have the boosts but the button is still grayed out, try refreshing the page or restarting the Discord app. Server perk updates can sometimes take a few minutes to appear.
The Image Appears Distorted or Cropped
Discord automatically crops images to fit the 16:9 aspect ratio. If your image has a different ratio, parts of it will be cut off. To avoid this, prepare an image that is exactly 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels tall. Use an image editor to resize or crop your image before uploading. Avoid using images with text near the edges, as they may be cropped out.
The Splash Image Does Not Show on Mobile Invite Links
On mobile devices, the Discord app may not display the splash image when opening an invite link. This is a known limitation of the mobile client. The splash image is primarily visible on desktop and web browser invite pages. There is no fix for this behavior; it is by design.
File Size Exceeds 8 MB
If your image file is larger than 8 MB, Discord will reject the upload. Use an image editor or online compression tool to reduce the file size. Lowering the image quality slightly usually brings the file size under the limit without noticeable visual degradation.
Discord Server Boost Features: Tier 1 vs Tier 2 vs Tier 3
| Feature | Tier 1 (2 Boosts) | Tier 2 (7 Boosts) | Tier 3 (14 Boosts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splash image | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Server banner | No | Yes | Yes |
| Animated server icon | No | No | Yes |
| Custom invite background | No | No | Yes |
| Maximum emoji slots | 100 | 150 | 250 |
| Increased audio bitrate | 128 kbps | 256 kbps | 384 kbps |
The splash image is the only visual perk available at Tier 1. If you want additional customization like a server banner or animated icon, you need to reach higher boost tiers.
After you add the splash image, consider updating your server description and invite settings to match the visual theme. The splash image, server name, and description all appear together on the invite page. You can also test the invite link yourself by opening it in a private browser window to see exactly what new members will see. For servers that grow beyond Tier 1, the next visual upgrade is the server banner at Tier 2.