Steps
How to Make Discord Emotes
Complete guide to creating and uploading Discord emotes.
- 01Create Your EmoteUpload an image to our emoji maker. Choose an animation effect (shake, spin, party, etc.) or keep it static. Export at 128px (under 256 KB).
- 02Open Discord Server SettingsGo to your Discord server and click the server name at the top. Select 'Server Settings' from the dropdown menu.
- 03Navigate to EmojiIn Server Settings, click 'Emoji' in the left sidebar. Here you'll see all your server's custom emojis/emotes.
- 04Upload EmoteClick 'Upload Emoji' button. Select your emote file (GIF or PNG, under 256 KB). Give it a name (use colons, e.g., :myemote:).
- 05Use Your EmoteYour emote is now available! Type :emotename: in any channel to use it. Animated GIFs will animate automatically.
FAQ
Quick answers
What's the difference between Discord emojis and emotes?+
Emojis are used in messages and reactions. Emotes are the same thing—custom animated or static images you upload to your server. Both terms are used interchangeably on Discord.
How do I upload emotes to Discord?+
Go to your Discord server → Server Settings → Emoji → Upload Emoji. Select your file (under 256 KB). GIF files will automatically animate. Name your emote (use colons, e.g., :myemote:).
What size should Discord emotes be?+
Discord supports up to 256 KB per emote. We recommend 128×128 px exports—Discord displays them at 32–48 px, so they scale perfectly.
Can Discord emotes be animated?+
Yes! Upload GIF files under 256 KB and they'll animate automatically. Perfect for reactions and adding personality to your server.
AI Super Animation
Add AI-powered motion when classic effects are not enough
Start from the same upload flow, then move into Super Animation for expressive reactions like laugh, cry, shock, panic, dance, and thumbs-up.
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More guides
A few more canonical guides from the upload-first cluster.
Categories
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Jump into broader emoji-maker categories when you are starting from a theme instead of a platform.
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