By default, all shortened links generated via Direct Short Cut are served on the dscapp.com domain. Additionally, each account receives a dedicated default subdomain in the format yourname.dscapp.com.
Organizations seeking a branded link experience may configure one custom domain, such as links.example.com, allowing all shortened URLs to resolve through a fully personalized domain.

Custom domain management is restricted to users with administrative permissions.

Why Use a Custom Domain?

Implementing a custom domain provides several strategic benefits:

Branded link endpoints: Replace dscapp.com with a domain that aligns with your brand identity

Enhanced security: All traffic is protected via HTTPS with automated SSL

Professional presentation: Reinforces trust with branded, consistent link structures

Automation-first workflow: DNS validation, SSL issuance, verification, and renewal occur without manual involvement

Initiating the Custom Domain Setup

To configure your custom domain, navigate to:
Dashboard → Settings

Step 1: Add Your Domain

Open your Direct Short Cut Dashboard → Settings

Enter your domain (e.g., links.example.com)

Confirm by selecting Add Domain

Step 2: Configure Your DNS (CNAME Record)

DNS configuration occurs at your domain provider.

You must create one CNAME record for your custom domain.

Required CNAME Configuration

Field	Value
Type	CNAME
Name	links (or your subdomain)
Target/Value	directshortcut.zone-bind.com
TTL	Auto

Important Notes

DNS Propagation

Propagation may take 10 minutes to 48 hours, depending on global caching.
Use our DNS Checker tool to monitor propagation:

https://tools.ricardoneud.com/dnschecker

Search for your full custom domain, select CNAME, and confirm it points to:
directshortcut.zone-bind.com

Once propagation is confirmed, your dashboard will progress through the automated workflow:

Stage	Description	Duration
DNS Validation	Detecting CNAME configuration	2–5 minutes
SSL Provisioning	Generating SSL certificate	5–10 minutes
SSL Verification	Final validation and activation	3–5 minutes
Completed	Domain active and ready for usage	Instant

Step 3: Automated SSL Lifecycle

Direct Short Cut manages SSL certificates end-to-end:

Certificates issued by Let’s Encrypt

Support for Google Trust Services and ZeroSSL coming soon

Zero manual configuration

Automatic renewals well before expiration

SSL Timing Logic

DNS Validation: 2–5 minutes

SSL Provisioning: 5–10 minutes

SSL Verification: 3–5 minutes

These intervals ensure safe, stable issuance without duplicate requests.

Step 4: Start Using Your Custom Domain

When activation is complete, newly generated shortened links will use your custom domain:

Example Short URLs

https://links.example.com/v/abc123

Your default domains continue to operate:

https://dscapp.com/v/abc123
https://yourname.dscapp.com/v/abc123

All three remain functional simultaneously.

Domain Management

The dashboard displays:

Domain

Status (Pending, Active)

SSL status

SSL provider

Actions (Release)

Deleting a Domain

To delete:

Go to Dashboard → Settings

Click Release

Advanced Capabilities

The custom domain system offers:

Branded short URLs

Automated SSL provisioning

Automated SSL verification

Automated SSL renewal

Real-time DNS validation

Global high-availability routing

Best Practices

Use your custom domain in all production link distribution

Verify correct DNS propagation before activation

Maintain TTL between 300–3600 seconds

Monitor domain/SSL states in the dashboard

Disable Cloudflare proxy (critical)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the setup require?
A: After DNS propagation (10 minutes to 48 hours), the automated process completes in 10–20 minutes.

Q: Which SSL provider is used?
A: Let’s Encrypt. Google Trust Services and ZeroSSL will be added soon.

Q: Can I use a root domain?
A: We recommend a subdomain (e.g., links.example.com) due to CNAME constraints on root domains.

Q: What happens when SSL expires?
A: Renewal is fully automated, typically 20 days before expiration.

Q: Can I add multiple custom domains?
A: No. Direct Short Cut supports one custom domain per account.

Q: Do I need extra configuration after adding the domain?
A: No. DNS validation and SSL lifecycle management occur automatically.

Q: What if DNS validation fails?
A: Ensure your CNAME points to:
directshortcut.zone-bind.com

Q: Is downtime expected when switching to a custom domain?
A: No downtime.
dscapp.com, yourname.dscapp.com, and your custom domain operate simultaneously.

Q: What happens if I remove my custom domain?
A: Only the custom domain stops functioning.
dscapp.com and yourname.dscapp.com remain fully operational.

Troubleshooting

Confirm CNAME propagation via DNS Checker

Remove conflicting DNS records

Disable Cloudflare proxy

Allow up to 48 hours for propagation

Review dashboard status messages

If problems persist, contact support via:
https://dscapp.com/contact

Set Up

Why Use a Custom Domain?#

Initiating the Custom Domain Setup#

Step 1: Add Your Domain#

Step 2: Configure Your DNS (CNAME Record)#

Required CNAME Configuration#

Important Notes#

DNS Propagation#

Step 3: Automated SSL Lifecycle#

SSL Timing Logic#

Step 4: Start Using Your Custom Domain#

Example Short URLs#

Domain Management#

Deleting a Domain#

Advanced Capabilities#

Best Practices#

Frequently Asked Questions#

Troubleshooting#