Slack vs Discord custom emoji: size limits, slots, permissions
2026-09-08
Many teams run both Slack and Discord and want the same emoji in each. The limits differ, so a file that works in one may fail in the other. Here is the comparison.
Comparison
| Slack | Discord | |
|---|---|---|
| Formats | GIF, PNG, JPG | GIF, PNG, JPG |
| File size | under 128KB | up to 256KB |
| Dimensions | resized to 128×128 | 128×128 recommended, resized |
| Slot limit | none, on every plan | 50 static + 50 animated per server (more with boosts) |
| Animated emoji use | everyone | Nitro subscribers by default |
| Who can add | any member by default, admins can restrict | roles with Manage Emoji |
| Name rules | lowercase, digits, -, _ |
2+ chars, alphanumeric and _ |
| Use in other workspaces/servers | no | Nitro users can use them anywhere |
What this means in practice
Size. Slack is twice as strict. Every file on this site is under 128KB, so it works in both. A 200KB Discord GIF must be shrunk before Slack accepts it.
Slots. Slack has no cap. Discord’s 50 static slots fill up fast on a team server. Boost level 1 raises it to 100, level 2 to 150, level 3 to 250.
Animation. Slack lets everyone use GIFs. On Discord non-Nitro members cannot post animated emoji, so make static PNGs your main set and keep GIFs as extras.
Names. Discord allows uppercase, Slack does not. If you want one file for both, use lowercase and _ from the start.
Suggested workflow
- Make the master file to Slack’s spec: under 128KB, 128px, lowercase name.
- Upload the same file to Discord. It always passes.
- On Discord, pick only the ones you use often because of the slot limit.
Upload steps: Slack guide. Full limits: Slack emoji size limits.
FAQ
Can I use a Slack emoji file on Discord as-is?
Yes. Discord's limit (256KB) is looser than Slack's (128KB), so any Slack-ready file works on Discord. The reverse is not true: a Discord file over 128KB must be shrunk for Slack.
Do I need Nitro to use animated emoji on Discord?
Anyone with the Manage Emoji permission can add them to a server, but using animated emoji in messages is by default limited to Nitro subscribers. Slack has no such restriction.