Custom Domains

Complete guide to setting up and managing custom domains with Cutly. Learn about DNS configuration, verification, and best practices.

Introduction to Custom Domains

Custom domains allow you to use your own domain name for short links instead of the default cutly.xyz. Create branded short links like `r.yourdomain.com/link` to build trust, improve click-through rates, and maintain consistent branding across all your marketing materials.

Quick Start Checklist

Follow these steps to set up your first custom domain.

Choose a subdomain (e.g., r.yourdomain.com)
Configure DNS records with your provider
Add domain to Cutly and verify
Start creating branded short links
What are Custom Domains?

Custom domains let you replace the default cutly.xyz domain with your own branded domain. This creates professional short links that users trust and remember, improving engagement and click-through rates.

Why Use Custom Domains?
  • • Build brand recognition and trust
  • • Improve click-through rates
  • • Professional appearance in campaigns
  • • Better analytics and tracking

Domain Setup Options

Recommended: Subdomain

Use a subdomain like `r.yourdomain.com` or `go.yourdomain.com`

Easy Setup
No Conflicts
SSL Included

Advanced: Root Domain

Use your main domain like `yourdomain.com`

Complex Setup
May Conflict
Expert Only

Quick Start Guide

Set up your custom domain in just a few steps. We recommend using a subdomain for the easiest setup.

Step 1: Choose Your Domain

Select a subdomain that's easy to remember and represents your brand. Common choices include `r.`, `go.`, `link.`, or `s.`

Examples:

  • • `r.yourdomain.com` → `r.yourdomain.com/summer-sale`
  • • `go.yourdomain.com` → `go.yourdomain.com/newsletter`
  • • `link.yourdomain.com` → `link.yourdomain.com/product`

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

Add these DNS records to your domain provider. The exact process varies by provider.

A Record: 216.198.79.1

TXT Record: cutly-verification=YOUR_TOKEN_HERE

TTL: 3600

Important Note

You'll get the verification token after adding the domain in Cutly. Don't configure DNS until you have your specific token.

Step 3: Add Domain to Cutly

Navigate to Settings → Custom Domains and add your domain. You'll receive specific DNS instructions.

Domain: r.yourdomain.com

Verification Token: YOUR_TOKEN_HERE

DNS Records:

  • • A Record: 216.198.79.1
  • • TXT Record: cutly-verification=YOUR_TOKEN_HERE

Step 4: Verify Domain

After configuring DNS (allow 24-48 hours for propagation), verify your domain in the Cutly dashboard.

DNS PropagationSSL CertificateDomain VerifiedReady to Use

Custom Domain Management

Learn how to manage your custom domains, including verification, SSL certificates, and troubleshooting.

Domain Verification Process

Domain verification ensures you own the domain and allows Cutly to generate SSL certificates automatically.

Verification Steps:

  1. Add domain to Cutly dashboard
  2. Configure DNS records with provided values
  3. Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
  4. Click "Verify" in dashboard
  5. SSL certificate automatically generated

DNS Configuration Details

Detailed DNS configuration instructions for different providers.

📄cloudflare-setup.txt
1# Cloudflare Setup
2  1. Login to Cloudflare Dashboard
3  2. Go to DNS → Records
4  3. Add A Record:
5    - Name: r (for r.yourdomain.com)
6    - IPv4 address: 216.198.79.1
7    - TTL: Auto
8    - Proxy status: DNS only (gray cloud)
9  4. Add TXT Record:
10    - Name: r
11    - Content: cutly-verification=YOUR_TOKEN
12    - TTL: Auto

Advanced Features

Advanced configuration options and features for custom domains.

SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are automatically generated and managed for verified domains.

SSL Features:

  • • Automatic certificate generation
  • • Auto-renewal before expiration
  • • Full HTTPS encryption
  • • Modern TLS protocols

Analytics & Tracking

Custom domains provide the same detailed analytics as regular short links with additional branding benefits.

Domain Analytics

Track performance across all links using your custom domain, including click-through rates, geographic data, and referral sources.

Best Practices

Follow these best practices for optimal custom domain setup and management.

Do:

  • • Use subdomains (r.domain.com)
  • • Choose short, memorable prefixes
  • • Test links after setup
  • • Monitor SSL certificate status
  • • Use consistent branding

Don't:

  • • Use root domains unless necessary
  • • Ignore DNS propagation time
  • • Mix HTTP and HTTPS
  • • Use confusing subdomain names
  • • Forget to verify domains

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions for custom domain setup and management.

Domain Not Verifying

Common Causes:

  • • DNS records not configured correctly
  • • DNS propagation not complete
  • • Wrong verification token
  • • Cloudflare proxy enabled

Solutions:

  • • Double-check DNS record values
  • • Wait 24-48 hours for propagation
  • • Use correct verification token
  • • Disable Cloudflare proxy (gray cloud)

Links Not Working

SSL Certificate Issues

If links show SSL errors, the certificate may still be generating. Wait up to 1 hour after verification.

Getting Help

Email Support

Get detailed help via email

support@cutly.com

Response within 24 hours

Live Chat

Instant help from our Chatbot

Available 24/7

Pro+ users only

Documentation

Comprehensive guides and examples

Always Available

Self-service help

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our support team

Custom Domains | Documentation