Discord Creator Asset StudioAsset Studio
Specifications & Guides⏱ 6 min read•Updated 2026-03-05

How to Change Discord Server Banner (Step-by-Step)

Learn how to change your Discord server banner step by step. We cover the boost levels needed for static and animated banners, 960×540 dimensions, and how to keep text out of the top 48px header.

AS
Discord Asset Studio Community Engineering
Server Infrastructure Architect

1. Discord Server Banner Boost Level Requirements

Before looking at how to change server banner discord settings, remember that server banners require Discord Server Boosts. While server icons are free for every server, banners unlock through community boosts.

There are two levels of server banner perks: 1. Static Server Banner (Boost Level 2): - Requires 7 Server Boosts from members. - Allows uploading static PNG, JPEG, or WebP banners. - Dimensions: 960×540 minimum (16:9 ratio). 2. Animated Server Banner (Boost Level 3): - Requires 14 Server Boosts. - Unlocks animated GIF banners that play continuously at the top of your channel sidebar. - Supports files up to 10.0 MB.

⚠️ Warning:Grace Period Warning

If your server loses boosts and falls below the threshold, Discord gives you a 3-day grace period before removing the custom banner from view.

Guild FeatureBoost Level RequiredTotal Boosts NeededAllowed FormatsResolution
Server IconFree (Level 0)0 BoostsPNG, JPG, WebP, GIF512 × 512 px
Server Invite SplashBoost Level 12 BoostsPNG, JPG, WebP1920 × 1080 px
Static Server BannerBoost Level 27 BoostsPNG, JPG, WebP960 × 540 px (16:9)
Animated Server BannerBoost Level 314 BoostsAnimated GIF, PNG, JPG960 × 540 px (16:9)

2. Step-by-Step: <mark class="bg-[#C8DFDB]/60 dark:bg-[#66A3BF]/20 text-[#192538] dark:text-white font-semibold px-1 rounded">How to Change Discord Server Banner</mark> Settings

To upload or update your server banner on desktop (design it first in our Discord banner maker):

  1. Open Discord and go to your server (make sure you have Administrator or "Manage Server" permissions).
  2. Click your Server Name at the very top of the channel sidebar to open the menu.
  3. Select Server Settings (the gear icon).
  4. On the Overview page, scroll down past the Server Name and Icon until you find Server Banner Background.
  5. Click Upload Image (or *Change Banner* if you already have one).
  6. Pick your 16:9 image (960×540 or 1920×1080 px).
  7. Use the preview slider to frame your image if needed, then click Apply.
  8. Click Save Changes in the bottom green bar. Your new banner is now visible to everyone on your server!

3. How to Add a Server Banner on Discord Mobile

The steps to add a banner to your Discord server on the mobile app (iOS and Android) mirror the desktop flow, but the menus live in a different place:

  1. Open the Discord app and tap into the server you manage.
  2. Tap the server name at the top of the channel list to open the server menu.
  3. Tap the Settings gear icon, then choose Overview.
  4. Scroll to Server Banner Background and tap it.
  5. Grant photo access if prompted, then pick your 960×540 (16:9) image from your camera roll.
  6. Drag to reposition inside the preview frame, then tap Save in the top corner.

You still need Manage Server permission and at least Boost Level 2 for the banner option to appear on mobile. If you only see the server icon field and no banner slot, your server has not reached 7 boosts yet.

ℹ️ Note:Mobile Upload Tip

Phones often shoot photos in wide-gamut Display P3. Export or resize to a standard sRGB 960×540 image first so the banner colors match what desktop members see.

4. Keeping Important Artwork Below the Top 48px Header

A common mistake is putting text or a logo right at the top of the canvas. For layout inspiration before you upload, browse our Discord banner ideas and templates.

When members view your server: - The top 48 pixels has a dark gradient overlay so the server name, notification bell, and dropdown arrow stay readable. - If you place lettering in this top strip, the server name will sit right on top of your text. - Keep your community mascot, slogans, and main illustrations in the lower two-thirds of the banner so everything stays clean and legible.

960 × 540 px • 16:9 Aspect Ratio

Format Your Server Banner in Seconds

Crop and inspect your 960×540 server banner with top 48px header occlusion overlays in our free client-side studio.

Open Banner Studio →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many server boosts do you need to change a Discord server banner?

You need Boost Level 2 (7 boosts) for static banners, and Boost Level 3 (14 boosts) for animated GIF banners.

What are the official Discord server banner dimensions?

Discord server banners require a 16:9 aspect ratio. The minimum size is 960x540 pixels, and 1920x1080 pixels gives the sharpest look on high-resolution monitors.

Why can I not change my server banner in Discord settings?

You need either Administrator or "Manage Server" permissions, and your server must have at least Boost Level 2 (7 boosts).

Can you upload an animated GIF banner without Boost Level 3?

No. At Boost Level 2, uploading a GIF will only show the first static frame. You need Boost Level 3 to play the full animation.

How do you add a banner to a Discord server?

Open Server Settings > Overview, scroll to Server Banner Background, click Upload Image, pick a 960×540 (16:9) file, then click Save Changes. The banner slot only appears once your server reaches Boost Level 2 (7 boosts) and you have Manage Server permission.

How do you add a banner to your Discord server on mobile?

In the Discord mobile app, tap the server name > Settings > Overview, tap Server Banner Background, choose a 960×540 image from your photos, reposition it in the preview, and tap Save. You still need Boost Level 2 and Manage Server permission for the option to show.

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