You join someone else's server and notice an animated level badge, a custom banner, a clean invite link and crystal-clear voice quality — none of which you have. The reason is simple: that server is powered by boosts, and yours is not.
In this guide we explain in plain terms what a discord server boost is, which boost levels exist, how many boosts each level requires, how much a boost costs and how to get boost credits without overpaying.
What a server boost is and why it matters
A Server Boost is a way to upgrade a server through a subscription. Each boost is a "vote" for the server: the more boosts it has, the higher its level and the more features unlock for every member at once, not just for the person who boosted.
To answer the question "how to boost a server" quickly: open the server settings, go to the Server Boost section and apply an available boost credit or purchase one. A single account can give a server up to two boosts at the same time.
Discord boost levels: 1, 2 and 3
There are three discord boost levels in total. Each next one requires more boosts and unlocks fatter perks. The level is shared across the whole server and is visible to all members.
How many boosts each level needs
The key question is how many boosts needed to hit a given tier. The thresholds are:
- Level 1 — 2 boosts;
- Level 2 — 7 boosts;
- Level 3 — 14 boosts.
If some boosts are removed (for example, someone cancels Nitro), the server can drop to a lower level — so a stable level relies on consistent subscribers.
What perks each level unlocks
Perks stack: level 2 includes everything from level 1 and adds more. Below is a comparison table of the main bonuses.
| Perk | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice channel quality | 128 kbps | 256 kbps | 384 kbps |
| Extra emoji slots | +100 | +150 | +250 |
| Upload size limit | standard | 50 MB | 100 MB |
| Stream quality | 720p / 30 fps | 1080p / 60 fps | 4K stream |
| Custom server banner | — | yes | yes |
| Animated server icon | — | yes | yes |
| Custom invite (vanity URL) | — | — | yes |
The most coveted perk is the custom URL (vanity), like discord.gg/your-server. It unlocks only at level 3 and greatly boosts recognition and trust in your community.
Discord boost price and how cost is formed
A single boost is billed as a monthly subscription. The base discord boost price per unit is around $4.99 per month. If you have full Nitro, boosts cost less — more on that below.
A rough guide to the monthly cost of holding a level (without discounts or sales):
- Level 1 (2 boosts) — about $10/mo;
- Level 2 (7 boosts) — about $35/mo;
- Level 3 (14 boosts) — about $70/mo.
Prices are approximate and depend on region and current Discord promotions. Paying for a whole level alone is expensive — that is why levels are usually funded by the whole community.
How to get boost credits through Nitro more cheaply
The most economical way to boost is to have a Nitro subscription. Full Nitro includes two boost credits you can immediately give to a favourite server, plus a 30% discount on extra boosts.
So instead of paying full price for boosts, you get Discord Nitro and receive both the personal perks of the subscription and two boosts "for free". That is cheaper than buying boosts separately. If you need an account with an active subscription, you can pick one up in the catalogue.
FAQ
How many boosts can one person give?
A single account can give a maximum of two boosts at once — both can go to one server or be split across two different servers.
What happens to a server if a boost is cancelled?
The number of active boosts decreases. If it falls below a level threshold, the server automatically loses the matching perks and drops to a lower level.
Can I move a boost from one server to another?
Yes. You can unattach a boost in the Server Boost section, but after switching there is a binding period of a few days during which you cannot move it again.
Do I need Nitro to boost?
No, you can buy boosts without a subscription. But with full Nitro you get two boosts included plus a discount, so it is almost always cheaper.
Is my boost visible to other members?
A booster badge appears next to your name and a separate role shows in the member list. The boost itself is public, but it does not reveal your payment details.
Conclusion
A Discord server boost is an investment in the community's overall level: better voice, more emoji slots, a custom banner and the coveted vanity URL at level 3. Calculate the value per level, not per single boost — and it almost always works out cheaper through Nitro with its two credits and discount. If you plan to boost a favourite server regularly, start by choosing an account with an active subscription in the Discord Nitro catalogue.