Custom domain URL shortener
Shorten links on a domain you own — or a free subdomain — instead of a generic bit.ly/xyz. Add one DNS record, get automatic SSL, and go live in minutes. No servers to run, no certificates to buy.
What is a custom domain URL shortener?
A custom domain URL shortener lets you shorten links on a domain you own instead of a shared one. A link like shortener.com/xK3p becomes go.yourbrand.com/summer-offer. The redirect speed and analytics are identical — only the front of the link changes to your address, which you control end to end.
Custom domain vs. subdomain — which to use
Three shapes, from zero-cost to shortest-possible. Most people start with a subdomain.
A subdomain you already own
go.brand.com
The fastest, most popular option — no new domain to buy. Add one CNAME record to a subdomain like go., link., or l. and you're done.
A dedicated short domain
brand.link
Buy a short domain (often ~$10–20/yr) when you want the shortest possible links for SMS, print, or QR codes where every character counts.
A domain hack
lu.gg
Split your brand across the TLD for the cleverest, shortest links. Great for memorable vanity URLs.
Connect your domain in 3 steps
One DNS record is all it takes. We handle verification and SSL for you.
- 1
Add your domain
Enter the domain or subdomain you want to use in the dashboard — for example go.yourbrand.com.
- 2
Add one DNS record
We show you the exact record to paste at your registrar: a CNAME for a subdomain, or a single A record for a root domain.
- 3
We verify & secure it
U2L detects the record automatically, verifies ownership, and provisions a managed SSL certificate. Your links go live over HTTPS, usually within minutes.
Free, automatic SSL on every domain
Every custom domain gets a managed SSL certificate, provisioned automatically the moment ownership is verified and renewed for free for as long as you use the domain. There's no certificate to buy, upload, or remember to renew — your short links serve over HTTPS from the first click, on infrastructure that spans hundreds of edge locations.
Why your own domain beats a generic shortener
- Ownership & control. The domain is yours — no platform can hold your links hostage, and you can migrate them by re-pointing DNS.
- You avoid shared blocklists. Generic shorteners get flagged wholesale when anyone abuses them; some carriers block them outright. Your own domain's reputation is yours alone.
- One address, every channel. Email, SMS, social, print, and QR codes all share your branded domain.
For the branding and click-through side of the story, see branded links.
DNS & setup notes
- Propagation. DNS usually updates in 15–60 minutes, occasionally up to 24 hours.
- Subdomains use a CNAME; root domains use an A record. The dashboard shows you the exact record to paste for your domain.
- On Cloudflare, use "DNS only." Set the record's gray cloud (not the orange proxy) so the certificate issues correctly.
- Clear stale records. Remove old A or AAAA records on the same host before adding yours. On a root domain, keep only our A record.
Custom domain FAQ
How do I set up a custom domain?+
Add your domain in the dashboard, then add the one DNS record we show you at your registrar — a CNAME for a subdomain (like go.brand.com), or a single A record for a root domain. We detect it automatically, verify ownership, and your links go live, usually within minutes.
Is SSL / HTTPS included?+
Yes. A managed SSL certificate is provisioned automatically the moment your domain verifies, and it renews for free forever. There's nothing to buy, upload, or configure.
Can I use a subdomain?+
Yes — a subdomain of a domain you already own (go., link., l.) is the fastest and most popular option, and it needs no new domain purchase. Just add one CNAME record.
Do I need to buy a domain?+
No. If you own any domain, use a subdomain of it for free. Buy a short dedicated domain only if you want the shortest possible links for SMS or print.
How many custom domains can I connect?+
The free plan includes a domain or subdomain, and paid plans add more for teams, regions, or clients who each need their own branded domain.
Can I use a domain I already use for my website?+
Yes — the safe pattern is a subdomain like go.brand.com, which never touches your main site. Pointing your primary domain's root (apex) at a shortener can take your website offline, so use a subdomain unless the domain is dedicated to short links.
How long does setup take?+
Usually 15–60 minutes for DNS to propagate, occasionally up to 24 hours. SSL is issued automatically right after the record resolves.
What's a CNAME and where do I add it?+
A CNAME is a DNS record that points your subdomain at our servers. You add it in your domain registrar's DNS settings — GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, and the rest — and we show you the exact target to paste.
My domain is on Cloudflare — anything special?+
Set the record to "DNS only" (gray cloud) rather than proxied (orange cloud), so the SSL certificate can be issued correctly.
Can I move my links to another domain later?+
Yes — because the domain is yours, you keep full control and can re-point or migrate without losing ownership. There's no vendor lock-in.
Put your links on your own domain
Connect a domain or a free subdomain in minutes — one DNS record, automatic SSL, zero servers.