“What exactly is a Server Boost, and is it worth it?”
If you run a community or hang out in high-level servers, you’ve likely seen the shiny amethyst diamond icon. Server Boosting is Discord’s way of allowing communities to pool resources together to unlock collective perks—better audio, higher stream quality, and more emoji slots.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down exactly how Server Boosting works, the updated requirements for each level, and how to get the most value for your money.
🚀 What is a Server Boost?
Think of a Server Boost as a “power-up” token. A single user can buy a Boost and apply it to any server they choose.
When a server collects enough Boosts from its members, it “levels up,” unlocking shared benefits for everyone in that community. Unlike a personal subscription (like Discord Nitro), Server Boosts benefit the entire group.
Why Boost a Server?
- Higher Quality: It improves the technical experience (audio/video).
- Customization: It unlocks vanity URLs, banners, and more emojis.
- Status: It shows support for the community and gives the booster a special badge.
💎 The Three Levels of Boosting (Perks & Requirements)
Discord has recently updated the requirements to make high levels easier to reach. Here is the current breakdown of what you need and what you get.
Level 1: The Starter Pack
Requirement: 2 Boosts
- +50 Emoji Slots (Total: 100)
- Audio Quality: 128 Kbps (Standard is 64 Kbps)
- Go Live Quality: 720p 60fps streams
- Custom Server Invite Background
- Animated Server Icon
Level 2: The Sweet Spot (Most Popular)
Requirement: 7 Boosts
- +50 Emoji Slots (Total: 150)
- Audio Quality: 256 Kbps (Studio quality)
- Go Live Quality: 1080p 60fps streams
- Server Banner: A static or animated image at the top of the channel list.
- 50MB Upload Limit for all members (up from 25MB)
- Custom Sticker Slots: +15 (Total: 30)
Level 3: The Ultimate Community
Requirement: 14 Boosts
- +100 Emoji Slots (Total: 250)
- Audio Quality: 384 Kbps (Lossless quality)
- 100MB Upload Limit for all members
- Vanity URL: A custom invite link (e.g.,
discord.gg/yourname) - Custom Sticker Slots: +30 (Total: 60)
Expert Note: Previously, Level 2 required 15 boosts and Level 3 required 30. Discord lowered these requirements to 7 and 14, making Level 3 much more achievable for mid-sized communities.
💰 Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
You can buy Boosts individually or get them included with a Nitro subscription.
1. Individual Boosts
- Standard Price: Approx. $4.99 USD / month per boost.
- Nitro Member Price: Nitro subscribers get a 30% discount on all additional boost purchases (approx. $3.49/month).
2. The “Discord Nitro” Advantage
If you are a regular user, subscribing to Discord Nitro (the full plan, not Basic) is often the best deal.
- Plan Cost: ~$9.99/month.
- Included: You get 2 Server Boosts included for free.
- Math: Buying 2 boosts separately costs ~$10. Getting Nitro costs ~$10 but gives you the boosts plus all personal Nitro perks (profile customization, global emojis, etc.).
⚙️ How to Boost & Manage Your Subscription
How to Boost a Server
- Go to the specific server you want to support.
- Click the Server Name at the top left to open the menu.
- Select “Server Boost”.
- Click “Boost This Server” and follow the checkout prompts (or apply your free Nitro boosts).
Moving or Canceling a Boost
- Cooldown: Once you boost a server, there is a 7-day cooldown before you can move that specific boost to another server.
- Grace Period: If a server loses a boost and drops a level (e.g., falls from 14 to 13 boosts), Discord provides a 72-hour grace period. If the server gets a new boost within 3 days, it keeps its Level 3 perks without interruption.
🌟 Strategy: Tips for Server Owners
If you want to reach Level 3, you need a strategy to encourage your community.
- Explain the Benefits: Remind gamers that Level 2 unlocks 1080p 60fps streaming, which is huge for game nights.
- Reward Boosters: Create a special role for Boosters with exclusive access to a private channel or VIP perms.
- Use the “Goal” Bar: Enable the Boost Progress Bar in your server settings so members can see how close they are to the next level.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions
Q: Do I lose my badge if I stop boosting?
A: Yes. The “Server Booster” profile badge evolves the longer you boost. If you stop boosting, the badge disappears.
Q: Can I boost my own server?
A: Yes! You can use your own purchased boosts or Nitro boosts on a server you own.
Q: What happens to the perks if we drop a level?
A: After the 3-day grace period, you lose access to the higher-tier perks. For example, the Vanity URL (discord.gg/name) will stop working if you drop below Level 3.
📝 Conclusion
Server Boosting is the lifeblood of high-quality Discord communities. While Level 1 is a nice cosmetic upgrade, Level 2 (7 Boosts) is the “sweet spot” for most gaming servers due to the massive upgrade in stream quality and audio limits.
To recap:
- Nitro Users: Use your 2 free boosts first!
- Target Level 2: 7 Boosts gets you 1080p streaming.
- Wait 7 Days: If you make a mistake, you must wait a week to move your boost.
Next Step for You: Check your User Settings > Server Boost tab right now. You might have unused boosts sitting there from a Nitro subscription that you forgot to apply!