Custom Domain
A custom domain for a URL shortener replaces the platform's generic domain with one you own — so every short link you create carries your brand, not the shortener's.
Definition
A custom domain in the context of URL shortening is a domain or subdomain owned by the user that is connected to a URL shortener platform. Once connected, all short links created on that platform can use the custom domain instead of the platform's own domain.
Without a custom domain, a short link looks like: shortener.com/xK3p. With a custom domain configured, the same link becomes: go.yourbrand.com/summer-offer. The redirect behaviour, analytics and management are identical — the domain is the only difference, and it is the difference that matters most for trust and brand identity.
DNS Configuration: What Is Required
Connecting a custom domain requires adding two DNS records in the domain registrar or DNS management interface:
Record 1: A Record
- Type: A
- Host / Name: the subdomain (e.g.
gofor go.yourbrand.com) or@for a root domain - Value: the IP address of the URL shortener's server — provided by the platform in the domain setup flow
- TTL: 300 seconds recommended during setup
Record 2: TXT Record
- Type: TXT
- Host / Name: same as the A record host
- Value: a verification string provided by the platform — confirms domain ownership
- TTL: 300 seconds
Important: Cuttly uses A record + TXT record configuration. Do not use a CNAME record — it conflicts with other DNS records on the same hostname. SSL is provisioned automatically via Let's Encrypt once domain ownership is verified. HTTPS is available from the moment the domain is active.
DNS propagation typically takes 15–60 minutes with most modern registrars. Use a public DNS lookup tool to confirm the A record resolves to the platform's IP and the TXT record is visible before proceeding with domain verification.
Subdomain vs Dedicated Short Domain
| Option | Example | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subdomain of existing domain | go.yourbrand.com | No extra cost | Most use cases — quick setup, brand-consistent |
| Dedicated short domain | yourbrand.link | ~$10–20/yr | SMS campaigns, maximum brevity required |
| Abbreviated brand domain | ybr.nd | Varies by TLD | High-volume SMS, strong brand abbreviation |
The subdomain approach is recommended as a starting point because it requires no additional cost and takes 15 minutes to configure. A dedicated short domain is worth registering when SMS character length becomes a specific bottleneck — short domains leave more characters for message content within the 160-character SMS limit.
Multiple Custom Domains
Most link management platforms support multiple active custom domains per account. This capability matters for:
- Agencies. Each client gets their own branded domain. All are managed from one team workspace. Links for Client A are created on Client A's domain; links for Client B on Client B's domain.
- Multi-brand businesses. Different product lines or regional brands each have their own short link domain, managed centrally.
- Channel separation. One domain for email links (branded, long-form), a separate ultra-short domain for SMS where character count matters.
Cuttly supports 1 domain on Free and Starter plans, 5 on Single, 10 on Team and up to 99 on Team Enterprise.
Common Misconceptions
"I need to host a website on the domain." No. The custom domain used for short links only needs to point to the URL shortener's server via an A record. It does not need web hosting, a website or any other configuration beyond the two DNS records.
"I need to buy a new domain." Not necessarily. A subdomain of a domain you already own — go.existingdomain.com — is sufficient and costs nothing additional to configure.
"SSL setup is complicated." It is automatic. The URL shortener platform provisions SSL via Let's Encrypt once the domain is verified. No certificate purchase, no manual installation.
Related Terms
FAQ
What DNS records do I need for a custom domain URL shortener?
Two records: an A record pointing to the platform's IP address, and a TXT record with the platform's verification string. No CNAME needed. SSL is automatic once verified. Propagation: 15–60 minutes typically.
Should I use a subdomain or a new domain for branded short links?
Start with a subdomain of your existing domain (e.g. go.yourbrand.com) — no extra cost, 15 minutes to set up. Register a dedicated short domain (yourbrand.link) later if SMS character limits become a specific constraint.
Can I use multiple custom domains in one account?
Yes. Cuttly supports 1 domain on Free/Starter, 5 on Single, 10 on Team, 99 on Team Enterprise — all active simultaneously. Select which domain to use when creating each link.
URL Shortener
Cuttly simplifies link management by offering a user-friendly URL shortener that includes branded short links. Boost your brand’s growth with short, memorable, and engaging links, while seamlessly managing and tracking your links using Cuttly's versatile platform. Generate branded short links, create customizable QR codes, build link-in-bio pages, and run interactive surveys—all in one place.
Cuttly More Than Just a URL Shortener
Cuttly is a comprehensive, ever-evolving platform for link shortening that combines innovation and user-friendliness to deliver a seamless experience in managing and shortening URLs.
