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

A custom Discord server link is a vanity URL that replaces Discord's default long invite code with a shorter, branded web address. Instead of sharing a link like `discord.gg/a1b2c3d4e5`, you can create one like `discord.gg/yourservername`. Discord lets you set this up directly in your server settings at no cost.

The process takes about two minutes. You go to your server settings, find the Invite section, and create a new invite with a custom code. The link then works the same way as any other invite — people click it and join your server.

Custom links are useful if you run a community, stream, or business and want something easy to remember and share on social media, in video descriptions, or on printed materials. A short, branded link looks more professional than a random string of characters.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to be a server owner or have the "Manage Server" permission to create a custom invite link.
  • Custom codes can be 2 to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
  • The link works forever unless you delete the invite or the server closes, so you can share it permanently.
  • Discord does not charge for custom links — the feature is built into every server.

Step-by-step: Creating 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, click Invites.

Click the blue Create Invite button. A window will pop up with options. Under "Invite Settings," you will see a field labeled Custom Invite Link (or sometimes "Invite Code"). Type the custom code you want — for example, `gaming` or `community2024`. The code must be between 2 and 32 characters and can use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Discord will tell you if the code is already taken.

Set the other options if you want: you can choose how long the invite lasts (never, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, or 1 day) and how many people can use it (unlimited or a specific number). Most people leave these at default. Click Create Invite to finish.

Your custom link is now `discord.gg/yourcode`. Copy it from the window and share it wherever you need.

Permissions you need to create a custom link

You must be the server owner or have the Manage Server permission turned on in your role. If you are not sure whether you have this permission, go to Server Settings, click Roles, find your role, and look for the "Manage Server" checkbox under the Permissions tab. If it is checked, you can create custom links.

If you do not have the permission and you are not the owner, ask the owner or an admin to give you the "Manage Server" role. They can do this in Server Settings under Roles.

Changing or deleting a custom link

If you want to change your custom code later, go back to Server Settings > Invites. Find the invite you created and click the trash icon next to it to delete it. Then create a new invite with a different custom code. The old link will stop working immediately.

You can have multiple custom invites pointing to the same server at the same time. This is useful if you want different links for different platforms — for example, one for your YouTube channel and one for your Twitch stream. Each one can have its own expiration and use limit.

Things to know about custom Discord links

Custom codes are first-come, first-served across all of Discord. If someone else already has `discord.gg/gaming`, you cannot use it. Try something more specific to your server or community.

The link works the same way as any other Discord invite. People who click it will see your server name and icon, and they can choose to join. You cannot see who clicked the link — Discord only shows you how many people have used the invite.

If your server gets deleted, all invites (including custom ones) stop working. If you leave the server, your custom invites stay active unless someone with permission deletes them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters or spaces in my custom code?

No. Custom codes can only use letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_). Spaces and other special characters are not allowed. Discord will reject the code if you try to use them.

What happens if I delete my custom invite?

The link stops working immediately. Anyone who tries to click it will see an error saying the invite is invalid or expired. If you want to use that code again, you would have to create a new invite with it.

Can I make my custom link private so only certain people can use it?

No. Once you create a custom link, anyone with the URL can use it to join your server. If you want to control who joins, you can set a use limit (for example, 10 people) or an expiration time, but the link itself is not private.

Do I need Discord Nitro or a paid plan to get a custom link?

No. Custom invite links are a free feature available to all servers. You do not need Nitro or any paid subscription to create one.

Can I see who joined through my custom link?

Discord shows you how many people have used the invite, but not their names. If you need to track which members came from which link, you would have to ask them directly or use a bot that logs joins.