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Custom domains

Overview​

Use your own branded domain — like links.advantage.sa — for your short links instead of the default domain.

When to use it​

  • You want links that show your brand instead of a generic domain.
  • You're running a campaign where a recognizable link builds trust.

Before you start​

  • You need access to your domain's DNS settings at your domain provider.
  • Domain registration goes through Cloudflare and can stay "pending" or fail verification.
  • The number of custom domains you can add is capped by your plan's quota.

Step by step​

Say you want short links to run on your own subdomain, links.advantage.sa.

  1. Open Custom Domains. You'll see the default domain (ast.sa) and any custom domains you've already added — here, links.advantage.sa is shown pending verification. Choose Add Domain to start.

    Custom Domains list with default and pending domains

  2. In Enter Domain, type the subdomain you want for short links (example: links.advantage.sa) and choose Add Domain. A subdomain (like links. or go.) is recommended — it works with all DNS providers.

    Enter the domain to add

  3. On Configure & Verify (DNS Setup), add the DNS record shown (for example, a CNAME or TXT record) at your domain provider, then wait for Advantage to verify it through Cloudflare. If the domain stays "pending" or fails, use the recheck / verify button to re-test the status. Once verified, the domain becomes available to pick when creating links.

    Configure and verify DNS records

Requires a subscription

The number of custom domains you can add is capped by your plan's quota. Once you reach the quota, adding a new domain is blocked until you upgrade.

Good to know​

What's the difference between a subdomain and an apex domain? A subdomain is something like links.advantage.sa; an apex (root) domain is advantage.sa. A subdomain works with every DNS provider, which is why it's recommended.

How long does verification take, and what if it fails? It depends on DNS propagation — sometimes minutes, sometimes a few hours. A domain can stay "pending" or fail if the DNS record is wrong; fix the record, then press the recheck button to re-test.

What happens if I delete a domain? The links that used it become orphaned — they stop working because their domain is no longer available. Don't delete a domain unless you're sure no active links rely on it.

Tips & pitfalls​

Tip: A short subdomain like links. is easy to remember and share.

Warning: The domain only works for short links after verification succeeds — don't share links on it until it's verified.

Warning: Deleting a custom domain orphans every link created on it, and those links stop redirecting.

Next steps​