Custom Domains

By default, all links created on our platform use the shared short.ly domain (e.g., short.ly/my-link). While this is great for getting started, businesses and creators often want to use their own branded domain (e.g., go.yourbrand.com/my-link).

Using a Custom Domain increases brand trust, improves click-through rates, and gives you total control over your digital presence.

Adding a Custom Domain

To configure a custom domain:

1. Navigate to the Custom Domains section in your dashboard.
2. Click Add Domain and enter the domain or subdomain you wish to use (e.g., link.mycompany.com).
3. You will be provided with specific DNS records (usually a CNAME or A record).
4. Log into your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare) and add the provided DNS records.
5. Return to the Shortly dashboard and click Verify.

Domain Statuses

Your custom domains can have one of three statuses:

• Pending: The domain has been added, but the DNS records have not yet propagated or been verified by our system.
• Verified: The DNS records are correct, and your domain is now actively serving short links!
• Failed: We were unable to verify your DNS records after a certain period. Please check your registrar settings and try again.

Once verified, you can select your custom domain from the dropdown menu whenever you create a new short link.