What a custom Discord server link is and how to make one

A custom server link in Discord is a vanity URL that replaces the long random string of numbers and letters in a standard invite link. Instead of sharing something like discord.gg/a1b2c3d4e5f6, you can create a link like discord.gg/myserver or discord.gg/gaming. Discord calls this a vanity URL.

To create one, you need to own or have administrator permissions in a server, and your server must meet Discord's requirements. Once you set it up, anyone who visits your custom link joins your server directly — no invite code needed.

The process takes about two minutes and costs nothing. You do it through your server settings, not through a separate tool or website.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom Discord links require your server to reach level 2 or higher, which means having at least 100 members.
  • You create a vanity URL in Server Settings under Invite, and Discord checks whether the name you want is already taken.
  • Once set, your custom link works when ready and you can change it anytime without losing your server.
  • Smaller servers can still share invites — they just use the standard random code instead of a custom name.

Server level requirements for a custom link

Discord ties custom links to server level, which increases as your server grows and members stay active. Your server must reach level 2 to unlock the vanity URL feature. Level 2 requires approximately 100 members who have been in the server for at least 7 days.

The exact threshold can shift slightly based on Discord's calculations, but 100 active members is the practical number to aim for. If your server has 80 members but many joined recently or are inactive, you may not yet may have access to. Discord shows your current server level in Server Settings under Overview, so you can check where you stand.

If your server is still below level 2, you cannot create a custom link yet. You can still share standard invite links with the random code, which work just as well for letting people join.

Steps to set up your custom server link

Open Discord and go to your server. Click the server name at the top left to open the dropdown menu, then select Server Settings. On the left sidebar, find and click Invite.

You will see a section labeled Vanity URL or Custom Invite Link. Click the button to create or edit your vanity URL. Type the name you want — this becomes the part after discord.gg/. Discord will tell you when ready if that name is taken or if it violates their guidelines.

If your chosen name is available, click Save or Confirm. Your custom link is now active. You can copy it from the same screen and share it anywhere — Discord, social media, your website, or in person.

What happens if your chosen name is already taken

Discord has millions of servers, so many short or popular names are already claimed. If you try to use a name like "gaming" or "friends" or "discord," you will get a message saying it is unavailable.

Try a variation instead: add your server's topic, your name, a number, or a word that describes what your server is about. Something like "gaming-hub," "jess-squad," or "retro-games" is more likely to be free. Discord does not reserve names, so if someone else's server is deleted, their vanity URL becomes available again, but you cannot predict when that happens.

You can also use a standard invite link with the random code while you wait, or change your custom link later if a better name opens up.

Sharing and managing your custom link

Once your custom link is set, share it anywhere you would normally share an invite. Paste it in your Discord status, post it on Twitter or Reddit, put it on your website, or text it to friends. Anyone who visits the link joins your server automatically — they do not need a separate code or password.

You can change your custom link anytime by going back to Server Settings > Invite > Vanity URL and typing a new name. Your old link stops working when ready, so if you have shared it widely, let people know before you change it. You can also delete the vanity URL and go back to using standard invite codes.

If your server drops below level 2 — for example, if many members leave — Discord will disable your vanity URL. You can reactivate it once you reach level 2 again, and the same custom name will still be yours if you have not deleted it.

Standard invite links if you cannot use a custom URL yet

If your server is still below level 2, you can still share invites using Discord's standard format. Go to Server Settings > Invite and click Create Invite. Discord generates a unique code like a1b2c3d4e5. Your full link becomes discord.gg/a1b2c3d4e5.

Standard links work exactly the same way as custom ones — anyone who clicks joins your server. The only difference is the link is longer and harder to remember. You can create multiple standard invites, set them to expire after a certain time, or limit how many people can use each one.

Many small communities use standard links for years without needing a custom URL. As your server grows and reaches level 2, you can switch to a vanity URL whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters or spaces in my custom Discord link?

No. Discord only allows letters, numbers, and hyphens. Spaces, underscores, periods, and symbols will not work. Keep your custom name straightforward and straightforward to type.

What if I change my server name — do I need to change my custom link too?

No. Your custom link and your server name are separate. You can rename your server anytime without touching your vanity URL. Many servers keep their custom link the same even after rebranding.

Can someone else claim my custom link if I delete it?

Yes. If you delete your vanity URL, anyone can claim that name for their own server. If you think you might want it back, do not delete it — just change it to something else temporarily.

Do I need Discord Nitro or pay anything for a custom link?

No. Custom links are free and do not require Nitro. The only requirement is that your server reaches level 2.

How long does it take for a custom link to start working?

It works when ready. Once you save your vanity URL, you can share it right away and people can join through it.