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Glossary

What is a CNAME record?

A CNAME record is a DNS entry that makes one domain name an alias of another, so a lookup for the alias returns the answer for the target name.
A DNS record pointing a subdomain at a service:
go.example.com.   3600   IN   CNAME   links.service.example.
How it is used

Pointing a name at a service.

  1. Pick a subdomain

    For example go.yourbrand.com, a name under a domain you own.

  2. Add the record

    At your DNS provider, create a CNAME for it that points at the name your service gives you.

  3. Wait for DNS

    The change can take minutes to a few hours to be visible everywhere.

Limits

Where a CNAME can't go.

A CNAME can't be set on the bare domain (example.com) when other records, such as mail, exist there. Use a subdomain, or an ALIAS or ANAME record if your provider offers one. A name that has a CNAME can't have other record types.

FAQ

Common questions

What is the difference between a CNAME and an A record? +

An A record maps a name to an IP address. A CNAME maps it to another name, which is then resolved.

How long does a CNAME take to work? +

It depends on the TTL of the old record and your provider, from a few minutes to a few hours.

Can I use a CNAME for a custom short-link domain? +

Yes. That is how a subdomain such as go.yourbrand.com is pointed at a link service.

How do I check a CNAME? +

With a DNS lookup tool, or dig CNAME go.yourbrand.com from a terminal.