Discord has become a cornerstone of online communities, connecting users with shared interests across the globe. One of the lesser-known but incredibly powerful tools available to both community moderators and members is the use of Discord Server Tags. These tags help users find the right servers, define the nature of the community, and ensure better discoverability through search functions.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Discord Server Tags are a tool that helps servers describe themselves and improve discoverability on the platform. They are especially useful for public servers aiming to grow their communities. Tags can include topics the server focuses on, such as “gaming”, “art”, or “study groups”. When used strategically, tags can help the right people find your server faster and foster a stronger, more engaged community.

What Are Discord Server Tags?

Server tags are essentially keywords or labels that describe the purpose or nature of a Discord server. They are designed to make servers more searchable and categorized within Discord’s server directory. Only Community Servers (servers that have enabled community features) can use tags, and these tags are visible during discovery through Discord’s Server Discovery system.

Tags are limited to a predefined number that server admins can choose from. Discord offers a set list of available tags, including categories like:

• Gaming
• Education
• Music
• Programming
• Language Learning
• Books
• Fitness

Admins can select tags that best reflect the community and its core topics. When users search for a particular interest in the server discovery tool, Discord uses these tags to match them to relevant communities.

Why Server Tags Matter

If you’re aiming to grow your Discord server or are managing a community that thrives on member engagement, tags are not optional—they’re essential. Here’s why:

1. Improved Discoverability: They help your server appear in searches made by users looking for communities aligned with specific interests.
2. Better Targeting: Tags allow you to attract users who are more likely to engage with your content, reducing churn and encouraging participation.
3. Professionalism: A well-tagged server looks more organized and credible, which can be a deciding factor for new users choosing between similar communities.

Enable Community Features First

If you’re wondering why you can’t see the option to add server tags, it’s likely because your server hasn’t been enabled as a Community Server. This is a type of server with special features such as welcome screens, server insights, and of course, tags. To enable community features, follow these steps:

1. Open Discord and go to your server settings.
2. Click on the Enable Community section in the side menu.
3. Follow the steps to set up your server with the necessary settings like moderation, a rules channel, and a community email address.
4. Once enabled, head over to the Discovery tab to add tags.

How to Add Server Tags

Once you have community features enabled, adding tags is straightforward:

1. Go to Server Settings.
2. Click on the Discovery tab.
3. Under the Server Tags section, search for and select up to 5 relevant tags.
4. Click Save to apply the tags to your server profile.

Keep in mind that Discord does not currently allow custom tags. This means you are restricted to selecting from Discord’s predefined tag list. While that might sound limiting, the predefined tags help maintain consistency and increase your server’s chances of appearing in search results.

Best Practices for Using Tags

To get the most value from server tags, follow these key best practices:

• Be Precise: Choose tags that accurately represent your community. Misleading tags can result in disinterested members who quickly leave.
• Don’t Spam Tags: Resist the urge to select popular tags that don’t align with your community. This won’t help your engagement and might hurt your server’s credibility.
• Regularly Update Tags: If your server evolves over time or shifts its focus, update the tags to reflect the new nature of the community.
• Get Feedback: Ask your existing members what they think your server’s core topics are. This can help in selecting the most relevant tags.

How Tags Appear in Discovery

Tags don’t just sit in the background—they’re clearly visible in Discord’s server discovery tool. When users browse or search using keywords, servers that use matching or similar tags will appear higher in the results.

For example, if a user is searching for a “JavaScript” community, servers with the “Programming” or “Technology” tags may appear in the results. Therefore, selecting the right tags can significantly influence your server’s visibility in the long term.

Alternative Uses of Tags

While tags are officially tied to server discovery, some communities use a variation of internal “tagging” by creating roles or channels that mimic tag functionality. For example:

• Tagged Roles: Assign roles like “Gamer”, “Reader”, or “Artist” to help sort and manage users based on interests.
• Keyword Channels: Create channel names that reflect interest areas, such as #music-talk or #code-help, giving a “tag-like” feel within the server itself.

While these methods do not affect server discoverability outside Discord’s discovery tool, they enhance community organization and engagement internally.

What Tags Can’t Do

Although server tags offer a powerful advantage, they are not a catch-all solution. Here are some limitations to keep in mind:

• No Custom Tags: As mentioned earlier, you cannot create your own unique tags.
• Limited to Five: You’re restricted to using only five tags, so you must choose wisely.
• Does Not Influence Algorithm Alone: While tags improve discoverability, other factors like activity, moderation quality, and member engagement also play a significant role in where your server appears in discovery results.

Conclusion: Use Tags Thoughtfully

Discord Server Tags are more than just labels—they are strategic tools for community growth and management. By carefully selecting tags that truly reflect the purpose and passion of your community, you can unlock higher visibility and attract members who are more likely to stick around and contribute positively. Remember, tagging is an ongoing process. As your community grows and evolves, so should your tags.

Using Discord to its full potential means taking advantage of every tool at your disposal. Server tags, though simple in appearance, play a vital role in helping you stand out in an ever-growing sea of online communities.