Discord's CDN (cdn.discordapp.com / media.discordapp.net) hosts files you upload into chat. Attachment URLs are signed with a short-lived `?ex=` parameter that rotates roughly daily, which makes them unsuitable for embedding outside Discord. swiftimg gives you a permanent, globally cached URL that's safe to embed anywhere.
swiftimg vs Discord CDN at a glance
| Feature | swiftimg | Discord CDN |
|---|---|---|
| URL expiry | Never | ~24h signed (rotating) |
| Usable outside Discord | Anywhere | Effectively no (URL rotates) |
| Per-message size cap | Plan-based, well above 25 MB | 25 MB (free) / 50 MB (Nitro Basic) |
| OpenGraph / oEmbed share page | Yes | No |
| Free, no-account uploads | Yes | Discord account required |
| Resize on the fly | Yes (signed) | No |
List prices as of 2026 for context — directional, not apples-to-apples. Check each provider for current pricing.
When Discord CDN is the better choice
Discord's CDN if the image will only ever be seen inside Discord chat and you don't need the URL anywhere else.
swiftimg vs Discord CDN — FAQ
Why are Discord image URLs expiring?
Discord signs CDN URLs with a short-lived `?ex=` parameter so they're only valid for about a day, then rotate. They re-sign on view inside Discord, but the literal URL stops working for outside embeds.
Will the image still embed in Discord if I host on swiftimg?
Yes — paste the swiftimg URL and Discord unfurls it inline. No upload required, and the link survives in archives.
What size files can I upload?
Free plan accepts files well above Discord's 25 MB cap; paid plans raise it further. See /pricing for the exact figures.
Ready to switch from Discord CDN?
Start free, then unlock the full API, transforms, signed URLs, and a custom domain on the Developer plan.